ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Monday, July 25, 2011 ~ Technology

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Monday, July 25, 2011

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Battle of the microbes: Pseudomonas breaches cell walls of rival bacteria without hurting itself (July 24, 2011) -- Microbiologists have uncovered a sneaky trick by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa to oust its competitors. Its means of attack helps it survive in the outside environment and may even help it cause infection. P. aeruginosa injects toxins into rival bacteria through a needle-like structure. The toxins degrade their competitors' protective barriers -- their cell walls. ... > full story

Cellular stress can induce yeast to promote prion formation (July 24, 2011) -- Biochemists have identified a yeast protein called Lsb2 that can promote spontaneous prion formation. Prions can cause neurodegenerative disorders, such as mad cow/Creutzfeld-Jakob disease, in humans and animals. ... > full story

Tags for studying the spread of epidemics (July 24, 2011) -- Participants in a congress were asked to wear a tag for two days in order to study their movements and interactions within a population. The data, collected by a French-Italian team, makes it possible to envisage the simulation of the spread of infection risks within a population, or even the optimization of the response to the expansion of an epidemic. ... > full story

Misuse of pain medication is pathway to high-risk behaviors, study finds (July 24, 2011) -- A new study suggests that abuse of prescription painkillers may be an important gateway to the use of injected drugs such as heroin, among people with a history of using both types of drugs. Common factors identified in this group included a family history of drug misuse and receiving prescriptions for opioid drugs in the past. ... > full story

New target found for nitric oxide's attack on salmonella bacteria (July 23, 2011) -- A new target for nitric oxide has been revealed in studies of how it inhibits the growth of salmonella, a bacteria that is a common cause of food poisoning. Naturally produced in the nose and gut, nitric oxide interferes at various points in the Krebs cycle, the part of cellular respiration that turns fuel into energy. Knowing how nitric oxide restricts pathogen metabolism may lead to new antimicrobials or drugs that promote the body's own natural defenses. ... > full story

Life scientists use novel technique to produce genetic map for African Americans (July 23, 2011) -- Scientists have produced one of the first high-resolution genetic maps for African-American populations. The new map will help disease geneticists who are working to map genetic diseases in African Americans. The map could help scientists learn the roots of diseases that occur in African Americans and to discover genes that play a key role in disease. ... > full story

Test for classifying force used in bottle stabbings: New study aids understanding of force required for creating injury (July 23, 2011) -- Engineers in the UK have for the first time created a way of measuring how much force is used during a stabbing using a broken bottle. The advance is expected to have significant implications for legal forensics. ... > full story

Positive teens become healthier adults: Adolescents with a sunny outlook on life may have better health in their adult years (July 23, 2011) -- Teenagers are known for their angst-ridden ways, but those who remain happy and positive during the tumultuous teenage years report better general health when they are adults, according to a new study. ... > full story

How to combat hospital-acquired infections and life-threatening toxins (July 22, 2011) -- A team of scientists from Singapore has discovered the secret recipe for 'antidotes' that could neutralize the deadly plant toxin Ricin, widely feared for its bioterrorism potential, as well as the Pseudomonas exotoxin responsible for the tens of thousands of hospital-acquired infections in immune-compromised patients all over the world. ... > full story

Collaboration encourages equal sharing in children but not in chimpanzees (July 22, 2011) -- Children as young as three years of age share toy rewards equally with a peer, but only when both collaborated in order to gain them, according to new research. However, in a new study, chimpanzees did not show this connection between sharing resources and collaborative efforts. ... > full story

Quick test to diagnose bacterial or viral infection (July 22, 2011) -- Treating viral infections with antibiotics is ineffective and contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance, allergic reactions, toxicity and greater health care costs, researchers say. Currently tests take 24-48 hours and aren't always accurate enough for a clear-cut diagnosis. A new accurate and time-saving method has just been developed. ... > full story

Can feeling too good be bad? Positive emotion in bipolar disorder (July 22, 2011) -- Positive emotions like joy and compassion are good for your mental and physical health, and help foster creativity and friendship. But people with bipolar disorder seem to have too much of a good thing. A new article explores how positive emotion may become negative in bipolar disorder. ... > full story

Small hippocampus associated with depression in the elderly: Risk factor or shrinkage? (July 22, 2011) -- Imaging studies have repeatedly found that people with depression have smaller hippocampal volumes than healthy individuals. The hippocampus is a brain region involved in learning and memory, spatial navigation, and the evaluation of complex life situations or "contexts". However, because in prior studies hippocampal volume was only measured in people once they became depressed, it has been unclear whether a small hippocampus renders a person vulnerable to developing depression, or whether it is a consequence of depression. ... > full story

Multiple sclerosis research: Myelin influences how brain cells send signals (July 22, 2011) -- The development of a new cell-culture system that mimics how specific nerve cell fibers in the brain become coated with protective myelin opens up new avenues of research about multiple sclerosis. Initial findings suggest that myelin regulates a key protein involved in sending long-distance signals. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by damage to the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers. The cause remains unknown, and it is a chronic illness affecting the central nervous system that has no cure. ... > full story

