Current Event Articles
ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Monday, June 28, 2010
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Scientists grow new lungs using 'skeletons' of old ones (June 28, 2010) -- Tissue engineers' progress toward growing new lungs for transplantation or research has long been frustrated by the problem of coaxing stem cells to develop into the varied cell types that populate different locations in the lung. Now, researchers have found a possible solution by seeding mouse embryonic stem cells into "acellular" rat lungs -- organs whose original cells have been destroyed, leaving behind empty, lung-shaped scaffolds of structural proteins. ... > full storyGestational diabetes linked to serotonin and dietary protein (June 28, 2010) -- The cause of diabetes during pregnancy is directly controlled by serotonin, a chemical produced by the body and normally known as a neurotransmitter, and is influenced by the amount of protein in the mother's diet early in pregnancy, according to new findings. ... > full story
Same types of cell respond differently to stimulus, study shows (June 28, 2010) -- Using new technology that allows scientists to monitor how individual cells react in the complex system of cell signaling, researchers have uncovered a much larger spectrum of differences between each cell than ever seen before. ... > full story
Healthier cafeteria food, more intense gym classes lower students' diabetes risk (June 28, 2010) -- Healthier cafeteria choices, longer and more intense periods of physical activity and robust in-school education programs can lower rates of obesity and other risk factors for type 2 diabetes, according to a national US study. ... > full story
Antioxidants may help prevent malaria complicaton that leads to learning impairment (June 28, 2010) -- Using an experimental mouse model for malaria, scientists have discovered that adding antioxidant therapy to traditional antimalarial treatment may prevent long-lasting cognitive impairment in cerebral malaria. ... > full story
Traditional neurologic exams inadequate for predicting survival of cardiac arrest patients (June 28, 2010) -- Traditional methods for assessing patients after cardiac arrest may be underestimating their chances for survival and good outcomes, according to a new study. ... > full story
Psychotropic medications can cause birth defects, study finds (June 27, 2010) -- The use of psychotropic medications during pregnancy increases the probability of birth defects, according to a new study. Researchers have documented the serious side effects that can be associated with these types of medications. ... > full storyTargeting flight-or-fight hormone response to combat heart failure (June 27, 2010) -- Scientists found that two experimental drugs have the potential to restore pumping strength to failing hearts by ensuring adrenalin's ability to drive heartbeat strength is maintained, and not thwarted, as it typically is in heart failure patients. When tested in human-like mouse models of heart failure, the therapies were found to slow, and in some cases halt, the progression of the disease. ... > full story
Scientific expertise lacking among 'doubters' of climate change, says new analysis (June 27, 2010) -- An analysis of the scientific prominence and expertise of climate researchers shows that the few who are unconvinced of human-caused climate change rank far below researchers who are convinced. Most news media accounts fail to include that context when reporting claims from the doubters. ... > full storyHigher cancer rates found in liver transplant patients receiving cyclosporine for immunosuppression (June 27, 2010) -- Researchers have found that cyclosporine treatment is a significant risk factor for the development of de novo cancer in liver transplant patients. ... > full story
Tool manipulation is represented similarly in the brains of the blind and the sighted (June 27, 2010) -- Blind people think about manipulating tools in the same regions of the brain as do people who can see, according to a new study. The researchers say this adds to evidence that the brain has a fairly defined organization, while still being able to adapt to unusual conditions, such as not having any vision. ... > full story
Early and aggressive arthritis treatment recommended, based on results of 11-year trial (June 27, 2010) -- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs should be used early and aggressively at the first sign of rheumatoid arthritis. The results of an 11-year trial demonstrate that active treatment from the very beginning pays off, even in the long run. ... > full story
Quantifying human behavior one MoCap data point at a time (June 27, 2010) -- Two actors wrapped in motion sensors circle each other, as engineering researchers stand at the perimeter of a laboratory, taking note. It's an unusual partnership between artists and engineers, a union expected to provide researchers with more precise methods of modeling human behavior. ... > full storyProfiling prostate cancer (June 27, 2010) -- A large scale genetic analysis of multiple prostate cancer samples is providing exciting new insight into the disease and may lead to more effective treatment strategies. In addition, the freely available genetic and clinical outcome data obtained in the study represents a valuable public resource for the cancer research community. ... > full story
Messenger RNAs are regulated in far more ways than previously appreciated (June 27, 2010) -- One way of regulating protein levels in cells is to shorten the lifespan of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), intermediary molecules that get translated into proteins. Researchers have now discovered that mRNAs can be targeted for destruction by several modes and molecules, highlighting a previously unanticipated complexity in the control and regulation of the cell's genetic messages. ... > full story
Friendships, family relationships get better with age thanks to forgiveness, stereotypes (June 27, 2010) -- Part of what makes those relationships so golden during the golden years is that people of all ages are more likely to forgive and respect one's elders, according to new research. ... > full story
