ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Drug shrinks brain tumors in children with tuberous sclerosis complex, study suggests
• Reflexology: Ancient foot massage technique may ease cancer symptoms
• First-of-its-kind program improves outcomes for seniors admitted for trauma
• Migraine-associated brain changes not related to impaired cognition
• Stem cell finding could advance immunotherapy for lung cancer
• A smoker's license: Too radical for tobacco control?
• Early changes in liver function could indicate life-threatening infection
• Common enzyme deficiency may hinder plans to eradicate malaria
• Hormone affects distance men keep from unknown women they find attractive: Oxytocin may promote fidelity
• Scientists question designation of some emerging diseases
• Teenagers' brains affected by preterm birth
• Migraines associated with higher incidence of brain lesions among women; effect on health uncertain
• Genetic variation may modify associations between low vitamin D levels and adverse health outcomes
• Meditation may reduce death, heart attack and stroke in heart patients
• Injectable formulation of malaria parasites achieve controlled infection
• Experts report one of two remaining types of polio virus may be eliminated in Pakistan
• Life-saving role of heart attack centres confirmed in new study
• Road to language learning is iconic
• Defibrillator with less of a shock
• Uranium exposure linked to increased lupus rate
• For brain tumors, origins matter
• New type of bacterial protection found within cells: Novel immune system response to infections discovered
• Link between obesity and dental health in homeless children strengthened
• Being neurotic, and conscientious, a good combo for health
• High exposure to food-borne toxins: Preschool children particularly vulnerable to compounds linked to cancer, other conditions
• Fantasy-reality confusion a primary cause of childhood nighttime fears
• Fast food menu options double: Calorie counts remain high
• Glutamate neurotransmission system may be involved with depression risk
• Baiting mosquitoes with knowledge and proven insecticides
• Childhood abuse leads to poor adult health
• Injectable sponge delivers drugs, cells, and structure
• Targeting downstream proteins in cancer-causing pathway shows promise in cell, animal model
• Natural product produced by marine algae shows promise in stroke recovery treatment
• Even low-level radioactivity is damaging, scientists conclude
• Vitamin D may prevent clogged arteries in diabetics
• Earlier end of life care discussions are linked to less aggressive care in final days of life, study shows
• Discovering how stomach cancer spreads
• Second most common infection in the U.S. proving harder to treat with current antibiotics
• Loss of essential blood cell gene leads to anemia
• Human eye gives researchers visionary design for new, more natural lens technology
• Sperm length variation is not a good sign for fertility
• Turbo-charged gut hormones: Doubling down against diabetes
• 'Man on Fire Syndrome': In a world of chronic pain, individual treatment possible, research shows
• Advocacy for planned home birth not in patients’ best interest, experts argue
• Autism treatment: Metal-binding agent applied to the skin is not absorbed and is therefore ineffective
• Can the addition of radiolabeled treatments improve outcomes in advanced metastatic disease?
• Should hyperbaric oxygen therapy be used to treat combat-related mild traumatic brain injury?
• How do cells tell time? Scientists develop single-cell imaging to watch the cell clock
• Open access initiative reveals drug hits for deadly neglected tropical diseases
• Solving the mystery of aging: Longevity gene makes Hydra immortal and humans grow older
• Tracing the source of salmonella infection: Biochemists analyze channel that makes pathogen resistant to cytotoxins
• Hormone combination effective and safe for treating obesity in mice
• Face-washing tips for healthier-looking skin
• Ultra-small drainage device may replace eye drop medications for some glaucoma patients
• Awareness could eliminate inequalities in cancer diagnoses
• New health-economic model shows benefits of boosting dietary calcium intake
• U.S. preterm birth rate shows five-year improvement
• Stereoscopic mammography could reduce recall rate
• Pictures effective in warning against cigarette smoking
• G proteins regulate remodeling of blood vessels

Drug shrinks brain tumors in children with tuberous sclerosis complex, study suggests Posted: 13 Nov 2012 03:51 PM PST A drug originally developed to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs has now been shown to dramatically reduce a particular kind of brain tumor in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex -- a genetic disease that causes tumors to grow on vital organs.

