ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Why belly fat isn't all bad
• Growing presence of drug–resistant tuberculosis fuels need for more screening
• New drug found effective against rare form of basal cell skin cancer
• Stress may delay brain development in early years
• Why hot, humid air triggers symptoms in patients with mild asthma
• Study links PTSD to hidden head injuries suffered in combat
• Three types of fetal cells can migrate into maternal organs during pregnancy: Some mothers literally carry pieces of their children in their bodies
• Brain cell activity imbalance may account for seizure susceptibility in angelman syndrome
• HIV drug may slow down metastatic breast cancer
• Sexual orientation fluctuation correlated to alcohol misuse
• The power of suggestion: What we expect influences our behavior, for better or worse
• Baby's genome deciphered prenatally from parents' lab tests
• Insomnia linked to hypertension
• This is your brain on no self-control
• Role of fungus in digestive disorders explored
• Gut immune cells keep beneficial microbes in their place
• To quit smoking, try eating more veggies and fruits
• New technique for detecting mold contamination in homes and other buildings
• 1 million billion billion billion billion billion billion: Number of undiscovered drugs
• The real culprit behind hardened arteries? Stem cells, says landmark study
• Video games may be helpful in treating 'Lazy eye' in adults
• Appalachian teens can quit sugary drinks with peer, community influence
• Statistical model attempting to estimate level of alcohol consumption that is 'optimal' for health
• Complex world of gut microbes fine-tune body weight
• New technique to give us better understanding of human tissues
• A quick, cheap, accurate test for gluten intolerance
• Alzheimer plaques in 3D
• Artificial noses as diseases busters
• Key to controlling toxicity of Huntington's disease protein may be cell contents
• Calorie-restricted diet keeps heart young
• Seizure-freedom reported in 68% of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy patients
• New clues about the origin of cancer
• Study offers hope for more effective treatment of nearsightedness
• Research examines major bleeding risk with low-dose aspirin use in patients with and without diabetes
• Effectiveness of telephone-administered vs. Face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy for depression compared
• Post-stroke depression linked to functional brain impairment

Why belly fat isn't all bad Posted: 06 Jun 2012 04:34 PM PDT A fatty membrane in the belly called the omentum appears to play an important role in regulating the immune system. The finding could lead to new drugs for organ transplant patients and patients with auto-immune diseases.

Growing presence of drug–resistant tuberculosis fuels need for more screening Posted: 06 Jun 2012 04:34 PM PDT Experts in the prevention and treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis are calling for increased screening and more rapid testing of the 9 million people worldwide estimated to be infected each year with TB, and now at risk for this form of the highly contagious lung disease. The call follows results of a survey showing that the harder-to-treat TB variants are much more widespread than previously thought.

New drug found effective against rare form of basal cell skin cancer Posted: 06 Jun 2012 04:34 PM PDT A clinical study has demonstrated that a new drug, a targeted molecular therapy called vismodegib (trade name Erivedge™), can dramatically shrink basal cell skin cancers and prevent the formation of new ones, in patients with basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS) according to a phase II clinical study.

Stress may delay brain development in early years Posted: 06 Jun 2012 01:49 PM PDT Stress may affect brain development in children, altering growth of a specific piece of the brain and abilities associated with it, according to new research.

Why hot, humid air triggers symptoms in patients with mild asthma Posted: 06 Jun 2012 01:49 PM PDT Patients who inhaled an asthma drug before breathing in hot, humid air were able to prevent airway constriction that volunteers without asthma did not experience in the same environment.

Study links PTSD to hidden head injuries suffered in combat Posted: 06 Jun 2012 12:58 PM PDT Even when brain injury is so subtle that it can only be detected by an ultra-sensitive imaging test, the injury might predispose soldiers in combat to post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a new study.

Three types of fetal cells can migrate into maternal organs during pregnancy: Some mothers literally carry pieces of their children in their bodies Posted: 06 Jun 2012 12:58 PM PDT A pregnant woman's blood stream contains not only her own cells, but a small number of her child's, as well, and some of them remain in her internal organs long after the baby is born. Understanding the origin and identity of these cells is vital to understanding their potential effects on a mother's long-term health.

Brain cell activity imbalance may account for seizure susceptibility in angelman syndrome Posted: 06 Jun 2012 12:57 PM PDT Scientists may have pinpointed an underlying cause of the seizures that affect 90 percent of people with Angelman syndrome (AS), a neurodevelopmental disorder.

HIV drug may slow down metastatic breast cancer Posted: 06 Jun 2012 12:57 PM PDT The HIV drugs known as CCR5 antagonists may also help prevent aggressive breast cancers from metastasizing, researchers say.

