ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Wednesday, August 20, 2008
New Reasons To Avoid Grapefruit And Other Juices When Taking Certain Drugs (August 20, 2008) -- Scientists and consumers have known for years that grapefruit juice can increase the absorption of some drugs, causing potentially toxic effects. Now, researchers in Canada report new evidence that drinking grapefruit and other common fruit juices, including orange and apple, also can substantially decrease the absorption of some drugs, wiping out their potential beneficial effects. Their research will be presented in August at the American Chemical Society national meeting in Philadelphia. ... > full story
Obesity Raises Risks Of Serious Digestive Health Concerns: Incidence Of GERD, Colorectal Cancer Increase With Body Mass (August 20, 2008) -- The prevalence of obesity and overweight in the United States coupled by the increased risk of gastrointestinal diseases related to obesity raises serious implications for the health of Americans. Several scientific studies in the August issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology examine the association between obesity and the risk of colorectal cancer and gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. ... > full story
Obese Prostate Cancer Patients May Benefit More From Brachytherapy (August 20, 2008) -- Brachytherapy, also called seed implants, may be a more beneficial treatment than surgery or external beam radiation therapy for overweight or obese prostate cancer patients, according to a study published in the August issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. ... > full story
'Chilling' Hardship Rates Among Families Raising Disabled Children (August 20, 2008) -- Families with disabled children are struggling to keep food on the table, a roof over their heads, and to pay for needed health and dental care. But according to a new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, these challenges are now falling on middle-income households and not just on poor families as previous research has found. ... > full story
Many US Public Schools In 'Air Pollution Danger Zone' (August 20, 2008) -- One in three US public schools are in the "air pollution danger zone," according to new research. Researchers have found that more than 30 percent of American public schools are within 400 meters, or a quarter mile, of major highways that consistently serve as main truck and traffic routes. ... > full story
Chronic Lead Poisoning From Urban Soils (August 20, 2008) -- Chronic lead poisoning, caused in part by the ingestion of contaminated dirt, affects hundreds of thousands more children in the United States than the acute lead poisoning associated with imported toys or jewelry. Could treating contaminated soil with water prevent this public health scourge? ... > full story
Rheb's Role In Cancer (August 20, 2008) -- Two independent papers identify the Rheb GTPase as a novel oncogene and a promising new chemotherapeutic target. ... > full story
Suicide In Asian Americans: Family Conflict Increases Risk Of Suicide Attempts (August 20, 2008) -- Asian Americans whose families experience a high degree of interpersonal conflict have a three-fold greater risk of attempting suicide when compared with Asian Americans overall, according to a new study by University of California, Davis, researchers. The risk is tripled even among those who have never had a diagnosis of depression. ... > full story
Ultrasound Used To Predict Heart Attack Risk (August 19, 2008) -- Repeat exams using widely available and inexpensive ultrasound imaging could help identify patients at high risk for a heart attack or other adverse cardiovascular events, according to a new study. ... > full story
Scientists Discover What Drives The Development Of A Fatal Form Of Malaria (August 19, 2008) -- In a study described in Cell Host and Microbe, researchers reveal that when red blood cells are infected with the malaria parasite, they activate platelets to secrete the PF4 protein, which triggers the immune system to inflame blood vessels and obstruct capillaries in the brain; both are hallmarks of cerebral malaria. ... > full story
You've Got To Have Hope: Studies Show 'Hope Therapy' Fights Depression (August 19, 2008) -- A growing body of research suggests that there is a potent way to fight symptoms of depression that doesn't involve getting a prescription. This potent weapon? Hope. "We're finding that hope is consistently associated with fewer symptoms of depression. And the good news is that hope is something that can be taught, and can be developed in many of the people who need it," said Jennifer Cheavens at Ohio State University. ... > full story
Can Facial Structures, Brain Abnormalities Reveal Formula For Detection Of Autism? (August 19, 2008) -- Recently, Harvard researchers reported that children with autism have a wide range of genetic defects, making it nearly impossible to develop a simple genetic test to identify the disorder. Now, University of Missouri researchers are studying 3-D imaging to reveal correlations in the facial features and brain structures of children with autism spectrum disorder, which will enable them to develop a formula for earlier detection of the disorder. The researchers anticipate their work also will reveal genetic clues that can direct additional research. ... > full story