Reflexology: Ancient foot massage technique may ease cancer symptoms Posted: 13 Nov 2012 02:49 PM PST A new study offers the strongest evidence yet that reflexology -- a type of specialized foot massage practiced since the age of pharaohs -- can help cancer patients manage their symptoms and perform daily tasks.

First-of-its-kind program improves outcomes for seniors admitted for trauma Posted: 13 Nov 2012 02:49 PM PST A first-of-its-kind program lowers risk of delirium in elderly patients admitted for trauma and decreases the likelihood they will be discharged to a long-term care facility.

Migraine-associated brain changes not related to impaired cognition Posted: 13 Nov 2012 02:49 PM PST Women with migraines did not appear to experience a decline in cognitive ability over time compared to those who didn't have them, according to a nine-year follow up study funded by the National Institutes of Health. The study also showed that women with migraine had a higher likelihood of having brain changes that appeared as bright spots on magnetic resonance imaging, a type of imaging commonly used to evaluate tissues of the body.

Stem cell finding could advance immunotherapy for lung cancer Posted: 13 Nov 2012 02:49 PM PST A lung cancer research team reports that lung cancer stem cells can be isolated -- and then grown -- in a preclinical model, offering a new avenue for investigating immunotherapy treatment options that specifically target stem cells.

A smoker's license: Too radical for tobacco control? Posted: 13 Nov 2012 02:49 PM PST In an innovative move to help reduce the damaging health effects of tobacco, the radical proposal of introducing a ''smoker's license'' is debated by two experts in this week's PLOS Medicine.

Early changes in liver function could indicate life-threatening infection Posted: 13 Nov 2012 02:49 PM PST Early changes in liver function detected by novel techniques can identify severe infection (sepsis) hours after onset and so could have important implications for the treatment of patients who are critically ill, according to a new study.

Common enzyme deficiency may hinder plans to eradicate malaria Posted: 13 Nov 2012 02:49 PM PST In malaria-endemic countries, 350 million people are predicted to be deficient in an enzyme that means they can suffer severe complications from taking primaquine, a key drug for treating relapsing malaria, according to a new study.

Hormone affects distance men keep from unknown women they find attractive: Oxytocin may promote fidelity Posted: 13 Nov 2012 02:47 PM PST Men in committed relationships choose to keep a greater distance between themselves and an unknown woman they find attractive when given the hormone oxytocin, according to new research. The findings suggest oxytocin may help promote fidelity within monogamous relationships.

Scientists question designation of some emerging diseases Posted: 13 Nov 2012 02:46 PM PST The Ebola, Marburg and Lassa viruses are commonly referred to as emerging diseases, but leading scientists say these life-threatening viruses have been around for centuries.

Teenagers' brains affected by preterm birth Posted: 13 Nov 2012 02:46 PM PST Teenagers born prematurely may suffer brain development problems that directly affect their memory and learning abilities.

Migraines associated with higher incidence of brain lesions among women; effect on health uncertain Posted: 13 Nov 2012 01:15 PM PST After nearly 10 years of follow-up of study participants who experienced migraines and who had brain lesions identified via magnetic resonance imaging, women with migraines had a higher prevalence and greater increase of deep white matter hyperintensities (brain lesions) than women without migraines, although the number, frequency, and severity of migraines were not associated with lesion progression.

Genetic variation may modify associations between low vitamin D levels and adverse health outcomes Posted: 13 Nov 2012 01:15 PM PST Findings from a study suggest that certain variations in vitamin D metabolism genes may modify the association of low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations with health outcomes such as hip fracture, heart attack, cancer, and death.

Meditation may reduce death, heart attack and stroke in heart patients Posted: 13 Nov 2012 01:15 PM PST Twice-a-day Transcendental Meditation helped African Americans with heart disease reduce risk of death, heart attack and stroke. Meditation helped patients lower their blood pressure, stress and anger compared with patients who attended a health education class. Regular Transcendental Meditation may improve long-term heart health.

