ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Friday, July 2, 2010
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UVA radiation damages DNA in human melanocyte skin cells and can lead to melanoma (July 2, 2010) -- A new study has found that UVA radiation damages the DNA in human melanocyte cells, causing mutations that can lead to melanoma. Melanocytes, which contain a substance called melanin that darkens the skin to protect it from the ultraviolet rays of the sun, are more vulnerable to UVA radiation than normal skin cells because they are unable to repair themselves as efficiently. ... > full story
Overweight women undertaking ART twice as likely to miscarry as their slimmer counterparts, study finds (July 2, 2010) -- Being overweight leads to a greater risk of miscarriage for patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology, according to a new study. ... > full story
Genetic regulator opens new avenues to AIDS, immune system research (July 2, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered a genetic regulator that plays a key role in the formation of "T cells," a type of white blood cell. The discovery suggests that some types of immune function might be influenced by manipulation of this genetic regulator. This could be a target for drug development, and could open the door to new immune system-based therapies for everything from diseases of T cells, such as HIV/AIDS, to autoimmune disorders and allergies. ... > full story
How to rapily assess children's tooth decay risk (July 2, 2010) -- Researchers have determined that ATP-driven (adenosine triphosphate-driven) bioluminescence -- a way of measuring visible light generated from ATP contained in bacteria -- is an innovative tool for rapidly assessing in children at the chair-side the number of oral bacteria and amount of plaque that can ultimately lead to tooth decay. ... > full story
Stem cell scientist leads effort to prevent fraudulent treatment (July 2, 2010) -- Leading stem cell researchers from institutions around the world are issuing warnings about unproven stem cell therapies being marketed on the Internet and have launched a website to educate and protect patients seeking such treatments. Often conducted outside of the United States, most of these therapies have little or no benefit -- and can be dangerous as well as costly. ... > full story
Stem-cell therapy may provide new approach to fight infection (July 1, 2010) -- A new study shows that treatment with mesenchymal stem cells can triple survival rates in mice with sepsis, a deadly condition that can occur when an infection spreads throughout the body. The treatment reduced the damaging effects of inflammation and increased the body's ability to clear the infection. Mesenchymal stem cells are found in adult bone marrow and they have been used extensively in clinical trials in humans for other conditions. ... > full story
Increasing fertility threefold with DHEA? (July 1, 2010) -- Scientists have found a statistical connection between the vitamin supplement DHEA, used to counter the effects of aging, and successful pregnancy rates in women undergoing treatment for infertility. In the first controlled study on the effects of the supplement, researchers found that women being treated for infertility who also received supplements of DHEA were three times more likely to conceive than women being treated without the additional drug. ... > full story
Reading the look of love (July 1, 2010) -- How fast you can judge whether a person of the opposite sex is looking at you depends on how masculine or feminine they look, according to a new study. The researchers speculate that there may be an evolutionary advantage to quickly noticing when a 'hottie' is looking at you. ... > full story
DNA mutation rates raise curtain on cause of cancer (July 1, 2010) -- What if we could understand why cancer develops? One idea that has emerged is that for a cell to transform into a cancer cell it must suffer a large number of mutations affecting different genes needed to control cell growth. Researchers have found that the process of repairing DNA damage also unexpectedly increases the rate of mutations and changes the kinds of mutations that arise. ... > full story
Higher testosterone may raise risk of heart disease in elderly men (July 1, 2010) -- A large new study shows that older men with higher testosterone levels are more likely to have a heart attack or other cardiovascular disease in the future. ... > full story
Vast majority of physicians practice 'defensive medicine,' according to physician survey (July 1, 2010) -- A survey has found that 91 percent of physicians believe concerns over malpractice lawsuits result in "defensive medicine," ordering more tests and procedures than necessary as a protective measure. ... > full story
Exposure to secondhand smoke in the womb has lifelong impact, study finds (July 1, 2010) -- Newborns of nonsmoking moms exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy have genetic mutations that may affect long-term health, according to a new study. The abnormalities, which were indistinguishable from those found in newborns of mothers who were active smokers, may affect survival, birth weight and lifelong susceptibility to diseases like cancer. ... > full story