Smartphone making your eyes tired? Images placed in front of the screen increase visual discomfort (July 22, 2011) -- Several reports indicate that prolonged viewing of mobile devices and other stereo 3-D devices leads to visual discomfort, fatigue and even headaches. According to a new study, the root cause may be the demand on our eyes to focus on the screen and simultaneously adjust to the distance of the content. ... > full story

Anti-malaria drug chloroquine finding may lead to treatments for arthritis, cancer and other diseases (July 22, 2011) -- In a new study, scientists demonstrate on the molecular level how the anti-malaria drug chloroquine represses inflammation, which may provide a blueprint for new strategies for treating inflammation and a multitude of autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis and certain cancers. ... > full story

Gardening in the brain: Cells called microglia prune the connections between neurons, shaping how the brain is wired (July 22, 2011) -- Gardeners know that some trees require regular pruning: some of their branches have to be cut so that others can grow stronger. The same is true of the developing brain: cells called microglia prune the connections between neurons, shaping how the brain is wired, scientists have discovered. The findings could one day help understand neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. ... > full story

Obesity accelerates progression of cirrhosis, study suggests (July 22, 2011) -- Researchers have determined that increased body mass index (BMI) is an independent predictor of clinical decompensation in patients with compensated cirrhosis, independent of portal pressure and liver function. ... > full story

Computer simulations aid understanding of bacterial resistance against commonly used antibiotics (July 22, 2011) -- A recent study into the interactions between aminoglycoside antibiotics and their target site in bacteria used computer simulations to elucidate this mechanism and thereby suggest drug modifications. ... > full story

Optimism associated with lower risk of having stroke (July 22, 2011) -- A large-scale observational study shows that optimism is associated with lower risk of stroke. On a 16-point scale, each point increase in optimism correlated with a 9 percent reduction in stroke risk. This study adds to the increasing body of research on the health benefits of optimism. ... > full story

Breastfeeding may prevent asthma, research suggests (July 22, 2011) -- Feeding a baby on only breast milk and for up to 6 months after birth can reduce their risk of developing asthma-related symptoms in early childhood, according to new research. ... > full story

Benign or cancerous? Gene test predicts cancer potential in pancreatic cysts (July 22, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a gene-based test to distinguish harmless from precancerous pancreatic cysts. The test may eventually help some patients avoid needless surgery to remove the harmless variety. ... > full story

Metabolic syndrome increases risk of both major types of primary liver cancer (July 22, 2011) -- Incidence rates of hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma have increased in the US. A new study found that metabolic syndrome significantly increases risk of developing these primary liver cancers. ... > full story

Popular TV shows teach children fame is most important value, psychologists report; Being kind to others fell dramatically in importance over 10 years (July 22, 2011) -- Fame is the No. 1 value emphasized by television shows popular with 9-11 year-olds -- a dramatic change in 10 years, psychologists report in a new study. From 1997 to 2007, being kind/helping others fell from 2 to 13, and tradition dropped from 4 to 15. The study assessed the values of popular television shows from 1967 to 2007, from "Andy Griffith" and "The Lucy Show" to "American Idol" and "Hannah Montana." ... > full story

Memories may skew visual perception (July 22, 2011) -- Psychologists have found that our visual perception can be contaminated by memories of what we have recently seen, impairing our ability to properly understand and act on what we are currently seeing. ... > full story

Liver, belly fat may identify high risks of heart disease in obese people (July 22, 2011) -- Increased liver fat and abdominal fat may increase risk of heart disease and other serious health problems, according to researchers. Measuring liver and belly fat may identify obese people at risk of developing abnormal cholesterol. For some obese people, fat is not metabolically detrimental. ... > full story

Juvenile diarrhea virus analyzed down to the atomic level (July 22, 2011) -- Scientists have used X-ray crystallography to define the structure -- down to the atomic level -- of a common virus that causes juvenile diarrhea. The new research could help direct efforts to develop medications that block the virus before it becomes infectious. ... > full story

Targeting toxin trafficking in plants and bacteria (July 22, 2011) -- Toxins produced by plants and bacteria pose a significant threat to humans, as emphasized by the recent effects of cucumber-borne Shiga toxin in Germany. Now, new research provides a clearer view of the combination of similar and divergent strategies that different toxins use to invade a human host cell. ... > full story

Do we buy cosmetics because they are useful or because they make us feel good? (July 22, 2011) -- People who use cosmetics buy these products primarily for emotional reasons, according to new research. The study was carried out on facial creams (hydrating and nutritive ones, colored or non-colored, and anti-wrinkle creams) and body creams (firming and anti-cellulite creams). ... > full story

Vascular changes linked to dementia, experts say (July 22, 2011) -- High blood pressure is related to the development of age-related vascular cognitive impairment, according to a new American Heart Association/American Stroke Association scientific statement. Maintaining a healthy heart may also maintain a healthy functioning brain. Screening elderly patients for heart and stroke risk factors may also identify those at risk of dementia. ... > full story