Injectable formulation of malaria parasites achieve controlled infection Posted: 13 Nov 2012 01:15 PM PST In a breakthrough that could accelerate malaria vaccine and drug development, scientists just announced that, for the first time ever, human volunteers were infected with malaria via a simple injection of cryopreserved sterile parasites that were harvested from the salivary glands of infected mosquitoes in compliance with regulatory standards. The parasites had been frozen in a vial for more than two years.

Experts report one of two remaining types of polio virus may be eliminated in Pakistan Posted: 13 Nov 2012 01:15 PM PST Polio cases worldwide reached historic lows in 2012, and for the first time there were no new outbreaks beyond countries already harboring the disease, leaving researchers confident that a massive and re-energized international campaign to eradicate polio is on a path to success, according to new research.

Life-saving role of heart attack centres confirmed in new study Posted: 13 Nov 2012 01:13 PM PST Recent studies questioning the role of specialist heart attack centres produced misleading results because doctors tend to send the sickest patients to have the best care, according to new research.

Road to language learning is iconic Posted: 13 Nov 2012 11:37 AM PST Languages are highly complex systems and yet most children seem to acquire language easily, even in the absence of formal instruction. For spoken and written language, the arbitrary relationship between how a word sounds or looks and its meaning presents a real challenge for language learners. New research on young children's use of British Sign Language sheds light on one of the mechanisms – iconicity – that may help children connect a word's form to its meaning.

Defibrillator with less of a shock Posted: 13 Nov 2012 11:37 AM PST Two scientists have developed a low-energy defibrillation scheme that significantly reduces the energy needed to re-establish a normal rhythm in the heart's main chambers. They hope this electrotherapy will be much less painful than the existing electrotherapy, making treatment with a defibrillator much more acceptable to patients.

Uranium exposure linked to increased lupus rate Posted: 13 Nov 2012 11:37 AM PST People living near a former uranium ore processing facility in Ohio are experiencing a higher than average rate of lupus, according a new study.

For brain tumors, origins matter Posted: 13 Nov 2012 11:36 AM PST Since stem cells and progenitor cells are regulated by different growth factors, brain tumors arising from these cells might respond differently to different therapies. Researchers found that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) induces stem cell growth, but inhibits neuronal progenitor growth. bFGF also blocks the growth of tumors that originate from progenitors. This study suggests bFGF-like molecules might be used to treat medulloblastoma -- but only tumors with the appropriate origins.

New type of bacterial protection found within cells: Novel immune system response to infections discovered Posted: 13 Nov 2012 11:36 AM PST Biologists have discovered that fats within cells store a class of proteins with potent antibacterial activity, revealing a previously unknown type of immune system response that targets and kills bacterial infections.

Link between obesity and dental health in homeless children strengthened Posted: 13 Nov 2012 11:36 AM PST Obesity and dental cavities increase and become epidemic as children living below the poverty level age, according to nurse researchers.

Being neurotic, and conscientious, a good combo for health Posted: 13 Nov 2012 11:36 AM PST Under certain circumstances neuroticism can be good for your health, according to a study showing that some self-described neurotics also tended to have the lowest levels of Interleukin 6 (IL-6), a biomarker for inflammation and chronic disease.

High exposure to food-borne toxins: Preschool children particularly vulnerable to compounds linked to cancer, other conditions Posted: 13 Nov 2012 10:49 AM PST In a sobering study, researchers measured food-borne toxin exposure in children and adults by pinpointing foods with high levels of toxic compounds and determining how much of these foods were consumed.

Fantasy-reality confusion a primary cause of childhood nighttime fears Posted: 13 Nov 2012 10:49 AM PST Scientists have discovered that a child's ability to differentiate fact from fiction has a huge impact on overcoming nighttime fears. This discovery will help clinicians and parents develop interventions that better soothe their fretful children, he says. One of the researchers recommends using the child's strong imagination as a treatment.