Oral Contraceptives May Ease Suffering Of Women With Severe PMS (August 19, 2008) -- A new clinical trial using a popular low-dose contraceptive could uncover a more effective treatment for the 5 to 10 percent of women who suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder. ... > full story
Erectile Dysfunction Drug Shows Promise For Relief Of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Associated With Benign Prostate Disease (August 19, 2008) -- Men with signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia can be helped with a daily dose of erectile dysfunction drug tadalafil (marketed as Cialis) to relieve associated lower urinary tract symptoms, according to a new study. Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Northwestern University and Lilly Research Laboratories report on a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of over 1,000 men in 10 countries. ... > full story
Poor Teen Sleep Habits May Raise Blood Pressure, Lead To CVD (August 19, 2008) -- Poor sleep quality and shorter sleep periods in teens may increase the odds of elevated blood pressure. Researchers found poor sleep quality in teens may be more likely than shorter sleep periods to lead to pre-hypertension. Researchers say technology in bedrooms (i.e., music, phones, computers) may be part of the problem. ... > full story
Why Symmetry Predicts Bodily Attractiveness (August 19, 2008) -- The first ever 3D study identifies 'masculinity' traits associated with the attractiveness and symmetry of male and female bodies. High masculinity correlated with fewer departures from perfect bodily symmetry in males but with more asymmetry in females, suggesting that those with good development and health may have bodies that exaggerate sex-typical bodily features. ... > full story
New Technology Silences Genes: Suppressing Disease-causing Genes Is Now Within Reach (August 19, 2008) -- Researchers have developed a new gene silencing technology that could be used to target genes that can lead to the development of certain diseases. This technology could pave the way for preventing diseases where gene dysfunction plays a role. ... > full story
Urologists Report Success Using Robot-assisted Surgery For Urinary Abnormality (August 19, 2008) -- Urologic surgeon have reported success using robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery to repair abnormal openings between the bladder and vagina known as fistulas. This type of fistula can result in frequent urinary tract infections and the leakage of urine from the vagina and can be mistaken for continence. ... > full story
Epilepsy Linked To Higher Risk Of Drowning (August 19, 2008) -- People with epilepsy appear to have a much higher risk of drowning compared to people without epilepsy, according to a study published in the Aug. 19, 2008, issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Previous studies have shown a higher risk most likely due to seizures but this study is one of the first to show exactly how high the risk may be. ... > full story
Chemical Liberated By Leaky Gut May Allow HIV To Infect The Brain, Scientists Find (August 19, 2008) -- A chemical released by the gut in HIV-infected patients appears to help the virus evade the blood brain barrier and infect the brain, researchers show. The finding could lead to strategies for preventing HIV-associated dementia. ... > full story
Chewing Gum Associated With Enhanced Bowel Recovery After Colon Surgery (August 19, 2008) -- Chewing gum is associated with enhanced recovery of intestinal function following surgery to remove all or part of the colon, according to an analysis of previously published studies in the August issue of Archives of Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. ... > full story
Piling On The Homework: Does It Work For Everyone? (August 19, 2008) -- While US students continue to lag behind many countries academically, national statistics show that teachers have responded by assigning more homework. But according to a joint study by researchers at Binghamton University and the University of Nevada, when it comes to math, piling on the homework may not work for all students. ... > full story
Limbs Saved By Menstrual Blood Stem Cells (August 19, 2008) -- Cells obtained from menstrual blood, termed 'endometrial regenerative cells' are capable of restoring blood flow in an animal model of advanced peripheral artery disease. A new study demonstrates that when circulation-blocked mice were treated with ERC injections, circulation and functionality were restored. ... > full story
Good Long-term Prognosis After West Nile Virus Infection (August 19, 2008) -- The long-term prognosis of patients infected with West Nile virus is good, according to a new study. This is the largest study of the long-term outcomes of West Nile virus infection. ... > full story