Better way to battle mosquitoes: Research could provide more effective treatment against West Nile Virus (July 1, 2010) -- A Canadian study has found that rather than cleaning and treating catch basins in the spring with S-methoprene to control mosquitoes, authorities should clean catch basins in the fall, allow organic debris to accumulate, and then treat catch basins with S-methoprene in the spring. This method dramatically reduces the number of mosquitoes that make it to the adult stage and may have implications for West Nile virus. ... > full story
Beverages leave 'geographic signatures' that can track people's movements (July 1, 2010) -- The bottled water, soda pop or micro brew-beer that you drank in Pittsburgh, Dallas, Denver or 30 other American cities contains a natural chemical imprint related to geographic location. When you consume these beverage you may leave a chemical imprint in your hair that could be used to track your travels over time, a new study suggests. ... > full story
Some males react to competition like bonobos, others like chimpanzees (July 1, 2010) -- The average man experiences hormone changes similar to the passive bonobo prior to competition, but a "status-striving" man undergoes changes that mirror those found in a chimpanzee, say researchers. ... > full story
Melanoma-initiating cell identified (July 1, 2010) -- Scientists have identified a cancer-initiating cell in human melanomas. The finding is significant because the existence of such a cell in the aggressive skin cancer has been a source of debate. It may also explain why current immunotherapies are largely unsuccessful in preventing disease recurrence in human patients. ... > full story
Ovarian transplantation restores fertility to old mice and also lengthens their lives (July 1, 2010) -- Scientists have discovered that when they transplant ovaries from young mice into aging female mice, not only does the procedure make the mice fertile again, but also it rejuvenates their behavior and increases their lifespan. ... > full story
Teenage physical activity reduces risk of cognitive impairment in later life (July 1, 2010) -- Women who are physically active at any point over the life course (teenage, age 30, age 50, late life) have lower risk of cognitive impairment in late-life compared to those who are inactive, but teenage physical activity appears to be most important. ... > full story
When food intake stops, enzyme turns off production of fats, cholesterol (July 1, 2010) -- Researchers have found that an enzyme with several important roles in energy metabolism also helps to turn off the body's generation of fats and cholesterol under conditions of fasting. Their report describes how SIRT1, one of a group of enzymes called sirtuins, suppresses the activity of a family of proteins called SREBPs, which control the body's synthesis and handling of fats and cholesterol. ... > full story
Hyperoxia may slow formation of wrinkles; Excess oxygen lessens impact of UVB radiation, study shows (July 1, 2010) -- It's no secret that UVB radiation from the sun causes wrinkles. However, a new study indicates that oxygen may help combat the formation of wrinkles by lessening tissue damage done by UVB rays. ... > full story
Genetic basis of alopecia areata -- one of most common causes of hair loss (July 1, 2010) -- Researchers have uncovered eight genes that underpin alopecia areata, one of the most common causes of hair loss. Since many of the genes are also implicated in other autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes, this discovery may soon lead to new treatments for the 5.3 million Americans suffering from hair loss caused by alopecia areata. ... > full story
Ongoing pregnancy rates from vitrified eggs as good as those from fresh, study shows (July 1, 2010) -- Embryos derived from oocytes (eggs) cryopreserved by the vitrification method are just as likely to produce an on-going pregnancy as those involving fresh oocytes. These research results will make egg donation both easier and safer in the future. ... > full story
New temperature table may help reduce heat-related deaths of children in closed cars (July 1, 2010) -- A team of researchers has developed an easy-to-use table of vehicle temperature changes that may help public officials and media remind the public about the deadly consequences of vehicle-related hyperthermia in children. ... > full story
Experiencing different cultures enhances creativity (July 1, 2010) -- Creativity can be enhanced by experiencing cultures different from one's own, according to a new study. ... > full story
Key enzyme in fetal heart development also involved in adult heart disease, study shows (July 1, 2010) -- Scientists have identified for the first time an enzyme that plays vital roles in both fetal heart development and in causing cardiac hypertrophy -- an enlargement of the heart -- in adults. The discovery could be used in the future to try to develop new treatments for heart disease. ... > full story
New non-surgical treatment for uterine fibroids can improve quality of life (July 1, 2010) -- A new, effective, non-surgical treatment for uterine fibroids can help women with this condition maintain their fertility. The outcome of two Phase II clinical trials of ulipristal acetate has significant implications for both infertility and general gynecology patients. ... > full story
US plan to pay hospitals for performance could hurt those in less-advantaged areas, study says (July 1, 2010) -- The nationwide implementation of hospital pay-for-performance threatens to act as a "reverse Robin Hood," according to a new study. ... > full story