Fast food menu options double: Calorie counts remain high Posted: 13 Nov 2012 10:48 AM PST With grilled chicken, salads and oatmeal now on fast food menus, you might think fast food has become healthier. And indeed, there has been greater attention in the media and legislatively, paid to the healthfulness of fast food. But a close look at the industry has found that calorie counts have changed little, while the number of food items has doubled.

Glutamate neurotransmission system may be involved with depression risk Posted: 13 Nov 2012 10:48 AM PST Researchers using a new approach to identifying genes associated with depression have found that variants in a group of genes involved in transmission of signals by the neurotransmitter glutamate appear to increase the risk of depression.

Baiting mosquitoes with knowledge and proven insecticides Posted: 13 Nov 2012 10:46 AM PST While one team of scientists is testing the effectiveness of pesticides against mosquitoes, another research group is studying new ways to repel mosquitoes.

Childhood abuse leads to poor adult health Posted: 13 Nov 2012 10:46 AM PST The psychological scars of childhood abuse can last well into adulthood. New research shows the harm can have long-term negative physical effects, as well as emotional ones.

Injectable sponge delivers drugs, cells, and structure Posted: 13 Nov 2012 10:43 AM PST Bioengineers have developed a gel-based sponge that can be molded to any shape, loaded with drugs or stem cells, compressed to a fraction of its size, and delivered via injection. Once inside the body, it pops back to its original shape and gradually releases its cargo, before safely degrading.

Targeting downstream proteins in cancer-causing pathway shows promise in cell, animal model Posted: 13 Nov 2012 10:42 AM PST The cancer-causing form of the gene Myc alters the metabolism of mitochondria, the cell's powerhouse, making it dependent on the amino acid glutamine for survival. Depriving cells of glutamine selectively induces programmed cell death in cells overexpressing mutant Myc. Using Myc-active neuroblastoma cells, a team three priotein executors of the glutamine-starved cell, representing a downstream target at which to aim drugs. Roughly 25 percent of all neuroblastoma cases are associated with Myc-active cells.

Natural product produced by marine algae shows promise in stroke recovery treatment Posted: 13 Nov 2012 10:42 AM PST A new study shows a compound produced naturally by marine algae, stimulated nerve cell growth and plasticity in cultured mouse neurons. This research advances a potentially new pharmacological treatment to aid recovery of brain function following a stroke or other traumatic brain injury.

Even low-level radioactivity is damaging, scientists conclude Posted: 13 Nov 2012 10:42 AM PST Even the very lowest levels of radiation are harmful to life, scientists have concluded, reporting the results of a wide-ranging analysis of 46 peer-reviewed studies published over the past 40 years. Variation in low-level, natural background radiation was found to have small, but highly statistically significant, negative effects on DNA as well as several measures of health.

Vitamin D may prevent clogged arteries in diabetics Posted: 13 Nov 2012 10:42 AM PST People with diabetes often develop clogged arteries that cause heart disease. New research has found that when vitamin D levels are adequate in people with diabetes, blood vessels are less likely to clog. But in patients with insufficient vitamin D, immune cells bind to blood vessels near the heart, then trap cholesterol to block those blood vessels.

Earlier end of life care discussions are linked to less aggressive care in final days of life, study shows Posted: 13 Nov 2012 10:42 AM PST A large population- and health systems-based prospective study reports earlier discussions about end of life (EOL) care preferences are strongly associated with less aggressive care in the last days of life and increased use of hospice care for patients with advanced cancer. The study provides the first-of-its-kind scientific evidence that timing of EOL care discussions affects decisions about EOL care.

Discovering how stomach cancer spreads Posted: 13 Nov 2012 09:26 AM PST Scientists have found that the production of a protein that prevents the growth and spread of cancerous cells is impaired in patients with gastric cancer.