Suicidal Thoughts Among College Students More Common Than Expected (August 19, 2008) -- More than half of 26,000 students across 70 colleges and universities who completed a survey on suicidal experiences reported having at least one episode of suicidal thinking at some point in their lives. Furthermore, 15 percent of students surveyed reported having seriously considered attempting suicide and more than 5 percent reported making a suicide attempt at least once in their lifetime. ... > full story
Aboriginal Kids Can Count Without Numbers (August 19, 2008) -- Knowing the words for numbers is not necessary to be able to count, according to new research. The study of the aboriginal children -- from two communities which do not have words or gestures for numbers -- found that they were able to copy and perform number-related tasks. The findings suggest that we possess an innate mechanism for counting, which may develop differently in children with dyscalculia. ... > full story
New Method To Overcome Multiple Drug Resistant Diseases (August 19, 2008) -- Many drugs once considered Charles Atlases of the pharmaceutical realm have been reduced to the therapeutic equivalent of 97-pound weaklings as the diseases they once dispatched with ease have developed resistance to them. But researchers have developed a method to get around one of the most common forms of resistance, thereby opening up some if not many resistant diseases to the reinvigorated fury of the medications that once laid them low. ... > full story
Study Examines Association Of Smoking With Hemorrhage After Throat Surgery (August 19, 2008) -- Smoking appears to be associated with an increased rate of hemorrhage in patients who undergo uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP, a surgical procedure used to remove excess tissue from the throat) with tonsillectomy (a surgical procedure in which the tonsils are removed), but not in those who undergo tonsillectomy alone, according to a report in the August issue of Archives of OtolaryngologyHead & Neck Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. ... > full story
When The Patient Can't Decide: Study Looks At Physician Perspectives On Surrogate Decision-making (August 19, 2008) -- Researchers led by Alexia Torke, M.D., of the Indiana University School of Medicine and the Regenstrief Institute Inc., studied how physicians treating patients who are unable to make medical decisions interacted with surrogate decision-makers. ... > full story
Immune Response To Human Embryonic Stem Cells In Mice Suggests Human Therapy May Face Challenge (August 19, 2008) -- Human embryonic stem cells trigger an immune response in mice, researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine report. The finding suggests that the effectiveness of human therapies derived from the cells could be limited unless ways are found to dampen the rejection response. ... > full story
Landmark Sickle Cell Disease Trial To Investigate Unrelated Donor Marrow And Umbilical Cord Blood Transplants (August 19, 2008) -- More than 20 institutions are taking part in a first-ever Phase II clinical trial of unrelated donor marrow and umbilical cord blood transplants for severe sickle cell disease. If successful, the Sickle Cell Unrelated Transplant trial has the potential to extend a promising and possibly curative treatment option to more severely affected patients. Sickle cell disease affects more than 70,000 people in the United States. ... > full story
Biracial Asian Americans And Mental Health (August 19, 2008) -- Biracial Asian Americans are twice as likely as monoracial Asian Americans to have been diagnosed with a psychological disorder, UC Davis researchers report. ... > full story
Synthetic Molecules Could Add Spice To Fight Against Cancer (August 18, 2008) -- Seeking to improve on nature, scientists used a spice-based compound as a starting point and developed synthetic molecules that, in lab settings, are able to kill cancer cells and stop the cells from spreading. The researchers are combining organic chemistry, computer-aided design and molecular biology techniques in developing and testing pharmaceutical compounds that can fight breast and prostate cancer cells. The synthetic molecules are derived from curcumin, a naturally occurring compound found in the spice turmeric. ... > full story
Leishmaniasis Parasites Evade Death By Exploiting Immune Response To Sand Fly Bites (August 18, 2008) -- Cutaneous leishmaniasis, a disease characterized by painful skin ulcers, occurs when the parasite Leishmania major, or a related species, is transmitted to a mammalian host by the bite of an infected sand fly. In a new study, scientists have discovered L. major does its damage by not only evading but also by exploiting the body's wound-healing response to sand fly bites. ... > full story
Toxoplasmosis Found More Severe In Brazil Compared To Europe (August 18, 2008) -- Newborns in Brazil are more susceptible to toxoplasmosis than those in Europe, according to a recent study. Researchers based in Austria, Brazil, Denmark, France, Italy, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom studied the disease's ocular effects in children from birth to four years of age. ... > full story
