ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Thursday, July 28, 2011 ~ Technology

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Thursday, July 28, 2011

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Children and adolescent cell phone users at no greater risk of brain cancer than non-users, study suggests (July 28, 2011) -- Children and adolescents who use mobile phones are not at a statistically significant increased risk of brain cancer compared to their peers who do not use mobile phones, according to a new study. ... > full story

Breast density tied to specific types of breast cancer, study suggests (July 28, 2011) -- Women with breasts that appear dense on mammograms are at a higher risk of breast cancer and their tumors are more likely to have certain aggressive characteristics than women with less dense breasts, according to a study. ... > full story

A new target to inhibit malaria and toxoplasmosis infection (July 28, 2011) -- Scientists have characterized a protein complex that allows the agents that cause malaria and toxoplasmosis to infect host cells. This is a highly original mechanism, since the parasite supplies both the receptor which it inserts into the host cell membrane and the ligand it exposes at its surface. The researchers have now shown the three-dimensional structure of this complex. The new data paves the way for new drugs designed to inhibit the formation of the protein complex in question and block invasion by Plasmodium falciparum in red blood cells. ... > full story

Computer-aided detection does not improve mammogram accuracy, study suggests (July 28, 2011) -- Using computer-aided detection software to help analyze and interpret mammograms does not improve accuracy, according to a new study. ... > full story

Why people phone hack: A look into the psyche of wrongdoing (July 28, 2011) -- Phone hacking. It doesn't even sound ethical. Neither does phone spying nor so called, 'phreaking.' So how does management at a best-selling newspaper approve this and everyone else play along? ... > full story

Could patients' own kidney cells cure kidney disease? Reprogrammed kidney cells could make transplants and dialysis things of the past (July 27, 2011) -- Approximately 60 million people across the globe have chronic kidney disease, and many will need dialysis or a transplant. Breakthrough research indicates that patients' own kidney cells can be gathered and reprogrammed. Reprogramming patients' kidney cells could mean that in the future, fewer patients with kidney disease would require complicated, expensive procedures that affect their quality of life. ... > full story

CT shows changes in lungs associated with COPD flare-ups (July 27, 2011) -- Using computed tomography, researchers have identified two types of structural changes in the lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that are associated with frequent exacerbations, or episodes when symptoms suddenly worsen. ... > full story

Who takes risks? (July 27, 2011) -- It's a common belief that women take fewer risks than men, and that adolescents always plunge in headlong without considering the consequences. But the reality of who takes risks when is actually a bit more complicated, according to the authors of a new article. ... > full story

Social deficits associated with autism, schizophrenia induced in mice with new technology (July 27, 2011) -- Researchers have been able to switch on, and then switch off, social-behavior deficits in mice that resemble those seen in people with autism and schizophrenia, thanks to a technology that allows scientists to precisely manipulate nerve activity in the brain. In synchrony with this experimentally induced socially aberrant behavior, the mice exhibited a brain-wave pattern called gamma oscillation that has been associated with autism and schizophrenia in humans, the researchers say. ... > full story

Yoga boosts stress-busting hormone, reduces pain, study finds (July 27, 2011) -- A new study finds that practicing yoga reduces the physical and psychological symptoms of chronic pain in women with fibromyalgia. The study is the first to look at the effects of yoga on cortisol levels in women with fibromyalgia. Participants' saliva revealed elevated levels of total cortisol following a program of 75 minutes of hatha yoga twice weekly over the course of eight weeks. ... > full story

More powerful 'lab-on-a-chip' made for genetic analysis (July 27, 2011) -- Researchers have invented a silicone chip that could make genetic analysis far more sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective by allowing individual cells to fall into place like balls in a pinball machine. The device -- about the size of a nine-volt battery -- allows scientists to simultaneously analyze 300 cells individually by routing fluid carrying cells through microscopic tubes and valves. By facilitating such "single-cell analysis," the device could accelerate genetic research and hasten the use of far more detailed tests for diagnosing cancer. ... > full story