Cheap, simple, noninvasive blood test may replace invasive diagnostic techniques in early pregnancy (June 30, 2010) -- Researchers in the Netherlands believe they are on the verge of developing a simple, prenatal blood test that would be able to detect accurately chromosomal abnormalities in the developing fetus. At present, the only reliable way to do this is through amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, both of which are invasive and carry the risk of triggering a miscarriage. ... > full story
Chromosomal variations found in early passage female embryonic stem cells (June 30, 2010) -- Scientists have uncovered that variations in X chromosome inactivation take place in very early passages of female human embryonic stem cells lines, information that will play an important role in ensuring the safety of cells grown for therapeutic use and a discovery that also may have implications in the development of cancer. ... > full story
Researchers work to prevent neurological diseases (June 30, 2010) -- Many diseases of brain function, such as epilepsy and schizophrenia, are caused by problems in how neurons communicate with each other. Researchers are analyzing these commands and connections in an attempt to prevent those diseases. ... > full story
Drivers mistakenly believe winter is most dangerous travel time, survey shows (June 30, 2010) -- Most Americans interviewed in a national poll believe winter is the most dangerous time for driving, but the truth is that summer is the most dangerous time with 4th of July weekend being the deadliest. ... > full story
Cancer drug shows promise for treating a wide range of inflammatory diseases (June 30, 2010) -- Those looking for a new treatment for a range of inflammatory diseases like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and lupus may need to look no further than a drug already available for treating cancer. Japanese scientists have used mice to show that bortezomib induces cell death only in harmful (active and proliferating) T cells, leaving the rest unharmed. ... > full story
Key mechanism links virgin olive oil to protection against breast cancer (June 30, 2010) -- Researchers in Spain have discovered a key mechanism by which virgin olive oil, in contrast to other vegetable oils, protects the body against breast cancer. ... > full story
Is your left hand more motivated than your right hand? (June 30, 2010) -- Motivation doesn't have to be conscious; your brain can decide how much it wants something without input from your conscious mind. Now a new study shows that both halves of your brain don't even have to agree. Motivation can happen in one side of the brain at a time. ... > full story
Impulsive, weak-willed or just too much dopamine? Brain study highlights role of dopamine in impulsive behavior (June 30, 2010) -- It's a common scenario: you're on a diet, determined to give up eating cakes, but as you pass the cake counter, all resolve disappears. Now, scientists have shed light on the brain processes that affect our will-power and make us act impulsively. ... > full story
Nitrate in beetroot juice lowers blood pressure, study finds (June 30, 2010) -- The nitrate content of beetroot juice is the underlying cause of its blood pressure lowering benefits, research reveals. A new study finds that blood pressure was lowered within 24 hours in people who took nitrate tablets, and people who drank beetroot juice. ... > full story
Olympic gold? A new effect of caffeine boosts performance (June 30, 2010) -- UK scientists show for the first time that high doses of caffeine directly increase muscle power and endurance during sub-maximal activities, which in humans ranges from everyday activities to running a marathon. With no current regulations in place, the scientists believe their findings may have implications for the use of caffeine in sport to improve performance. ... > full story
How dietary supplement may block cancer cells (June 30, 2010) -- A new study shows how a substance produced when eating broccoli and Brussels sprouts can block the proliferation of cancer cells. Earlier evidence indicates that the substance indole-3-carbinol may have anticancer effects and other health benefits. The new study discovered that I3C causes the destruction of another molecule, called Cdc25A, which is essential for cell division and proliferation, and in this way blocks breast cancer cell growth. ... > full story
Understanding how folic acid might help heal brain and spinal cord injuries (June 30, 2010) -- Babies born to women who do not consume enough folic acid are at high risk of developing neural tube defects. This is the reason underlying the recommendation that women who are pregnant take a folic acid supplement. New research using rodents now suggests how folic acid might also help promote healing in injured brain and spinal cord. ... > full story
Venetian blinds can cause accidental strangulation (June 30, 2010) -- A pediatrician is calling for Venetian blinds to be redesigned to safeguard babies and toddlers from accidentally being strangled to death by the looped cords. ... > full story
Mystery unraveled: How asbestos causes cancer (June 30, 2010) -- More than 20 million people in the US, and many more worldwide, who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma, a malignant cancer of the membranes that cover the lungs and abdomen that is resistant to current therapies. Moreover, asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer among smokers. For the past 40 years researchers have tried to understand why asbestos causes cancer. ... > full story
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