ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Injecting botox into stomach does not promote weight loss
• Skin, soft tissue infections succumb to blue light
• Heat Shock Proteins May Shed New Light on a Variety of Debilitating Diseases
• One-step test for mitochondrial diseases
• Cardiac disease linked to higher risk of mental impairment
• Hospital patient loads often at unsafe levels, physician survey says
• Artificial pancreas: The way of the future for treating type 1 diabetes
• Tooth development and weaning in chimpanzees not as closely related as once thought
• New look at cell membrane reveals surprising organization
• Slow-release 'jelly' delivers drugs better
• Genes behind aggressive endometrial cancer
• Neural mechanism underlying drug cravings
• When food 'porn' holds no allure: The science behind satiety
• Eating deep-fried food linked to increased risk of prostate cancer
• More severe flu seasons predicted due to climate change
• Islet transplant may slow progression of atherosclerosis
• Safeguards needed for tissue donors
• Potential therapeutic target to treat autism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy
• Clinical trials with nonblinded outcome assessors have high observer bias
• Glial cells assist in the repair of injured nerves
• Best friends influence when teenagers have first drink
• Discovering the missing 'LINC' to deafness
• Safer way to vaccinate? Polymer film that gradually releases DNA coding for viral proteins may beat traditional vaccines
• Berries may be healthful, but some health benefits of berries may not make it past your mouth
• Flu myths and legends: Five common flu misconceptions dispelled
• Scientists identify four mechanisms that contribute to gastric cancers
• Neuroscientists pinpoint location of fear memory in amygdala
• Fewer people adding salt at the table
• New technique sheds light on RNA
• Pandemic controversies: The global response to pandemic influenza must change
• DNA-repairing protein may be key to preventing recurrence of some cancers
• Blood pressure, cholesterol most important indicators of heart disease risk in diabetics
• Dementia sufferers benefit from GPS
• Altering eye cells may one day restore vision
• Less invasive treatment is associated with improved survival in early stage breast cancer
• Scientists discover process that turns normal liver cells to cancer cells
• Guidelines for brain amyloid imaging in Alzheimer's
• Misconceptions about a popular pet treat
• Penicillin, not the pill, may have launched the sexual revolution
• Speed awareness courses have a 'long term impact' on driving behavior
• Studying possible ways of solving the crisis in the care function
• Soy protein can be replaced by rapeseed protein
• Stem cells aid recovery from stroke, study suggests
• Measuring the consequence of forest fires on public health

Injecting botox into stomach does not promote weight loss Posted: 28 Jan 2013 01:34 PM PST Despite conflicting data in support of the practice, some overweight Americans looking for an easy fix have turned to gastric botox injections to help them lose weight. Medical researchers have published a definitive study finding that Botox doesn't promote weight loss.

Skin, soft tissue infections succumb to blue light Posted: 28 Jan 2013 01:34 PM PST Blue light can selectively eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections of the skin and soft tissues, while preserving the outermost layer of skin, according to a proof-of-principle study.

Heat Shock Proteins May Shed New Light on a Variety of Debilitating Diseases Posted: 28 Jan 2013 01:33 PM PST Researchers, in a finding that runs counter to conventional wisdom, have discovered for the first time that a gene thought to express a protein in all cells that come under stress is instead expressed only in specific cell types.

One-step test for mitochondrial diseases Posted: 28 Jan 2013 01:33 PM PST A scientific team has expanded next-generation sequencing to create an off-the-shelf tool that does simultaneous whole-exome analysis of both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. The test will aid genetic diagnosis of these complex disorders.

Cardiac disease linked to higher risk of mental impairment Posted: 28 Jan 2013 01:33 PM PST Cardiac disease is associated with increased risk of mild cognitive impairment such as problems with language, thinking and judgment -- particularly among women with heart disease, a new study shows.