Zinc lozenges may shorten common cold duration, Finnish research suggests (July 27, 2011) -- Depending on the total dosage of zinc and the composition of lozenges, zinc lozenges may shorten the duration of common cold episodes by up to 40%, according to a Finnish study. ... > full story

Social acumen equals spatial skill, psychologist finds (July 27, 2011) -- People who are socially skilled -- who are adept at metaphorically putting themselves in someone else's shoes -- generally are also more proficient when it comes to spatial skills. ... > full story

Gastric bypass surgery changes food preferences so that they eat less high fat food (July 27, 2011) -- Gastric bypass surgery alters people's food preferences so that they eat less high fat food, according to a new study. The findings suggest a new mechanism by which some types of bariatric surgery lead to long-term weight loss. ... > full story

Non-cocaine, topical anesthetics can kill pain when repairing skin wounds (July 27, 2011) -- While some pain killers need to be injected into the damaged tissue in order to work, topical anesthetics only need to be spread on the surface. The earliest examples of "topical" anesthetics contained cocaine, but now a new systematic review has shown that newer agents that don't contain cocaine can effectively treat pain caused by torn skin. This makes these pain killers an attractive choice for doctors who need to sew-up a patient's skin wound. ... > full story

First measurements of harmful haloacetic acids in urine of swimmers and pool workers (July 27, 2011) -- The first scientific measurements in humans show that potentially harmful haloacetic acids (HAAs) appear in the urine of swimmers within 30 minutes after exposure to chlorinated water where HAAs form as a byproduct of that water disinfection method. The study found that HAAs also appeared in the urine of swimming pool workers. ... > full story

As unhealthy food outlets multiply, teens eat more junk (July 27, 2011) -- Nearly three-quarters of California teenagers live or go to school in neighborhoods disproportionately crowded with fast food and other outlets that sell unhealthy food, including convenience stores, liquor stores, dollar stores and pharmacies. And unsurprisingly, teens that live or go to school in such neighborhoods are more likely to drink soda and eat fast food. ... > full story

Scientists connect gene to Alzheimer’s precondition (July 27, 2011) -- Connecting a human gene to the risk of developing the Alzheimer's precondition known as mild cognitive impairment has been somewhat of a holy grail for scientists, but now a team of scientists has ended the quest. ... > full story

Telomere length linked to emphysema risk (July 27, 2011) -- Telomeres, the body's own cellular clocks, may be a crucial factor underlying the development of emphysema, according to new research. ... > full story

Does Chinese chocolate taste better than Swiss? Depends on when you find out (July 27, 2011) -- When consumers taste a chocolate bar they think is made in Switzerland, they'll prefer it over one supposedly made in China, according to new study. But if you tell them where it's from after they taste the candy, they'll prefer the Chinese chocolate. ... > full story

Are cancers newly evolved species? (July 27, 2011) -- A molecular biologists has long believed that cancer results from chromosome disruption rather than a handful of gene mutations, which is the dominant theory today. That idea has led him to propose that cancers have actually evolved new chromosomal karyotypes that qualify them as autonomous species, akin to parasites and much different from their human hosts. ... > full story

Precision gene targeting in stem cells corrects disease-causing mutations (July 27, 2011) -- Using two distinct methods, researchers have successfully and consistently manipulated targeted genes in both human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (adult cells that have been reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state). In one case, scientists employed proteins known as zinc finger nucleases to change a single base pair in the genome, allowing them either to insert or remove mutations known to cause early-onset Parkinson's disease. ... > full story

Weak synchronization in toddler brains may be a biological marker for autism (July 27, 2011) -- A finding that ties weak synchronization in brain activity to autism could lead to earlier diagnosis of the disorder. ... > full story

Man to receive kidney from brother with different blood type: Novel blood-cleaning procedure used for kidney transplant (July 27, 2011) -- St. Michael's Hospital is the first in North America to use a novel blood-cleaning procedure for a kidney patient that will allow the patient to receive a transplant from a donor with a different blood type. ... > full story

