ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Wednesday, September 14, 2011 ~ gwinnetttech

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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Primary component in curry spice kicks off cancer-killing mechanisms in human saliva (September 14, 2011) -- Curcumin, the main component in the spice turmeric used in curry, suppresses a cell signaling pathway that drives the growth of head and neck cancer, according to a pilot study using human saliva. ... > full story

Even low-dose aspirin may increase risk of GI bleeding, study suggests (September 14, 2011) -- The use of low-dose aspirin increases the risk for GI bleeding, with the risk being increased further with accompanying use of cardiovascular disease-preventing therapies, such as clopidogrel and anticoagulants. In patients who took proton pump inhibitors, bleeding risk decreased. ... > full story

In immune cells, super-resolution imaging reveals natural killers' M.O. (September 14, 2011) -- Making use of a new "super resolution" microscope that provides sharp images at extremely small scales, scientists have achieved unprecedented views of the immune system in action. The new tool, a stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscope, shows how granules from natural killer cells pass through openings in dynamic cell structures to destroy their targets: tumor cells and cells infected by viruses. ... > full story

Study examines risk of aortic complications among patients with common congenital heart valve defect (September 14, 2011) -- While the incidence of the life-threatening condition of aortic dissection is significantly higher than in the general population, it remains low among patients with the congenital heart defect, bicuspid aortic valve; however, the incidence of aortic aneurysms is significantly high, according to a new study. ... > full story

Team finds stable RNA nano-scaffold within virus core (September 14, 2011) -- With the discovery of a RNA nano-scaffold that remains unusually stable in the body, researchers have overcome another barrier to the development of therapeutic RNA nanotechnology. The nanoparticle, constructed from a three-way junction (3WJ) motif of packaging RNA (pRNA) molecules, can serve as a platform for building larger, multifunctional nanoparticles -- which can then be injected into the body to deliver therapeutics to targeted cells. ... > full story

Flu vaccines for nursing home workers effective in reducing outbreaks, study finds (September 14, 2011) -- Higher flu vaccination rates for health care personnel can dramatically reduce the threat of flu outbreak among nursing home residents, according to a new study. ... > full story

IUD reduces the risk of cervical cancer, study suggests (September 14, 2011) -- Intrauterine devices (IUDs) may protect against cervical cancer. This is the conclusion of the broadest epidemiological study to date on the topic. ... > full story

Key protein reveals secret of stem cell pluripotency (September 14, 2011) -- A protein that helps maintain mouse stem cell pluripotency has been identified by researchers in Japan. The finding points the way to advances in regenerative medicine and more effective culturing techniques for human pluripotent stem cells. ... > full story

Large increase seen in number of lymph nodes evaluated for colon cancer, but no corresponding rise in node-positive cancers (September 14, 2011) -- During the past two decades there has been a significant increase in the percentage of patients who have a high number of lymph nodes evaluated during colon cancer operations, but this improvement is not associated with an increase in the overall proportion of colon cancers that are node positive, according to a new study. ... > full story

Allowing part-time surgeons may help address workforce shortage (September 14, 2011) -- More part-time employment for surgeons, particularly retiring older male or young female surgeons taking time off for their families, may considerably reduce the surgeon shortage in the United States by 2030, according to a new study. ... > full story

In the early life of an embryo, a monster lurks: Newly fertilized cells only narrowly avoid degenerating into fatal chaos (September 13, 2011) -- Research has revealed that newly fertilized cells only narrowly avoid degenerating into fatal chaos. At the same time, scientists have discovered that embryos have acquired a mechanism to contain this dangerous instability, a finding that could help biologists unravel other mysteries about the first hours of life. ... > full story

Research team discovers path to blocking fatal toxins (September 13, 2011) -- A team of researchers says it has found a way to block a group of fatal bacterial toxins that have to date resisted all attempts to arrest them through the use of conventional drugs. ... > full story

More evidence that spicing up broccoli boosts its cancer-fighting power (September 13, 2011) -- Teaming fresh broccoli with a spicy food that contains the enzyme myrosinase significantly enhances each food's individual cancer-fighting power and ensures that absorption takes place in the upper part of the digestive system where you'll get the maximum health benefit, suggests a new study. ... > full story

Plant compound reduces breast cancer mortality, study suggests (September 13, 2011) -- Many studies suggest that hormone-like plant compounds called phytoestrogens have a cancer protective effect. Scientists have now provided evidence that in postmenopausal breast cancer patients these substances also lower the risk of developing metastasis or secondary tumors and dying by up to 40 percent. ... > full story

Terahertz radiation's impact on cellular function and gene expression (September 13, 2011) -- Relatively little is known about the effect of terahertz radiation on biological systems. A team of researchers have now evaluated the cellular response of mouse stem cells exposed to THz radiation. They reported that temperature increases were minimal, and that heat shock protein expression was unaffected, while the expression of certain other genes showed clear effects of the THz irradiation. ... > full story

