Molecule tells key brain cells to grow up, get to work
About four out of every 10 cells in the brain are so-called oligodendrocytes. These cells produce the all-important myelin that coats nerve tracts, ensuring fast, energy-efficient transmission of nerve impulses. Scientists have now identified a molecular master switch that catalyzes these cells' transition to mature, myelin-making mavens....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 08:00 PM -- 
|
Sonic hedgehog gene found in an unexpected place during limb development
Sonic hedgehog is at work in mice limb buds in what is known as the ectoderm, the cell layer that gives rise to skin, researchers discovered. Finding Sonic hedgehog here is akin to discovering that yeast has crept from the batter to the frosting, where it has the surprising effect of limiting how much the cake rises. In this case, instead of causing appendages to grow in mice, Sonic hedgehog prevents digits from developing....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 08:00 PM --
|
ATV and motocross sports: High velocity toys merit caution, experts say
Over the years, all terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motocross motorcycles have gained popularity and marketed as toys to consumers. These high-velocity machines can weigh between 300 and 600 pounds, and run on average between 25 and 60 miles per hour, while some even reach maximum speeds of 75 miles per hour. In 2008, nearly 28 percent of all ATV-related injuries were to children younger than 16. There were an estimated 135,000 injuries for riders of all ages for ATV use. A majority of ATV injuries happen from tipping, overturning or multiple riders....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 08:00 PM --
|
Discovery of 'fat' taste could hold the key to reducing obesity
A newly discovered ability for people to taste fat could hold the key to reducing obesity, researchers believe. They also found that people with a high sensitivity to the taste of fat tended to eat less fatty foods and were less likely to be overweight...
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 05:00 PM --
|
First inherited prostate cancer genetic mutation in African-American men identified
Researchers have discovered, for the first time, a genetic mutation in African-American men with a family history of prostate cancer who are at increased risk for the disease. The team identified an inheritable genetic defect in the receptor for the male hormone, androgen (testosterone), that may contribute to the development of prostate cancer and its progression....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 05:00 PM --
|
Osteoporosis drug improves healing after rotator cuff surgery
Tears in the shoulder's rotator cuff, a common sports injury, are painful and restricting. New research shows an approved therapy for osteoporosis, Forteo, may speed healing and improve patient outcomes, according to a preliminary study....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 05:00 PM --
|
Physicians click their way to better prescriptions
Is it time for all community-based doctors to turn to e-prescribing to cut down on the number of medication errors? Electronic prescriptions can dramatically reduce prescribing errors -- up to seven-fold, according to a new study of the benefits of e-prescribing in primary care practices....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 05:00 PM --
|
Hormone thought to slow aging associated with increased risk of cancer death
Older men with high levels of the hormone IGF-I (insulin-like growth factor 1) are at increased risk of cancer death, independent of age, lifestyle and cancer history, according to a new study....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 02:00 PM --
|
Papaya extract thwarts growth of cancer cells in lab tests
Papaya extract seems to have a toxic effect on cancer cells in culture, suggesting a potential treatment. Scientists documented for the first time that papaya leaf extract boosts the production of key signaling molecules called Th1-type cytokines. This regulation of the immune system, in addition to papaya's direct anti-tumor effect on various cancers, suggests possible therapeutic strategies that use the immune system to fight cancers....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 02:00 PM --
|
Obese 3-year-olds show early warning signs for future heart disease
A new study finds that obese children as young as 3 years old have elevated levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation that in adults is considered an early warning sign for possible future heart disease....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 02:00 PM --
|
Low oxygen levels in body linked to cancer-aiding protein
A professor of biochemistry who was researching protein kinase C gamma in the lens of the human eye found her work taking a fascinating turn when she discovered a correlation between the protein Coonexin46 and hypoxia -- a deficiency of oxygen which kills normal tissue cells. The researcher believes the findings will lead to serious advancements in treating retinoblastoma, a cancer that forms in the tissue of the retina....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 11:00 AM --
|
Transplant drug preserves kidneys, avoids toxicity, studies suggest
The experimental drug belatacept can prevent graft rejection in kidney transplant recipients while better preserving kidney function when compared with standard immunosuppressive drugs, data from two international phase III clinical trials show....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 11:00 AM --
|
Life is shorter for men, but sexually active life expectancy is longer
At age 55, men can expect another 15 years of sexual activity, but women that age should expect less than 11 years, according to a new study. Men in good or excellent health at 55 can add 5 to 7 years to that number. Equally healthy women gain slightly less, 3 to 6 years....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 11:00 AM --
|
New study questions benefits of elective removal of ovaries during hysterectomy
Removal of the ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy) while performing a hysterectomy is common practice to prevent the subsequent development of ovarian cancer. This prophylactic procedure is performed in 55% of all U.S. women having a hysterectomy, or approximately 300,000 times each year. A new article suggests that this procedure may do more harm than good....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 08:00 AM --
|
Chemical competition: Research identifies new mechanism regulating embryonic development
A research team has discovered that protein competition over an important enzyme provides a mechanism to integrate different signals that direct early embryonic development. The work suggests that these signals are combined long before they interact with the organism's DNA, as was previously believed, and also may inform new therapeutic strategies to fight cancer....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 08:00 AM --
|
Hemoglobin A1c outperforms fasting glucose for risk prediction
Measurements of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) more accurately identify persons at risk for clinical outcomes than the commonly used measurement of fasting glucose, according to a new study. HbA1c levels accurately predict future diabetes, and they better predict stroke, heart disease and all-cause mortality as well....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 08:00 AM --
|
Reovirus may be a novel approach to prostate cancer treatment
Researchers in Canada have detected a novel oncolytic viral therapy against prostate cancer with use of a virus called the reovirus, according to a new study....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 05:00 AM --
|
CT-scan screening for LAM in women with collapsed lung is cost-effective
Researchers have found that using high-resolution CT-scans to screen for lymphangioleiomyomatosis, or LAM, is cost-effective in non-smoking women between 25 and 54 who come to the emergency room for the first time with a collapsed lung....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 05:00 AM --
|
Surprising findings about Hepatitis C and insulin resistance
Scientists have known for several years that Hepatitis C, a common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer, also makes people three to four times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. In studying the insulin resistance of 29 people with Hepatitis C, Australian researchers have confirmed that they have high insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. However, almost all insulin resistance was in muscle, with little or none in the liver, a very surprising finding given that Hepatitis C is a liver disease....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 02:00 AM --
|
Skin transplant offers new hope to vitiligo patients
A new study finds that skin transplant surgery is safe and effective for treating vitiligo. Researchers followed 23 patients for up to six months after surgery and found that the treated area regained on average 52 percent of its natural skin color. In eight patients with a specific type of vitiligo, the treated area regained on average 74 percent of its natural skin color....
POSTED 03/10/2010 at 02:00 AM --
|