Hospital patient loads often at unsafe levels, physician survey says Posted: 28 Jan 2013 01:33 PM PST In the United States, more than one-quarter of hospital-based general practitioners who take over for patients' primary care doctors to manage inpatient care say their average patient load exceeds safe levels multiple times per month, according to a new study. Moreover, the study found that one in five of these physicians, known as hospitalists, reports that their workload puts patients at risk for serious complications, or even death.

Artificial pancreas: The way of the future for treating type 1 diabetes Posted: 28 Jan 2013 12:19 PM PST Researchers have conducted a trial comparing a dual-hormone artificial pancreas with conventional diabetes treatment using an insulin pump and showed improved glucose levels and lower risks of hypoglycemia. Their results can have a great impact on the treatment of type 1 diabetes by accelerating the development of the external artificial pancreas.

Tooth development and weaning in chimpanzees not as closely related as once thought Posted: 28 Jan 2013 12:19 PM PST Using a first-of-its-kind method, scientists have used digital photographs to show that, after the eruption of their first molar tooth, many juvenile chimps continue to nurse as much, if not more, than they had in the past. The research challenges earlier studies that linked juvenile chimps' tooth development with their weaning as a rough proxy for understanding similar developmental landmarks in the evolution of early humans.

New look at cell membrane reveals surprising organization Posted: 28 Jan 2013 12:19 PM PST A look directly at the cell membrane is changing our understanding of its organization. Using a completely new approach to imaging cell membranes, a new study has revealed surprising relationships among membrane molecules. Sphingolipids are thought to form small microdomains in the membrane, but the new technique showed that they cluster together to form much larger patches, and are not as cholesterol dependent as expected.

Slow-release 'jelly' delivers drugs better Posted: 28 Jan 2013 12:19 PM PST Biomedical engineers have developed a new delivery system that overcomes the shortcomings of a promising class of peptide drugs -- very small proteins -- for treating diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

Genes behind aggressive endometrial cancer Posted: 28 Jan 2013 12:19 PM PST In a major breakthrough for uterine serous carcinoma (USC) -- a chemo-resistant, aggressive form of endometrial cancer, researchers have defined the genetic landscape of USC tumors, findings that point to new treatment opportunities.

Neural mechanism underlying drug cravings Posted: 28 Jan 2013 12:19 PM PST Addiction may result from abnormal brain circuitry in the frontal cortex, the part of the brain that controls decision-making. Researchers report that the lateral and orbital regions of the frontal cortex interact during the response to a drug-related cue and that aberrant interaction between the two frontal regions may underlie addiction.

When food 'porn' holds no allure: The science behind satiety Posted: 28 Jan 2013 11:30 AM PST New research is shedding light on why enticing pictures of food affect us less when we're full.

Eating deep-fried food linked to increased risk of prostate cancer Posted: 28 Jan 2013 11:28 AM PST Regular consumption of deep-fried foods such as French fries, fried chicken and doughnuts is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, and the effect appears to be slightly stronger with regard to more aggressive forms of the disease, according to a new study.

More severe flu seasons predicted due to climate change Posted: 28 Jan 2013 11:28 AM PST The American public can expect to add earlier and more severe flu seasons to the fallout from climate change, according to a new research.

Islet transplant may slow progression of atherosclerosis Posted: 28 Jan 2013 10:39 AM PST Minimally invasive islet transplantation for patients with type 1 diabetes achieves insulin independence and reverses the progression of atherosclerosis in the first few years after transplant, according to a new study.

Safeguards needed for tissue donors Posted: 28 Jan 2013 10:39 AM PST Donors to biobanks -- vast collections of human tissue samples that scientists hope will lead to new treatments for diseases -- have a right to basic information about how their donations may be used, an ethicist argues in a new article.

Potential therapeutic target to treat autism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy Posted: 28 Jan 2013 10:39 AM PST Synapse development is promoted by a variety of cell adhesion molecules that connect neurons and organize synaptic proteins. Many of these adhesion molecules are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders; mutations in neuroligin and neurexin proteins, for example, are associated with autism and schizophrenia. A new study reveals that another family of proteins linked to these disorders regulates the function of neuroligins and neurexins in order to suppress the development of inhibitory synapses.

