الخميس، 6 ديسمبر 2012

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News


Hearing positive verbs can induce unconscious physical response

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 05:00 PM PST

Hearing a verb related to physical action automatically increases the force with which people grip objects, but has no effect on their physical reaction if the word is presented in the negative form, according to new research.

Proteins that indicate which kidney tumors are most likely to spread identified

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 11:24 AM PST

Researchers have identified 29 proteins that are likely to be involved in the spread of kidney cancer. The discovery will help physicians recognize which tumors are going to behave more aggressively and provide those patients with more intensive treatment and closer followup.

Clinical trial tests if rice bran can reduce incidence of cancer

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 11:24 AM PST

A recent review shows that rice bran offers promising cancer prevention properties. Meanwhile, an ongoing clinical trial is testing the effectiveness of rice bran in preventing the recurrence of colon cancer.

Patients with severe back pain who quit smoking report less pain than patients who continue to smoke

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 11:24 AM PST

For years, research has shown a link between smoking and an increased risk for low back pain, intervertebral (spine) disc disease, and inferior patient outcomes following surgery. A new study also found that smokers suffering from spinal disorders and related back pain, reported greater discomfort than spinal disorder patients who stopped smoking during an eight-month treatment period.

MECP2 duplication affects immune system as well as brain development

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 11:24 AM PST

Boys with Rett syndrome tend to get devastating infections such as pneumonias. Medical researchers have now identified the culprit in these infections.

Obesity reversed in mice by manipulating production of an enzyme

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 10:24 AM PST

Approximately 68 percent of US adults are overweight or obese, according to the National Cancer Institute, which puts them at greater risk for developing cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and a host of other chronic illnesses. Scientists have now successfully reversed obesity in mice by manipulating the production of an enzyme.

Workings of the brain: After 100 years, understanding the electrical role of dendritic spines

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 10:24 AM PST

More than a century after they were discovered, researchers still remain in the dark about the precise role of a neuron's dendritic spines. Researchers have recently gained valuable insight into their electrical properties.

The birth of new cardiac cells: Where new heart cells come from

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 10:24 AM PST

Recent research has shown that there are new cells that develop in the heart, but how these cardiac cells are born and how frequently they are generated remains unclear. Researchers have used a novel method to identify these new heart cells and describe their origins.

Many maps of the brain

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 10:22 AM PST

Your brain has at least four different senses of location – and perhaps as many as 10. And each is different, according to new research.

A leap forward for red blood cell formation: Researchers have identified 75 genetic regions that influence red blood cell formation

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 10:22 AM PST

New research is revealing how red blood cells are made and how the body regulates the amount of haemoglobin that is packaged in red blood cells at any time. Genomic analysis techniques have doubled the number of genetic regions that are likely to be involved in red blood cell formation and subsequent study using fruit flies has given insights into what these regions do.

New genetic fingerprint lives in your gut

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 10:21 AM PST

Our bodies contain far more microbial genes than human genes. And a new study suggests that just as human DNA varies from person to person, so too does the massive collection of microbial DNA in the intestine. The research is the first to catalog the genetic variation of microbes that live in the gut.

Remote sensing, microbiology used to trace foodborne pathogens

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 10:06 AM PST

In 2011, an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in cantaloupe led to almost 150 illnesses and 30 deaths. With a spate of recent outbreaks of such foodborne pathogens as Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and L. monocytogenes, the ability to predict where and how these deadly microbes enter the food supply chain could save lives and prevent disease.

Communications training, surgical checklist can reduce costly postoperative complications

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 09:11 AM PST

A new study reports that surgical site infections, blood clots, and urinary tract infections are all measurably reduced when surgical teams use two easily accessible, cost-effective tools.

Plastics used in some medical devices break down in a previously unrecognized way

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 09:11 AM PST

Scientists have discovered a previously unrecognized way that degradation can occur in silicone-urethane plastics that are often considered for use in medical devices. Their study could have implications for device manufacturers considering use of these plastics in the design of some implantable devices, including cardiac defibrillation leads.

Advice for bag-in-box wine drinkers: Keep it cool

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 09:11 AM PST

Bag-in-box wines are more likely than their bottled counterparts to develop unpleasant flavors, aromas and colors when stored at warm temperatures, a new study has found. New research emphasizes the importance of storing these popular, economical vintages at cool temperatures.

Research identifies a way to block memories associated with PTSD or drug addiction

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 09:11 AM PST

New research could lead to better treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and drug addiction by effectively blocking memories. The research has identified a common mechanism in a region of the brain called the pre-limbic cortex, which can suppress the recall of memories linked to both aversive, traumatic experiences associated with PTSD and rewarding memories linked to drug addiction, without permanently altering memories.