Pressure for positive results puts science under threat, study shows (September 13, 2011) -- Scientific research may be in decline across the globe because of growing pressures to report only positive results, new analysis suggests. ... > full story

Protein found in heart may be target for colon cancer therapies (September 13, 2011) -- A protein critical in heart development may also play a part in colon cancer progression -- and may represent a therapeutic target for halting colon cancer metastasis. ... > full story

Using lasers to vaporize tissue at multiple points simultaneously (September 13, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a new technique that uses a single UV laser pulse to zap away biological tissue at multiple points simultaneously. The new method could help scientists study the mechanical forces at work as organisms grow and change shape. ... > full story

Twenty-three microRNAs linked to laryngeal cancer (September 13, 2011) -- A new study has identified 23 microRNAs for laryngeal cancer, 15 of which had yet to be reported in head and neck cancer. The researchers say the discovery could yield new insight into what causes certain cells to grow and become cancerous tumors in the voice box. ... > full story

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease has health, financial and social benefits (September 13, 2011) -- The World Alzheimer's Report 2011 shows that there are interventions that are effective in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, some of which may be more effective when started earlier, and that there is a strong economic argument in favor of earlier diagnosis and timely intervention. ... > full story

Fathers wired to provide offspring care; Study confirms that testosterone drops steeply after baby arrives (September 13, 2011) -- A new study provides compelling evidence that human males are biologically wired to care for their offspring, conclusively showing for the first time that fatherhood lowers a man's testosterone levels. The effect is consistent with what is observed in many other species in which males help take care of dependent offspring. ... > full story

Healthy lifestyle habits lower heart failure risk (September 13, 2011) -- Adults who don't smoke, maintain a healthy weight, get regular physical activity and eat vegetables lowered their heart failure risk, according to new research. Each additional healthy behavior helped to decrease heart failure risk. Health-care workers should discuss and encourage healthy lifestyle habits with patients. ... > full story

Major threats foreseen due to Europe's changing marine environments (September 13, 2011) -- Europeans face greater risk of illness, property damage and job losses because of the impacts of climate change on the seas around them, a new report suggests. ... > full story

Pituitary hormone TSH found to directly influence bone growth (September 13, 2011) -- Researchers have found that thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a hormone produced in the anterior pituitary gland that regulates endocrine function in the thyroid gland, can promote bone growth independent of its usual thyroid functions. The research suggests that TSH, or drugs that mimic its affect on bone, may be key to possible future treatments for osteoporosis and other conditions involving bone loss, such as cancer. ... > full story

Primary schoolchildren that sleep less than 9 hours do not perform as well academically, study suggests (September 13, 2011) -- A new study explored the relationship between the sleeping habits, hours slept, and academic performance of children aged between six and seven years of age. Experts have found that sleeping less than nine hours, going to bed late and no bedtime routine generally affects children's academic skills. ... > full story

Enzyme might be target for treating smoking, alcoholism at same time (September 13, 2011) -- An enzyme that appears to play a role in controlling the brain's response to nicotine and alcohol in mice might be a promising target for a drug that simultaneously would treat nicotine addiction and alcohol abuse in people, according to a new study. ... > full story

Gene linked with death after coronary bypass surgery (September 13, 2011) -- Researchers have found a genetic variant that seems to be associated with lower five-year survival after a coronary artery bypass. The scientists found the same gene was associated with mortality in two different sets of patients, with about 1,000 patients in each group (1,018 and 930 patients, respectively). ... > full story

Deep male voice helps women remember, study finds (September 13, 2011) -- Men take note: If you want women to remember, speak to them in a low pitch voice. Then, they may rate you as a potential mate. That's according to a new study. The work shows for the first time that a low masculine voice is important for both mate choice and the accuracy of women's memory. ... > full story

First proof in patients of an improved 'magic bullet' for cancer detection and radio-therapy (September 13, 2011) -- Oncologists have long sought a powerful "magic bullet" that can find tumors wherever they hide in the body so that they can be imaged and then destroyed. ... > full story

Cardiovascular drug may offer new treatment for some difficult types of leukemia (September 13, 2011) -- A drug now prescribed for cardiovascular problems could become a new tool in physicians' arsenals to attack certain types of leukemia that so far have evaded effective treatments, researchers say. ... > full story

Freeze and desist: Disabling cardiac cells that can cause arrhythmia (September 13, 2011) -- Many patients are responding to a new, minimally invasive way of treating irregular heartbeats by freezing out the bad cells. Atrial fibrillation is one such heart rhythm disorder, and it's the most common arrhythmia affecting Americans. ... > full story

Infections related to cardiovascular implantable electronic devices associated with increased risk of death and increased health care costs (September 13, 2011) -- An association has been found between infection associated with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and increases in mortality and hospital care costs, according to a new study. ... > full story

Quitting smoking enhances personality change (September 13, 2011) -- Researchers have found evidence that shows those who quit smoking show improvements in their overall personality. ... > full story