Clinical trials with nonblinded outcome assessors have high observer bias Posted: 28 Jan 2013 10:38 AM PST A new study of randomized clinical trials found significant observer bias toward a more beneficial treatment effect in nonblinded trials when the researcher knew the treatment being given to the participant.

Glial cells assist in the repair of injured nerves Posted: 28 Jan 2013 10:38 AM PST Unlike the brain and spinal cord, the peripheral nervous system has an astonishing capacity for regeneration following injury. Researchers have discovered that, following nerve damage, peripheral glial cells produce the growth factor neuregulin1, which makes an important contribution to the regeneration of damaged nerves.

Best friends influence when teenagers have first drink Posted: 28 Jan 2013 10:31 AM PST Researchers have found that teenagers who exhibit problem drinking likely got their first drink from a friend. The reason, the researchers explain, is that friends who drink are more likely to have access to alcohol and are more likely to influence when their buddies first drink. The finding is part of a formula that may help specialists intervene before problem drinking arises in at-risk adolescents.

Discovering the missing 'LINC' to deafness Posted: 28 Jan 2013 08:39 AM PST 50 percent of hearing loss is linked to genetic mutations. Now a researcher has discovered a significant mutation in a family of proteins that could lead to new treatments for hearing disorders.

Safer way to vaccinate? Polymer film that gradually releases DNA coding for viral proteins may beat traditional vaccines Posted: 28 Jan 2013 08:39 AM PST Researchers have described a new type of vaccine-delivery film that holds promise for improving the effectiveness of DNA vaccines.

Berries may be healthful, but some health benefits of berries may not make it past your mouth Posted: 28 Jan 2013 08:38 AM PST For the first time, scientists have exposed extracts from numerous berries high in healthy pigments to human saliva to see just what kinds of health-promoting substances are likely to survive and be produced in the mouth.

Flu myths and legends: Five common flu misconceptions dispelled Posted: 28 Jan 2013 08:38 AM PST It seems you can't go anywhere these days without hearing "the flu this" or "the flu that." Unfortunately, this season's influenza outbreak is one of the worst in years. And it's not just the flu virus that's causing problems; there are also many myths about the flu that are keeping people from doing more to prevent it.

Scientists identify four mechanisms that contribute to gastric cancers Posted: 28 Jan 2013 07:47 AM PST Scientists have discovered four processes by which gastric cancer is formed. This is extremely important since gastric cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide, claiming almost 750,000 lives annually, 60 percent of which are Asians.

Neuroscientists pinpoint location of fear memory in amygdala Posted: 28 Jan 2013 07:47 AM PST Neuroscientists have shed new light on the brain circuit that is involved in fear learning, memory, responses. They show that fear memory is encoded in a subdivision of the central amygdala. In addition, a particular class of neurons, somatostatin-positive neurons, is required to translate that memory into fear responses.

Fewer people adding salt at the table Posted: 28 Jan 2013 07:47 AM PST The number of people in England adding salt to food at the table fell by more than a quarter in the five years following a national campaign, according to new research.

New technique sheds light on RNA Posted: 28 Jan 2013 07:46 AM PST Researchers have developed a technique to better understand why RNA may be different in cancer cells than in normal cells. The technique will bring new depth of understanding to tests that sequence a tumor's entire genome.

Pandemic controversies: The global response to pandemic influenza must change Posted: 28 Jan 2013 07:46 AM PST "Evil" scientists, deadly viruses and terrorist plots are usually the preserve of Hollywood blockbusters. But when it comes to pandemic influenza, it is the stuff of real life. As controversy about H5N1 bird flu virus research continues, a new article argues for a new approach to pandemic preparedness.

DNA-repairing protein may be key to preventing recurrence of some cancers Posted: 28 Jan 2013 07:46 AM PST Just as the body can become resistant to antibiotics, certain methods of killing cancer tumors can end up creating resistant tumor cells. But a professor has found a protein present in several types of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer, which could be helpful in preventing tumors from coming back.