ApoE is an ideal target for halting progression of Alzheimer's disease, scientists say

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 09:11 AM PST

Despite researchers' best efforts, no drug exists that can slow, halt or reverse the onslaught of Alzheimer's disease. A progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer's has stolen the memories and livelihoods of millions -- leaving patients and their families struggling to cope with the disease's devastating consequences. But today, scientists propose a new research avenue that has the potential to change all that.

Antibody therapy clears Alzheimer's plaques in mice, study shows

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 09:11 AM PST

Antibodies against amyloid beta protein deposits that are thought to play a role in Alzheimer's disease have shown some success in preventing the buildup of deposits in animals, but they have not been effective at removing preexisting deposits. Now researchers show that a modified antibody was able to clear preexisting amyloid beta deposits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Where 'where it's at' is at in the brain

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 09:11 AM PST

A new study in the journal Neuron suggests that the brain uses a different region than neuroscientists had thought to associate objects and locations in the space around an individual. Knowing where this fundamental process occurs could help treat disease and brain injury as well as inform basic understanding of how the brain supports memory and guides behavior.

Women and men appear to benefit in different ways from AA participation

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 08:35 AM PST

A new study finds differences in the ways that participation in Alcoholics Anonymous helps men and women maintain sobriety. Avoidance of companions who encourage drinking and social situations in which drinking is common had more powerful benefits for men, while increased confidence in the ability to avoid drinking while feeling sad, depressed or anxious appeared to be more important for women.

Studying marrow, researchers accelerate blood stem cells

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 08:35 AM PST

Scientists are testing a new approach to speed a patient's recovery of blood counts during a vulnerable period after a stem-cell transplant, according to a new study.

Adult antiviral drug effective in suppressing hepatitis B in teens

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 07:32 AM PST

A recent clinical trial found that the adult antiviral drug, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, is safe and effective in treating adolescents with hepatitis B virus. Trial results show that tenofovir DF suppressed HBV in 89 percent of pediatric participants.

New technique to deliver stem cell therapy may help damaged eyes regain their sight

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 07:30 AM PST

Engineers have developed a new technique for delivering stem cell therapy to the eye which they hope will help the natural repair of eyes damaged by accident or disease. This could help millions of people across the world retain – or even regain - their sight.

Tasty and gluten-free

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 07:26 AM PST

Cereals are good for you, supplying the body with carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins. Yet some people are intolerant to the gluten protein they contain. Now, researchers are developing new recipes for tasty, gluten-free pasta and pastries.

'Resistance' to low-dose aspirin therapy extremely rare, according to new study

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 07:26 AM PST

In a study of 400 healthy volunteers, researchers went looking for people who are truly resistant to the benefits of aspirin. They failed to find one case of aspirin resistance; rather, they found "pseudoresistance," due to the coating found on most brands of aspirin, often preferred by patients for the protection it is claimed to provide the stomach. A urine biomarker of platelet stickiness was not able to find which volunteers were even pseudoresistant.

Noninvasive technique can help in monitoring hemoglobin during surgery in children

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 07:26 AM PST

For children undergoing brain surgery, a new technology allows noninvasive, continuous monitoring of blood hemoglobin levels, according to a new study.

'Very low' complication rates with regional anesthesia in children

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 07:26 AM PST

A review of more than 15,000 nerve block procedures performed in children at U.S. hospitals finds little or no risk of permanent complications or death, reports a new study

In U.S. first, surgeons implant brain 'pacemaker' for Alzheimer's disease

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 07:26 AM PST

Researchers have surgically implanted a pacemaker-like device into the brain of a patient in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, the first such operation in the United States. The device, which provides deep brain stimulation and has been used in thousands of people with Parkinson's disease, is seen as a possible means of boosting memory and reversing cognitive decline.

Mild vitamin B12 deficiency associated with accelerated cognitive decline

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 07:26 AM PST

A study conducted at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University associates mild vitamin B-12 deficiency with accelerated cognitive decline in men and women, beginning in their mid-seventies. Whether such mild vitamin B-12 deficiency has any clinical consequences is the subject of debate.

Less invasive surgery detects residual breast cancer in lymph nodes after chemotherapy

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 07:26 AM PST

A new study shows that a less invasive procedure known as sentinel lymph node surgery successfully identified whether cancer remained in lymph nodes in 91 percent of patients with node-positive breast cancer who received chemotherapy before their surgery.

One in five children live in poverty in US: New report examines effect of poverty on children

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 06:10 AM PST

While most children are looking forward to getting gifts during the upcoming holiday season, it is worth noting that one in five children live in poverty. Poverty is a major risk factor for children's development and deep poverty is linked to a range of problems. A new report provides an overview of the research evidence on the development of children who live in poverty.

Breakthrough in augmented reality contact lens

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 06:09 AM PST

Scientists have developed an innovative spherical curved LCD display, which can be embedded in contact lenses. The first step toward fully pixilated contact lens displays, this achievement has potential wide-spread applications in medical and cosmetic domains.