To help doctors and patients, researchers are developing a 'vocabulary of pain' (July 27, 2011) -- A psychiatrist is attempting to help patients suffering from chronic pain and their doctors by drawing on ontology, the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of being or existence. ... > full story

Thalidomide analog appears worthy opponent of sickle cell disease (July 27, 2011) -- A thalidomide analog is shaping up as a safe, worthy opponent of sickle cell disease, researchers report. ... > full story

Interrupted sleep impairs memory in mice (July 27, 2011) -- With the novel use of a technique that uses light to control brain cells, researchers have shown that fragmented sleep causes memory impairment in mice. ... > full story

Genes play greater role in heart attacks than stroke, researchers say (July 27, 2011) -- People are more likely to inherit a predisposition to heart attack than to stroke, according to a new study. The finding supports earlier research that showed genes influencing stroke risk are largely those involved in regulating blood pressure. Researchers say heart and stroke risk should be assessed separately in healthy people. ... > full story

Got flow cytometry? All you need is five bucks and a cell phone (July 27, 2011) -- Researchers have demonstrated the integration of an imaging cytometry and florescent microscopy on a cell phone using a compact, light-weight and cost-effective optofluidic attachment. The cell phone enabled optofluidic imaging flow cytometer could be used for rapid and sensitive imaging of bodily fluids for conducting various cell counts or rare cell analysis. ... > full story

Children born after unplanned pregnancy are slower to develop, UK study finds (July 27, 2011) -- Children born after unplanned pregnancies tend to have a more limited vocabulary and poorer non-verbal and spatial abilities; however this is almost entirely explained by their disadvantaged circumstances, according to a new study from the UK. The same study reported no adverse effects of infertility treatment on the children. ... > full story

Eliminating protein in specific brain cells blocks nicotine reward (July 27, 2011) -- Removing a protein from cells located in the brain's reward center blocks the anxiety-reducing and rewarding effects of nicotine, according to a new animal study. The findings may help researchers better understand how nicotine affects the brain. ... > full story

Researchers identify genetic mutations associated with diseases of the esophagus (July 27, 2011) -- Mutations in three genes have been identified that are more prevalent in patients with esophageal cancer and Barrett esophagus, a premalignant metaplasia (change in cells or tissue) caused by chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease, according to preliminary research. ... > full story

Afghanistan's health system shows improvements, but staff and patient protection remains a concern (July 27, 2011) -- After a basic package of health services was introduced by Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Health, the development and performance of Afghanistan's health care services improved dramatically in many areas between 2004 and 2008, particularly in health service capacity and delivery of care. However, experts warn of the dangers of security issues for health staff and patients, which is seriously hampering progress, and argue that the likelihood of Afghanistan emerging from its fragile status is far from certain. ... > full story

New study sheds light on role of genetics in recovering from eating disorders (July 27, 2011) -- A substantial number of people with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa have a chronic course. They are severely underweight and have a high likelihood of dying from malnutrition. No treatment has been found that helps people who are chronically ill. Now, a new study sheds light on the reason that some people have poor outcome. ... > full story

Non-coding RNA has role in inherited neurological disorder, and maybe other brain diseases too (July 27, 2011) -- Scientists have uncovered a novel mechanism regulating gene expression and transcription linked to Spinocerebellar ataxia 7, an inherited neurological disorder. The discovery promises to have broad ramifications, suggesting that abundant non-coding transcripts of ribonucleic acid (RNA) may be key players in neurological development and function, and could be powerful targets for future clinical therapies. ... > full story

New tasks attributed to Aurora proteins in cell division (July 27, 2011) -- New information from fission yeast provides clues for research on cancer treatments. When a cell divides, the genetic information in the chromosomes must be passed on error-free to the daughter cells. Researchers are studying this process using fission yeast as a model organism. They have succeeded in attributing additional tasks to the Aurora enzymes, which were already recognized as important cellular tools for the reliable transmission of genetic information. Because uncontrolled cell division is a feature of tumors, Aurora enzyme inhibitors are already being tested as new cancer treatments, and these new insights from basic research may prove to be of use for this clinical research. ... > full story