New mechanism in the regulation of human genes (July 22, 2011) -- In order to create proteins, a protein-coding gene must be transcribed into RNA and in the splicing process shortened to the correct template. Scientists in Germany have now discovered how the U2AF protein enables this process. ... > full story

Detrimental weight loss: Scientists discover link between fat-cleaving enzymes and cancer-associated cachexia (July 22, 2011) -- Scientists in Austria have now directly linked lipid metabolism and cancer-associated cachexia. The researchers report that mice deficient in the lipid degrading enzyme adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) are fully protected against cancer-associated cachexia. ... > full story

No difference in women's and men's self-esteem in youth and early adulthood, study finds (July 22, 2011) -- New research concludes that no significant difference between men's and women's self-esteem occurs during adolescence and young adulthood. ... > full story

Key to help women fight infections during pregnancy (July 21, 2011) -- A normal but concerning consequence of pregnancy is the fact that pregnant women are more susceptible to infection. Researchers have now identified the underlying mechanisms for this physiologic immune suppression that may lead to new therapies to help ward off infections during pregnancy. ... > full story

Scientists complete first mapping of molecule found in human embryonic stem cells (July 21, 2011) -- Stem cell researchers have generated the first genome-wide mapping of a DNA modification called 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in embryonic stem cells, and discovered that it is predominantly found in genes that are turned on, or active. ... > full story

Kidney dopamine regulates blood pressure, life span (July 21, 2011) -- The neurotransmitter dopamine is best known for its roles in the brain -- in signaling pathways that control movement, motivation, reward, learning and memory. Now, researchers report that dopamine produced outside the brain -- in the kidneys -- is important for renal function, blood pressure regulation and life span. Their studies suggest that the kidney-specific dopamine system may be a therapeutic target for treating hypertension and kidney diseases. ... > full story

Skin sentry cells promote distinct immune responses (July 21, 2011) -- A new study reveals that just as different soldiers in the field have different jobs, subsets of a type of immune cell that polices the barriers of the body can promote unique and opposite immune responses against the same type of infection. The research enhances our understanding of the early stages of the immune response and may have important implications for vaccinations and treatment of autoimmune diseases. ... > full story

Chronic pain in homeless people not managed well, study finds; Almost half reported using street drugs to treat their pain (July 21, 2011) -- Chronic pain is not managed well in the general population and it's an even greater challenge for homeless people, according to new research. ... > full story

Researchers identify seventh and eighth bases of DNA (July 21, 2011) -- For decades, scientists have known that DNA consists of four basic units -- adenine, guanine, thymine and cytosine. Those four bases have been taught in science textbooks and have formed the basis of the growing knowledge regarding how genes code for life. Yet in recent history, scientists have expanded that list from four to six. Now, researchers have discovered the seventh and eighth bases of DNA. ... > full story

Workings of brain protein suggest therapies for Fragile X Syndrome and autism (July 21, 2011) -- Researchers now have a much clearer understanding of how mutations in a single gene can produce the complex cognitive deficits characteristic of Fragile X Syndrome, the most common inherited form of intellectual disability. As the majority of patients with Fragile X Syndrome also display autism-like symptoms, the findings offer hope for treating both conditions. ... > full story

Hospital bacteria outbreak linked to nasal spray (July 21, 2011) -- Infection control researchers investigating a rare bacterial outbreak of Burholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) identified contaminated nasal spray as the root cause of the infections, leading to a national recall of the product. A new article describes how researchers were able to trace the outbreak back to the nasal decongestant spray. ... > full story

Stronger social safety net leads to decrease in stress, childhood obesity (July 21, 2011) -- Social safety net programs that reduce psychosocial stressors for low-income families also ultimately lead to a reduction in childhood obesity, according to new research. ... > full story

Sperm coat protein may be key to male infertility (July 21, 2011) -- The loss of a protein that coats sperm may explain a significant proportion of infertility in men worldwide, according to a study by an international team of researchers. The research could open up new ways to screen and treat couples for infertility. ... > full story

Drug improves brain function in condition that leads to Alzheimer's (July 21, 2011) -- An existing anti-seizure drug improves memory and brain function in adults with a form of cognitive impairment that often leads to full-blown Alzheimer's disease. ... > full story

Study highlights success of brain surgery for severe epilepsy (July 21, 2011) -- Two-thirds of people with severe and otherwise untreatable epilepsy were completely cured of their frequent seizures after undergoing neurosurgery at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, according to a new study that examined 143 of these patients two years after their operations. ... > full story

Controlling movements with light (July 21, 2011) -- Researchers have succeeded in controlling the activity of certain nerve cells using light, thus influencing the movements of mice. By changing special receptors in nerve cells of the cerebellum such that they can be activated and deactivated by light, the researchers have shown that the signaling pathways, which are activated by the receptors play a crucial role in controlling movement. ... > full story

Washing away good and bad luck: People believe it works (July 21, 2011) -- Do people believe good and bad luck can be washed away? Yes, according to a new study. ... > full story

Scientists create vaccine against heroin high (July 21, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a highly successful vaccine against a heroin high and have indicated its therapeutic potential. ... > full story

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