Sexual orientation fluctuation correlated to alcohol misuse Posted: 06 Jun 2012 11:28 AM PDT Many young adults explore and define their sexual identity in college, but that process can be stressful and lead to risky behaviors. In a new study, students whose sexual self-definition didn't fall into exclusively heterosexual or homosexual categories tended to misuse alcohol more frequently than people who had a firmly defined sexual orientation for a particular gender, according to new research.

The power of suggestion: What we expect influences our behavior, for better or worse Posted: 06 Jun 2012 11:28 AM PDT A lucky rabbit foot. A glass of wine. A pill. What do these things all have in common? Their effects -- whether we do well on a test, whether we mingle at the cocktail party, whether we feel better -- all depend on the power of suggestion.

Baby's genome deciphered prenatally from parents' lab tests Posted: 06 Jun 2012 11:28 AM PDT Maternal blood sampled at 18 weeks into a pregnancy and a paternal saliva specimen contained enough information for scientists to map the fetus' whole genome. Fetal DNA is in a pregnant women's bloodstream starting a few weeks after conception. Scientists assessed many and more subtle variations in the fetus' genome, down to a one-letter change in the DNA code, compared to current tests that screen for only a few major genetic errors.

Insomnia linked to hypertension Posted: 06 Jun 2012 11:27 AM PDT People with insomnia may now have one more thing to keep them up at night: an increased likelihood of developing hypertension, according to a new study.

This is your brain on no self-control Posted: 06 Jun 2012 11:27 AM PDT MRI images show what the brain looks like when you do something you know you shouldn't.

Role of fungus in digestive disorders explored Posted: 06 Jun 2012 11:27 AM PDT Researchers say their examination of the fungi in the intestines suggests an important link between these microbes and inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis. In the new study researchers identified and characterized the large community of fungi inhabiting the large intestine in a model of the disease.

Gut immune cells keep beneficial microbes in their place Posted: 06 Jun 2012 11:26 AM PDT Resident immune cells in intestinal tissues of healthy humans, mice, and non-human primates are critical in limiting the location of commensal bacteria. If the cells are depleted commensal bacteria move to peripheral tissues and promote inflammation. The bacteria were all members of a group called Alcaligenes, indicating a selective pathway to contain commensal bacteria.

To quit smoking, try eating more veggies and fruits Posted: 06 Jun 2012 10:24 AM PDT Eating more fruits and vegetables may help you quit smoking and stay tobacco-free for longer, according to a new study. It is the first longitudinal study on the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and smoking cessation.

New technique for detecting mold contamination in homes and other buildings Posted: 06 Jun 2012 10:24 AM PDT With mold contamination of homes an ongoing concern – and a special threat to the 2.5 million foreclosed houses in the US, shuttered with little ventilation – scientists are reporting a new method to detect and identify low levels of airborne mold. The report describes a simple, fast method that could provide an early indication of potential contamination.

1 million billion billion billion billion billion billion: Number of undiscovered drugs Posted: 06 Jun 2012 10:23 AM PDT A new voyage into "chemical space" – occupied not by stars and planets but substances that could become useful in everyday life – has concluded that scientists have synthesized barely one tenth of one percent of potential medicines. The report estimates that the actual number of these so-called "small molecules" could be one novemdecillion (that's one with 60 zeroes), more than some estimates of the number of stars in the universe.

The real culprit behind hardened arteries? Stem cells, says landmark study Posted: 06 Jun 2012 10:23 AM PDT Vascular diseases are actually a type of stem cell disease, according to a new study. The discovery challenges a long-standing belief that smooth muscle cells contribute to clogged blood vessels, and could revolutionize research into therapies for heart attacks and strokes, which account for one in three deaths in the United States.

Video games may be helpful in treating 'Lazy eye' in adults Posted: 06 Jun 2012 10:22 AM PDT Suppose someone told you that researchers had discovered that a major cause of vision loss is treatable, and that the most promising new treatment is—playing video games? It may sound far-fetched, but those are the conclusions of a new article.

Appalachian teens can quit sugary drinks with peer, community influence Posted: 06 Jun 2012 10:21 AM PDT Convincing people to reduce sugared drink consumption may not need the type of ban recently proposed in New York City. Rather, peer pressure may work better. A new study shows that a peer- and community-driven education approach successfully encouraged Appalachian high school students to reduce their intake of sugared drinks.

Statistical model attempting to estimate level of alcohol consumption that is 'optimal' for health Posted: 06 Jun 2012 08:18 AM PDT Scientists have carried out a complex analysis in an attempt to determine the "optimal" level of alcohol consumption that is associated with the lowest rates of chronic disease in the UK. They conclude that the intake of about one-half of a typical drink per day would result in the healthiest outcomes, and the authors conclude that the recommended alcohol intake for the UK should be reduced from the current advised level of drinking.