Call For Better Protection Of Older People From Climate Change Impact (August 18, 2008) -- A new report calls on government and public authorities to take action to better protect older people from the future effects of climate change. ... > full story
1918 Flu Antibodies Resurrected From Elderly Survivors (August 18, 2008) -- Ninety years after the sweeping destruction of the 1918 flu pandemic, researchers have recovered antibodies to the virus -- from elderly survivors of the original outbreak. In addition to revealing the surprisingly long-lasting immunity to such viruses, these antibodies could be effective treatments to have on hand if another virus similar to the 1918 flu breaks out in the future. ... > full story
Why An Exciting Book Is Just As Thrilling As A Hair-raising Movie (August 18, 2008) -- Sharing of emotions in movies has been shown to depend on the fact that the same brain regions are activated in the observers when they feel an emotion and when they see someone else experience a similar emotion. We all know, however, that reading a book describing the same scene can be similarly gripping. A new study shows us why. ... > full story
Targeted Drug Therapy Found Effective In Patients With Common Form Of Immune-mediated Kidney Disease (August 18, 2008) -- The drug rituximab causes considerable kidney injury healing in patients with membranous nephropathy, a common form of kidney disease, according to a new study. The results suggest that this condition, previously destined to progress to kidney failure in 30-40 percent of cases, can actually be healed in some patients. ... > full story
Light Metals Against Bombs And Grenades (August 18, 2008) -- A cheap and simple structure made of aluminum can mean the difference between life and death the day the bombs go off. ... > full story
Potential Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Cure Found In Century-old Drug (August 18, 2008) -- A century-old drug, methylene blue, may be able to slow or even cure Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Used at a very low concentration -- about the equivalent of a few raindrops in four Olympic-sized swimming pools of water -- the drug slows cellular aging and enhances mitochondrial function, potentially allowing those with the diseases to live longer, healthier lives. ... > full story
Antidepressants May Impair Driving Ability, New Research Finds (August 18, 2008) -- People taking prescription antidepressants appear to drive worse than people who aren't taking such drugs, and depressed people on antidepressants have even more trouble concentrating and reacting behind the wheel. ... > full story
India Continues To Progress In AIDS Vaccine Development Efforts (August 18, 2008) -- A second Phase I AIDS vaccine clinical trial in India was successfully completed, the Indian Council of Medical Research, the National AIDS Control Organization and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative announced. The results of the trial of an MVA-based AIDS vaccine candidate (TBC-M4), which was conducted in Chennai, indicated that the vaccine candidate had acceptable levels of safety and was well-tolerated. ... > full story
Playing Video Games Offers Learning Across Life Span, Say Studies (August 18, 2008) -- Certain types of video games can have beneficial effects, improving gamers' dexterity as well as their ability to problem-solve -- attributes that have proven useful not only to students but to surgeons, according to new research. Skills transfer to the classroom, surgical procedures, even scientific thinking. ... > full story
Engineers Build Mini Drug-producing Biofactories In Yeast (August 18, 2008) -- Researchers have developed a novel way to churn out large quantities of drugs, including antiplaque toothpaste additives, antibiotics, nicotine, and even morphine, using mini biofactories -- in yeast. ... > full story
Fruit Flies Provide Insight Into Bacterial Infections In Humans (August 18, 2008) -- Researchers have used a fruit fly (Drosophila) model of infection to provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the virulence of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a major cause of infections in individuals who are hospitalized, have burn wounds, or have cystic fibrosis. ... > full story
Study Examines The Psychology Behind Students Who Don't Cheat (August 18, 2008) -- While many studies have examined cheating among college students, new research looks at the issue from a different perspective -- identifying students who are least likely to cheat. The study of students at one Ohio university found that students who scored high on measures of courage, empathy and honesty were less likely than others to report their cheating in the past -- or intending to cheat in the future. ... > full story
Light Receptors In Eye Play Key Role In Setting Biological Clock, Study Shows (August 18, 2008) -- Biologists have discovered a switching mechanism in the eye that plays a key role in regulating the sleep/wake cycles in mammals. ... > full story
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