Blood pressure, cholesterol most important indicators of heart disease risk in diabetics Posted: 28 Jan 2013 07:46 AM PST For people with diabetes, meeting the recommended guidelines for blood pressure and cholesterol is even more important than meeting the guidelines for blood sugar control in reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke, according to a new study.

Dementia sufferers benefit from GPS Posted: 28 Jan 2013 07:45 AM PST As part of the norwegian research project "Trygge Spor", more than fifty dementia sufferers have been using GPS for periods varying from several weeks to up to a year. The results show that localization technology helps achieve an increased sense of security, freedom and quality of life, both for sufferers and their next of kin.

Altering eye cells may one day restore vision Posted: 28 Jan 2013 07:44 AM PST Doctors may one day treat some forms of blindness by altering the genetic program of the light-sensing cells of the eye, new research suggests.

Less invasive treatment is associated with improved survival in early stage breast cancer Posted: 28 Jan 2013 07:44 AM PST Patients with early stage breast cancer who were treated with lumpectomy plus radiation may have a better chance of survival compared with those who underwent mastectomy, according to new research.

Scientists discover process that turns normal liver cells to cancer cells Posted: 28 Jan 2013 07:44 AM PST Researchers have identified a useful biomarker to detect early disorders leading to liver cancer and as a potential therapeutic target.

Guidelines for brain amyloid imaging in Alzheimer's Posted: 28 Jan 2013 05:29 AM PST To provide guidance for physicians, individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's, and the public, experts have published the first criteria for the appropriate use of this imaging technology to aid in the diagnosis of people with suspected Alzheimer's disease.

Misconceptions about a popular pet treat Posted: 28 Jan 2013 05:29 AM PST A popular dog treat, the "bully stick," could be adding more calories than pet owners realize, and possibly be contaminated by bacteria, according to a new study.

Penicillin, not the pill, may have launched the sexual revolution Posted: 28 Jan 2013 05:29 AM PST The rise in risky, non-traditional sexual relations that marked the swinging '60s and advent of readily available contraception actually began as much as a decade earlier, during the conformist '50s, suggests a new analysis. The analysis strongly indicates that the widespread use of penicillin, leading to a rapid decline in syphilis during the 1950s, is what launched the modern sexual era.

Speed awareness courses have a 'long term impact' on driving behavior Posted: 28 Jan 2013 05:19 AM PST Speed awareness courses have a "long term impact" on driving behavior, reveals a new study.

Studying possible ways of solving the crisis in the care function Posted: 28 Jan 2013 05:19 AM PST In today's society, there is a significant imbalance in the function of the care of the elderly. While the population ages more and more, the social mechanisms set up to perform the care function of the elderly are unable to meet this demand. Today, the mechanisms correspond to four spheres: the family, the welfare state, the market of private institutions, and the so-called community sphere.

Soy protein can be replaced by rapeseed protein Posted: 28 Jan 2013 05:15 AM PST Today, more than 500 million people are suffering from a lack of adequate protein in their diet. Each year, the number of human beings increases by 80 million, a figure which is equivalent to the present population of Germany. Thus, providing enough food, particularly sufficient protein for the increasing populace is a challenging task for societies all over the world.

Stem cells aid recovery from stroke, study suggests Posted: 27 Jan 2013 07:58 PM PST Stem cells from bone marrow or fat improve recovery after stroke in rats, finds a new study. Treatment with stem cells improved the amount of brain and nerve repair and the ability of the animals to complete behavioral tasks. Stem cell therapy holds promise for patients but there are many questions which need to be answered, regarding treatment protocols and which cell types to use.

Measuring the consequence of forest fires on public health Posted: 27 Jan 2013 07:58 PM PST Pollution from forest fires is impacting the health of people with asthma and other chronic obstructive lung diseases, finds a new study. This study uses data from pharmacies and dispensaries to measure the increase in drugs needed to alleviate symptoms associated with pollution.

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