Extending duration of adjuvant tamoxifen treatment to 10 years reduced risk for late breast cancer recurrence, improved survival

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 06:09 AM PST

Ten years of adjuvant treatment with tamoxifen provided women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer greater protection against late recurrence and death from breast cancer compared with the current standard of five years of tamoxifen, according to a new study.

Black women less likely to receive improved surgical procedure for breast cancer

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 06:09 AM PST

Black women with breast cancer were 12 percent less likely than white women with the disease to receive a more minimally invasive procedure — sentinel lymph node biopsy — for staging of breast cancer, according to data tracking the treatment of patients through 2007.

Higher doses of fulvestrant prolonged survival in patients with advanced breast cancer

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 06:09 AM PST

Increasing the dose of fulvestrant from 250 mg to 500 mg improved median overall survival in women with locally advanced or metastatic estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, according to updated data.

Hybrid scaffold more than skin deep

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 06:08 AM PST

Researchers have created a hybrid scaffold which promotes tissue regeneration, strong and biodegradable.

New evidence on how compound found in red wine can help prevent cancer

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 05:44 AM PST

New research aims to show how resveratrol can prevent cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

Bye bye Mediterranean diet, the poorest can't afford it anymore

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 05:43 AM PST

The Mediterranean diet seems to creak under the burden of the economic crisis. The alarm was raised by a study on 13,000 subjects. The findings show that reduced economic resources are associated with less healthy diets and higher prevalence of obesity.

Unique 'anonymous delivery' law effective in decreasing rates of neonaticide in Austria, study finds

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 05:43 AM PST

Rates of reported neonaticide have more than halved following the implementation of a unique 'anonymous delivery' law in Austria, finds a new study.

Smoking may worsen hangover after heavy drinking

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 05:43 AM PST

People who like to smoke when they drink may be at greater risk of suffering a hangover the next morning, according to a study in the January 2013 issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

Breath test could possibly diagnose colorectal cancer

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 05:43 AM PST

A new study has demonstrated for the first time that a simple breath analysis could be used for colorectal cancer screening.

Rejected hearts now viable for transplantation after stress echo

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 05:43 AM PST

Hearts previously rejected due to donors' age or other risk factors can now be declared viable for transplantation using pharmacological stress echo, according to new research.

Treat snoring to avoid deadly heart failure

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 05:43 AM PST

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea have the same early cardiovascular damage as diabetics, according to new research.

Atherosclerosis found in HIV children

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 05:43 AM PST

Children with HIV have a 2.5 fold increased risk of atherosclerosis, according to new research. Antiretroviral treatment, lipid lowering drugs and prevention with healthy lifestyles are needed to prevent early death from cardiovascular disease.

Semen concentration and quality fell in French men between 1989 and 2005

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 05:38 AM PST

New research shows that the concentration of sperm in men's semen has been in steady decline between 1989 and 2005 in France. In addition, there has been a decrease in the number of normally formed sperm.

An inadequate diet during pregnancy predisposes the baby to diabetes, study finds

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 05:38 AM PST

Experts already know that pregnant women should not eat for two. A study now insists on the importance of a healthy diet as a way of avoiding increased insulin and glucose levels in the child, both of which are indicators of diabetes and metabolic syndrome risk.

Mu-rhythm in the brain: The neural mechanism of speech as an audio-vocal perception-action system

Posted: 05 Dec 2012 05:26 AM PST

The cortical mechanisms governing speech are not well understood because it is extremely challenging to measure the activity of the brain in action, that is, during speech production. Researchers in Japan have found modulation of mu-rhythms in the cortex related to speech production.

Gaps in life expectancy between rich and poor set to increase over next 10 years: UK study

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 04:43 PM PST

Health inequalities between England's richest and poorest areas have widened in the ten years between 1999 and 2008. Researchers warn, in a new study, that over the next ten years, we may experience smaller increases in life expectancy than in the past decade and health inequalities may rise at an even faster rate.

More babies survive premature birth, but serious health problems unchanged, UK study finds

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 04:43 PM PST

New research suggests that although more babies survived shortly after extreme preterm birth in England in 2006 compared with 1995, the number with major conditions on leaving hospital remained largely unchanged.

Protected 'power naps' prove helpful for doctors in training to fight fatigue

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 01:22 PM PST

New research indicates that the implementation of protected sleep periods for residents who are assigned to overnight shifts in a hospital represent a viable tool in preventing fatigue and alleviating the physiological and behavioral effects of sleep deprivation among these doctors in training.

Children with heart devices and their parents struggle with quality of life

Posted: 04 Dec 2012 01:22 PM PST

Children with implanted heart devices and their parents may report a lower quality of life than other kids and their parents. For children, self-perception, self-worth and athletic capability lowered quality of life. For parents, their child's behavior was the biggest factor related to quality of life.

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