Second most common infection in the U.S. proving harder to treat with current antibiotics Posted: 13 Nov 2012 09:25 AM PST Certain types of bacteria responsible for causing urinary tract infections, the second-most-common infection in the U.S., are becoming more difficult to treat with current antibiotics, according to new research.

Loss of essential blood cell gene leads to anemia Posted: 13 Nov 2012 09:22 AM PST Scientists have discovered a new gene that regulates heme synthesis in red blood cell formation. Heme is the deep-red, iron-containing component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. The findings promise to advance the biomedical community's understanding and treatment of human anemias and mitochondrial diseases, both known and unknown.

Human eye gives researchers visionary design for new, more natural lens technology Posted: 13 Nov 2012 09:20 AM PST Drawing heavily upon nature for inspiration, researchers have created a new artificial lens that is nearly identical to the natural lens of the human eye. This innovative lens, which is made up of thousands of nanoscale polymer layers, may one day provide a more natural performance in implantable lenses to replace damaged or diseased human eye lenses, as well as consumer vision products; it also may lead to superior ground and aerial surveillance technology.

Sperm length variation is not a good sign for fertility Posted: 13 Nov 2012 09:20 AM PST A new study finds that the greater the inconsistency in the length of sperm, particularly in the tail (flagellum), the lower the concentration of sperm that can swim well. The finding offers fertility clinicians a potential new marker for fertility trouble that might trace back to how a patient's sperm are being made.

Turbo-charged gut hormones: Doubling down against diabetes Posted: 13 Nov 2012 09:20 AM PST Researchers may have overcome one of the major challenges drug makers have struggled with for years: Delivering powerful nuclear hormones to specific tissues, while keeping them away from others.

'Man on Fire Syndrome': In a world of chronic pain, individual treatment possible, research shows Posted: 13 Nov 2012 09:20 AM PST An investigation into the molecular causes of a debilitating condition known as "Man on Fire Syndrome" has led researchers to develop a strategy that may lead to personalized pain therapy and predict which chronic pain patients will respond to treatment.

Advocacy for planned home birth not in patients’ best interest, experts argue Posted: 13 Nov 2012 09:18 AM PST Advocates of planned home birth have emphasized its benefits for patient safety, patient satisfaction, cost effectiveness, and respect for women's rights. A clinical opinion paper critically evaluates each of these claims in its effort to identify professionally appropriate responses of obstetricians and other concerned physicians to planned home birth.

Autism treatment: Metal-binding agent applied to the skin is not absorbed and is therefore ineffective Posted: 13 Nov 2012 09:18 AM PST Metal-binding agents rubbed into the skin, prescribed by some alternative practitioners for the treatment of autism, are not absorbed and therefore are unlikely to be effective at helping the body excrete excess mercury, a new study finds. The study provides evidence against the use of these treatments in children with autism.

Can the addition of radiolabeled treatments improve outcomes in advanced metastatic disease? Posted: 13 Nov 2012 09:18 AM PST Radiolabeled agents are powerful tools for targeting and killing cancer cells and may help improve outcomes and lengthen survival times of patients with advanced disease that has spread beyond the initial tumor site. Effective therapy for metastatic cancer requires acombination of treatments, and the benefits of adding radionuclide therapy are explored in three studies.

Should hyperbaric oxygen therapy be used to treat combat-related mild traumatic brain injury? Posted: 13 Nov 2012 09:18 AM PST The average incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among service members deployed in Middle East conflict zones has increased 117% in recent years, mainly due to proximity to explosive blasts. Therapeutic exposure to a high oxygen environment was hoped to minimize the concussion symptoms resulting from mild TBI, but hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) treatment may not offer significant advantages, according to a new article.

How do cells tell time? Scientists develop single-cell imaging to watch the cell clock Posted: 13 Nov 2012 09:17 AM PST A new way to visualize single-cell activity in living zebrafish embryos has allowed scientists to clarify how cells line up in the right place at the right time to receive signals about the next phase of their life.