Tinnitus discovery could lead to new ways to stop the ringing: Retraining the brain could reanimate areas that have lost input from the ear (September 13, 2011) -- People with tinnitus -- a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears -- can take heart from a new study by neuroscientists that points to several new strategies for alleviating the problem. In experiments on rats, researchers have shown that tinnitus results from decreased inhibition in the auditory cortex. Thus, training that boosts inhibition or drugs that increase the levels of inhibitory neurotransmitter may alleviate the symptoms. ... > full story

Study evaluates intranasal insulin therapy for adults with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s (September 13, 2011) -- Intranasal insulin therapy appears to provide some benefit for cognitive function in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease, according to a new study. ... > full story

Association found between long-term use of nonaspirin anti-inflammatory drugs and renal cell cancer (September 13, 2011) -- Long-term use of nonaspirin anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with an increased risk of renal cell cancer (RCC), according to a report in the Sept. issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. ... > full story

U.S. public may not be aware of important uncertainties about drug benefits and harms (September 13, 2011) -- Many U.S. adults believe that only extremely effective drugs without serious adverse effects are approved, but providing explanations to patients highlighting uncertainties about drug benefits may affect their choices, according to a new study. ... > full story

Recycling fat might help worms live longer (September 13, 2011) -- Scientists found that two cellular processes -- lipid metabolism and autophagy -- work together to influence lifespan in C. elegans worms. Autophagy, a mechanism cells use to recycle their own contents, has been implicated in many human diseases, including cancer. This study provides a more detailed understanding of the roles autophagy and lipid metabolism play in aging. ... > full story

Gene responsible for three forms of childhood neurodegenerative diseases found (September 13, 2011) -- An international team has identified the mutated gene responsible for three forms of leukodystrophies, a group of childhood-onset neurodegenerative disorders. ... > full story

First German genome decoded; Researchers analyze two chromosome sets in the human genome separately for the first time (September 13, 2011) -- Errors in the copying and reading of genes can have very serious consequences. Fortunately human genetic material is available in duplicate as everyone inherits a complete genome from both their mother and father. However, the two genomes are different: researchers refer to the different variants of the gene sequence on the individual chromosomes as "haplotypes" and the complete analysis of the genome requires detailed knowledge of both haplotypes. Scientists have now comprehensively decoded both sets of chromosomes from a human genome separately for the first time. This step is essential for gaining a deeper understanding of human biology, the analysis of disease risks and, accordingly, the development of new and more individualised strategies for the prevention and treatment of diseases. The genome fully decoded is also the first completely sequenced genome of a German individual. ... > full story

Confronting meaninglessness (September 13, 2011) -- You've just finished an amazing dinner at your favorite restaurant and you are ready to put on your comfy pajamas and slip into sweet slumber. You arrive at your doorstep and find the front door ajar. Your heart beats wildly in your chest and you peer in, only to discover that your house has been ransacked. Researchers explore the possibility that different threat-reduction approaches can be adaptive in different situations. ... > full story

Rebooting psychotherapy (September 13, 2011) -- Psychotherapy has come a long way since the days of Freudian psychoanalysis -- today, rigorous scientific studies are providing evidence for the kinds of psychotherapies that effectively treat various psychiatric disorders. But some researchers believe that we must acknowledge a basic truth -- all of our progress and development in evidence-based psychotherapy has failed to solve the rather serious problem of mental illness in the United States. ... > full story

Strong leadership necessary to provide more sophisticated care for aging population, study finds (September 13, 2011) -- As the aging population increases, the effective use of resources and care practices is essential to enacting health care reform and ensuring patients receive quality care. A new case study, a comparison of nursing homes, reveals that leadership is critical to supporting open communication and relationship building to generate improvement, such as enhanced safety practices and new technology adoption, in health care organizations. ... > full story

Blood vessels from your printer? (September 13, 2011) -- Researchers have been working on growing tissue and organs in the laboratory for a long time. Today, tissue engineering enables us to build up artificial tissue, although science still hasn't been successful with larger organs. ... > full story

Web tool aims to improve the workplace for breast cancer survivors (September 13, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a web-based tool for breast cancer survivors designed to reduce work disabilities and improve employment outcomes. ... > full story

Substitution of brand name with generic drug appears to be safe for transplant recipients, study suggests (September 13, 2011) -- New research reveals that substitution of a brand name immunosuppressive drug with a generic (manufactured by Sandoz) for preventing rejection of transplanted organs appears to be safe for transplant recipients. ... > full story

Does race dictate quality of care? (September 13, 2011) -- Racial minorities have reduced access to high-quality joint replacement care, according to new research. The study shows that African American patients are more likely than Caucasians to receive total knee arthroplasty (or replacement surgery) in low-quality hospitals. ... > full story

Novel drug combination offers therapeutic promise for hard-to-treat cancers (September 12, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a new combination of targeted therapies that, together, may treat two aggressive tumor types that until now have not had effective treatments. ... > full story

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