Complex world of gut microbes fine-tune body weight Posted: 06 Jun 2012 07:27 AM PDT Gut microbes have a significant effect on nutrient absorption and energy regulation. The composition of microbial communities is shown to vary with age, body weight, and variety of food ingested; as well as in response to bariatric surgery for obesity, use of antibiotics and many other factors. Based on current findings, the authors suggest that therapeutic modification of the gut microbiome may offer an attractive approach to future treatment of nutrition-related maladies, including obesity and a range of serious health consequences linked to under-nutrition.

New technique to give us better understanding of human tissues Posted: 06 Jun 2012 07:27 AM PDT Researchers have demonstrated that a relatively new microscopy technique can be used to improve our understanding of human tissues and other biomedical materials. The study focused specifically on eye tissues, which are damaged by scarring in diabetic patients.

A quick, cheap, accurate test for gluten intolerance Posted: 06 Jun 2012 06:26 AM PDT Coeliac disease affects millions of people worldwide, but many sufferers are not aware they have the condition or may have been misdiagnosed with other illnesses. A pioneering new test should soon be available in hospitals, offering an accurate, quick, cost-effective diagnosis and monitoring solution.

Alzheimer plaques in 3D Posted: 06 Jun 2012 06:26 AM PDT Swiss researchers have succeeded in generating detailed three-dimensional images of the spatial distribution of amyloid plaques in the brains of mice afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. These plaques are accumulations of small pieces of protein in the brain and are a typical characteristic of Alzheimer's. The new technique used in the investigations provides an extremely precise research tool for a better understanding of the disease.

Artificial noses as diseases busters Posted: 06 Jun 2012 06:26 AM PDT Artificial noses have, until now, been used to detect diseases such as urinary tract infection, Helicobacter pylori, tuberculosis, ear, nose and throat conditions and even lung cancer. They have also been clinically tested for use in continuous monitoring of different disease stages.

Key to controlling toxicity of Huntington's disease protein may be cell contents Posted: 06 Jun 2012 06:25 AM PDT New research proposes novel therapeutic targets for treating Huntington's disease. A new study found the toxic effects of the huntingtin protein on cells may not be driven exclusively by the length of the protein's expansion, but also by which other proteins are present in the cell.

Calorie-restricted diet keeps heart young Posted: 06 Jun 2012 06:25 AM PDT People who restrict their caloric intake in an effort to live longer have hearts that function more like those in people who are 20 years younger. Researchers have found that a key measure of the heart's ability to adapt to physical activity, stress and other factors, doesn't decline nearly as rapidly in people who have significantly restricted their caloric intake.

Seizure-freedom reported in 68% of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy patients Posted: 06 Jun 2012 04:53 AM PDT A 25-year follow-up study reveals that 68% of patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) became seizure-free, with nearly 30% no longer needing antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment.

New clues about the origin of cancer Posted: 06 Jun 2012 04:53 AM PDT Scientists have discovered new information about the origin of tumors. The scientists postulate that the initiation of a tumor and the type and aggressivity of the same depend on a specific combination of defects in several processes that safeguard cell integrity, such as DNA repair pathways and cell cycle check-points. The study also demonstrates that mice with a high degree of chromosomal instability and defective programmed cell death (apoptosis), two hallmarks of cancer, rarely develop tumors.

Study offers hope for more effective treatment of nearsightedness Posted: 05 Jun 2012 02:20 PM PDT Research by optometrists supports the continued investigation of optical treatments that attempt to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. The study compared the effects of wearing and then not wearing no-line bifocals in children with myopia.

Research examines major bleeding risk with low-dose aspirin use in patients with and without diabetes Posted: 05 Jun 2012 02:20 PM PDT Among nearly 200,000 individuals, daily use of low-dose aspirin was associated with an increased risk of major gastrointestinal or cerebral bleeding, according to a new study. The authors also found that patients with diabetes had a high rate of major bleeding, irrespective of aspirin use.

Effectiveness of telephone-administered vs. Face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy for depression compared Posted: 05 Jun 2012 02:20 PM PDT Patients with major depression who received telephone-administered cognitive behavioral therapy (T-CBT) had lower rates of discontinuing treatment compared to patients who received face-to-face CBT, and telephone administered treatment was not inferior to face-to-face treatment in terms of improvement in symptoms by the end of treatment; however, at 6-month follow-up, patients receiving face-to-face CBT were less depressed than those receiving telephone administered CBT, according to a new study.

Post-stroke depression linked to functional brain impairment Posted: 05 Jun 2012 04:55 AM PDT Researchers studying stroke patients have found a strong association between impairments in a network of the brain involved in emotional regulation and the severity of post-stroke depression.

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