Mechanism that may trigger degenerative disease identified (June 26, 2010) -- A mechanism that regulates stem-cell differentiation in mice testes suggests a similar process that may trigger degenerative disease in humans, according to a reproductive physiologist. ... > full story
Chemists find an easier way to synthesize new drug candidates; New method could have a big impact on pharmaceutical business (June 26, 2010) -- Chemists have designed a new way to attach a trifluoromethyl group to certain compounds, which they believe could allow pharmaceutical companies to create and test new drugs much faster and potentially reduce the cost of drug discovery. The new synthesis could have an immediate impact. ... > full storyNovel radiotracer shines new light on the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients (June 26, 2010) -- A trial of a novel radioactive compound readily and safely distinguished the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients from healthy volunteers on brain scans and opens the doors to making such imaging available beyond facilities that can manufacture their own radioactive compounds. ... > full story
Scientists create 3-D models of whole mouse organs (June 26, 2010) -- Engineers have for the first time created 3-D models of whole intact mouse organs, a feat they accomplished using fluorescence microscopy. ... > full story
Ingredient in red wine may prevent some blinding diseases (June 26, 2010) -- Resveratrol -- found in red wine, grapes, blueberries, peanuts and other plants -- stops out-of-control blood vessel growth in the eye, according to vision researchers. The discovery has implications for preserving vision in blinding eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in Americans over 50. ... > full story
Gene therapy a step closer to mass production (June 26, 2010) -- Researchers in Latvia and Finland have synthesized and studied a range of organic compounds able to carry genetic material into individual cells where it can remedy the diseases caused by defective genes. Still under development, these compounds are much more readily produced than the viral carriers now in use and avoid their side-effects. Most importantly, they are much more effective than other organic carrier substances developed so far. ... > full storyDetecting eye injury (June 26, 2010) -- Scientists have developed a noninvasive imaging technique to detect early stages of eye disease. ... > full story
Study identifies couples’ underlying concerns during a fight (June 26, 2010) -- A new study has found that there are two fundamental underlying concerns when partners in a committed relationship fight. Researchers have identified the first type of underlying concern as perceived threat, which involves a perception that one's partner is being hostile, critical, blaming or controlling. The second type of concern is called perceived neglect, which involves a perception that one's partner is failing to make a desired contribution or failing to demonstrate an ideal level of commitment or investment in the relationship. ... > full storyVirus works with gene to cause Crohn's-like illness (June 25, 2010) -- Scientists have shown that a specific virus can interact with a mutation in the host's genes to trigger disease. The observation may help explain why many people with disease risk genes do not actually develop disease. ... > full story
Silencing hepatitis B virus prevents recurrence of liver cancer (June 25, 2010) -- Previous studies have shown that antiviral treatment reduces the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B. But now, researchers are reporting that the antiviral therapy also prevents recurrence of HCC and extends patients' lives. ... > full story
Tactile sensations influence social judgments and decisions (June 25, 2010) -- Psychologists report that interpersonal interactions can be shaped, profoundly yet unconsciously, by the physical attributes of incidental objects: Resumes reviewed on a heavy clipboard are judged to be more substantive, while a negotiator seated in a soft chair is less likely to drive a hard bargain. The work suggests physical touch -- the first of our senses to develop -- may continue throughout life as a scaffold upon which we build our social judgments and decisions. ... > full story
More variation in human genome than expected: Surprisingly common transposons or 'jumping genes' are known to cause disease (June 25, 2010) -- Scientists are finding more variation in the human genome than they had expected, according to new research. The study is one of the first to take an in-depth look at transposons, segments of DNA that can replicate themselves and move to new sites in each individual's genome. The researchers found that new occurrences of transposons were surprisingly prevalent in human and in lung cancer genomes. ... > full storySmall amount of common preservative increases toxins from harmful bacteria in food, study finds (June 25, 2010) -- In response to consumer demand for more natural food, the food industry has reduced the amount of preservatives in food over recent years. A common preservative is acetic acid, which is used to stop bacterial growth in dressings, sauces, cheese and pickles. However, new research shows that a small amount of acetic acid does not have the intended effect, but rather the opposite -- it increases the amount of toxin from the harmful bacteria in the food. ... > full story
Mysterious cilium functions as cellular communication hub, study shows (June 25, 2010) -- Researchers have pinpointed the molecular cause of a rare genetic disease in humans called Bardet-Biedl syndrome, or BBS. People with the disorder suffer from obesity, retinal degeneration, kidney cysts and polydactyly (having extra fingers or toes). Specifically, the researchers have discovered that genetic mutations associated with the disease affect a protein complex that ferries receptors and other proteins from the cell's membrane to the surface of the primary cilium. ... > full story
Most concussions deliver 95 g's, neuropsychologist says (June 25, 2010) -- A head injury expert says that most concussions deliver 95 g's to the human body upon impact. G-force is a unit of force equal to the force exerted by gravity. In addition, the average football player receives 103 g's when hit during a game. In comparison, the average g-force experienced by military fighter pilots is nine g's. ... > full story