Open access initiative reveals drug hits for deadly neglected tropical diseases Posted: 13 Nov 2012 06:21 AM PST The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) have announced the identification of three chemical series targeting the treatment of deadly neglected tropical diseases, through DNDi's screening of MMV's open access Malaria Box. The resulting DNDi screening data are among the first data generated on the Malaria Box to be released into the public domain, exemplifying the potential of openly sharing drug development data for neglected patients.

Solving the mystery of aging: Longevity gene makes Hydra immortal and humans grow older Posted: 13 Nov 2012 06:19 AM PST Why do we get older? When do we die and why? Is there a life without aging? For centuries, science has been fascinated by these questions. Now researchers have examined why the polyp Hydra is immortal -- and unexpectedly discovered a link to aging in humans.

Tracing the source of salmonella infection: Biochemists analyze channel that makes pathogen resistant to cytotoxins Posted: 13 Nov 2012 06:19 AM PST The bacterial pathogen Salmonella typhimurium, which causes salmonella infection, is resistant to many cytotoxins the human immune system produces in order to defend itself against invaders. Scientists have now succeeded in studying the channel that makes the pathogen resistant.

Hormone combination effective and safe for treating obesity in mice Posted: 13 Nov 2012 06:19 AM PST Scientists have found a way to link two hormones into a single molecule, producing a more effective therapy with fewer side effects for potential use as treatment for obesity and related medical conditions.

Face-washing tips for healthier-looking skin Posted: 13 Nov 2012 06:19 AM PST Washing your face is as simple as using soap and water, right? Not quite say dermatologists. How you wash your face can make a difference in your appearance.

Ultra-small drainage device may replace eye drop medications for some glaucoma patients Posted: 13 Nov 2012 06:18 AM PST A tiny medical device no larger than an eyelash may significantly reduce eye pressure in glaucoma patients and allow some to stop using eye-drop medications, according to year-one clinical trial results for the device. Results of the HYDRUS I clinical trial indicate successful control of eye pressure in all study participants.

Awareness could eliminate inequalities in cancer diagnoses Posted: 13 Nov 2012 05:36 AM PST There are substantial inequalities in the stage at which cancer patients receive their diagnosis -- a critical factor for cancer survival -- a new study reveals. The researchers found that age, sex and income as well as the type of cancer influenced the risk of a patient being diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease.

New health-economic model shows benefits of boosting dietary calcium intake Posted: 13 Nov 2012 05:36 AM PST European researchers have published a study which analyses the health economics of increased dairy foods and related reduction in risk of osteoporotic fractures in the population aged over 50. The study was based on a new analytical model that links nutrition and fracture risk, and health economics. It was based on data from the Netherlands, France and Sweden, countries which have varying levels of dairy product intake in the population.

U.S. preterm birth rate shows five-year improvement Posted: 13 Nov 2012 05:36 AM PST The U.S. preterm birth rate dropped for the fifth year in 2011 to 11.7 percent, the lowest in a decade. Four states -- Vermont, Oregon, New Hampshire, and Maine -- earned an "A" on the March of Dimes 2012 Premature Birth Report Card as their preterm birth rates met the March of Dimes 9.6 percent goal. Although the U.S. preterm birth rate improved, it again earned a "C" on the Report Card.

Stereoscopic mammography could reduce recall rate Posted: 13 Nov 2012 05:36 AM PST A new three-dimensional digital mammography technique has the potential to significantly improve the accuracy of breast cancer screening.

Pictures effective in warning against cigarette smoking Posted: 13 Nov 2012 05:36 AM PST Health warning labels (HWLs) on cigarette packages that use pictures to show the health consequences of smoking are effective in reaching adult smokers, according to the results of a new study. New research shows which kind of pictures appears to work best among adult smokers in the U.S., including smokers from disadvantaged groups where smoking rates are highest.

G proteins regulate remodeling of blood vessels Posted: 13 Nov 2012 05:35 AM PST Researchers are investigating the signalling pathways via which the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels react to extracellular changes.

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