One in six fast-food customers cut calories after US food labeling system introduction (July 27, 2011) -- Around a sixth of fast food customers used calorie information and, on average, bought food with lower calories since the introduction of a labeling system in the US, says a new study. ... > full story

Rapid open-source genomic analyses accelerated global studies on deadly E. coli O104:H4 (July 27, 2011) -- Researchers have published a genomic analysis of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O104:H4. The study involved the use of rapid, bench-top DNA sequencing technology, open-source data release and fast crowd-sourced analyses, and revealed for the first time that rapid open-source analysis of an outbreak-associated bacterial pathogen can play a significant role in public health emergencies. ... > full story

Big gap exists on health care spending between Latinos and whites, study finds (July 27, 2011) -- Foreign-born Latinos living in the United States are much less likely to spend for health care and when they do are more likely to pay out-of-pocket for heath care when compared with the white population, but, over time, that disparity shrinks for naturalized Latinos the longer they stay in the country. But, for non-citizen Latinos, the disparities on health care spending remain large over time. ... > full story

Weight loss from gastric bypass may be partly due to dietary fat aversion, study suggests (July 27, 2011) -- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the most common type of bariatric surgery in the United States, is currently considered the most effective therapy for morbid obesity. A team of researchers has found that Roux-en-Y appears to lead patients to significantly reduce their intake of dietary fat. ... > full story

New technique for restoring heart rhythm (July 27, 2011) -- A high-amplitude, and often painful, electrical shock is the only currently available method for treating certain cases of chronic cardiac arrhythmia. But now a new technique using much weaker impulses has been developed by physicists and cardiologists. Tested in vivo, it has proved effective in restoring heart rhythm in animals suffering from atrial fibrillation, the most common type of arrhythmia worldwide. Even though the technique has yet to be tried on human patients, these encouraging initial results could lead to the development of painless defibrillation methods. ... > full story

Clinical trial of molecular therapy for muscular dystrophy yields significant positive results (July 26, 2011) -- A molecular technique has taken one step closer to becoming a treatment for the devastating genetic disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy. ... > full story

Adding a stent during minimally invasive surgery to repair aneurysms prevents recurrence, study suggests (July 26, 2011) -- The addition of a simple stent can help prevent potentially lethal blood vessel bulges in the brain from recurring after they are repaired in a minimally invasive "coiling" procedure, according to physicians. A report on the research could make coiling a more viable option for the 30,000 people diagnosed with brain aneurysms each year in the United States, the investigators say. ... > full story

Excluding children from discussions about their hospital care causes unnecessary distress (July 26, 2011) -- Children who are excluded from discussions about their hospital care often feel scared and angry that no one is listening to them or telling them what is going on. Researchers says that health professionals and parents need to do more to consult them and include them in decisions and are calling for guidelines to ensure that children's voices are heard on matters that directly affect their health. ... > full story

Minority rules: Scientists discover tipping point for the spread of ideas (July 26, 2011) -- Scientists have found that when just 10 percent of the population holds an unshakable belief, their belief will always be adopted by the majority of the society. The scientists used computational and analytical methods to discover the tipping point where a minority belief becomes the majority opinion. ... > full story

New cancer treatment? Universal donor immune cells (July 26, 2011) -- A ready pool of donor immune cells fitted with cancer-seeking receptors could provide an alternative to costly personalized treatments. ... > full story

Sea squirt cells shed light on cancer development (July 26, 2011) -- Specialized structures that cancer cells use to invade tissue also could help them escape protection mechanisms aimed at eliminating them, scientists have discovered. The findings may change the way scientists look at cancer formation and offer new targets for cancer therapies. ... > full story

New mouse model for testing cancer drugs (July 26, 2011) -- Only one in twenty cancer drugs makes its way from the laboratory to the market. The majority of new agents are only shown to be unsuitable in the later phases of clinical development which would explain the exorbitantly high development costs. A new mouse model could help researchers to recognize effects and side effects at an earlier stage. ... > full story

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