Consumer-grade camera detects cancer cells in real time (June 25, 2010) -- Using an off-the-shelf digital camera, biomedical engineers have created an inexpensive device that is powerful enough to let doctors easily distinguish cancerous cells from healthy cells simply by viewing the LCD monitor on the back of the camera. ... > full story
Compound found in red wine neutralizes toxicity of proteins related to Alzheimer's (June 25, 2010) -- An organic compound found in red wine -- resveratrol -- has the ability to neutralize the toxic effects of proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease. The findings are a step toward understanding the large-scale death of brain cells seen in certain neurodegenerative diseases. ... > full storyWomen with polycystic ovary syndrome have higher BPA blood levels, study finds (June 25, 2010) -- Women with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common hormone imbalance in women of reproductive age, may be more vulnerable to exposure to the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), found in many plastic household items, according to a new study. ... > full story
Teens and alcohol study: After a few drinks, parenting style kicks in (June 25, 2010) -- The teens least prone to heavy drinking had parents who scored high on both accountability and warmth. So-called "indulgent" parents, those low on accountability and high on warmth, nearly tripled the risk of their teen participating in heavy drinking. "Strict" parents -- high on accountability and low on warmth -- more than doubled their teen's risk of heavy drinking. ... > full story
Researchers develop living, breathing human lung-on-a-chip (June 25, 2010) -- Researchers have combined microfabrication techniques from the computer industry with modern tissue engineering techniques, human cells and a plain old vacuum pump to create a living, breathing human lung-on-a-chip. The device mimics the most active part of the lung, the boundary between the air sac and the bloodstream. ... > full story
Sight restored to mice afflicted with retinitis pigmentosa (June 25, 2010) -- Swiss researchers have just restored sight to mice afflicted with retinitis pigmentosa. The results have been confirmed ex-vivo, on human tissue cultures. Thanks to a complementary clinical approach, the team has now determined the types of patient who could benefit from this therapy. ... > full storyProgesterone is effective for hot flash treatment and provides an alternative to estrogen, study finds (June 25, 2010) -- Postmenopausal women who experience bothersome hot flashes or night sweats may have an alternative treatment to estrogen. According to a new study, oral micronized progesterone relieves those symptoms. ... > full story
Brain stimulation technique boosts language ability in Alzheimer's patients (June 25, 2010) -- A brain stimulation technique, known as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, boosts the language ability of patients with Alzheimer's disease, suggests preliminary research. ... > full story
Addiction: a loss of plasticity of the brain? (June 25, 2010) -- Why is it that only some drug users become addicts?Researchers have just discovered that the transition to addiction could result from a persistent impairment of synaptic plasticity in a key structure of the brain. ... > full story
Popular heart drug may be unsafe for some kidney patients (June 25, 2010) -- For patients with kidney disease on dialysis, the widely used heart medication digoxin may lead to an increased risk of premature death, according to a new study. ... > full story
Migraine sufferers who experienced childhood abuse have greater risk of cardiovascular disease, study finds (June 25, 2010) -- Migraine sufferers who experienced abuse and neglect as children have a greater risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease including stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) among others, say scientists. ... > full story
Novel approach developed to study neurological disorders (June 25, 2010) -- Researchers have developed a novel approach to efficiently identify disease relevant genes in human complex neurological disorders and demonstrated the effectiveness of this method by applying it to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease. ... > full storyPossible role for Smurf1 in pulmonary arterial hypertension (June 25, 2010) -- Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive disease, marked by shortness of breath and fatigue which can be fatal if untreated. Increased pressure in the pulmonary artery and its branches is associated with dysfunctional growth control of endothelial and smooth muscle cells leading to excessive thickening of the blood vessel wall, obliteration of the lumen and right heart failure. ... > full story
How likely is misdiagnosis? (June 25, 2010) -- Medical researchers have been evaluating the accuracy of patient diagnoses. Evaluating diagnostic strategy is crucial to clinical practice as it helps maximize the efficacy of the treatments which are offered to patients. Many lives are affected every day by the diagnoses made by hospitals and medical doctors, and it is vital that diagnoses are accurate. ... > full story
Scientists implant regenerated lung tissue in rats (June 24, 2010) -- A team of scientists reports that it has achieved an important first step in regenerating fully functional lung tissue that can exchange gas, which is the key role of the lungs. ... > full storyAntihypertensive drugs may protect against Alzheimer's disease (June 24, 2010) -- Researchers have found that the drug carvedilol, currently prescribed for the treatment of hypertension, may lessen the degenerative impact of Alzheimer's disease and promote healthy memory functions. ... > full story
Breast milk transmits drugs and medicines to the baby (June 24, 2010) -- Give up smoking, do not drink more than three cups of coffee per day, do not take any kind of drug, or if you do, take it as long as possible before feeding your baby. These are some of the recommendations contained in a study produced by researchers on methods for detecting medicines and drugs in breast milk. The study shows that the risk from substances such as alcohol is still not well understood. ... > full storyCopyright 1995-2010 © ScienceDaily LLC. All rights reserved. Terms of use.
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