http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/chronic_illness/ Learn about coping with chronic illness. Read the latest research on chronic illnesses including new treatment options. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/chronic_illness/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524143500.htm Research into how carbohydrates are converted into energy has led to a surprising discovery with implications for the treatment of a perplexing and potentially fatal neuromuscular disorder and possibly even cancer and heart disease. Thu, 24 May 2012 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524143500.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123207.htm Researchers have found that detailed knowledge about your genetic makeup -- the interplay between genetic variants and other genetic variants, or between genetic variants and environmental risk factors -- may only change your estimated disease prediction risk for three common diseases by a few percentage points, which is typically not enough to make a difference in prevention or treatment plans. Thu, 24 May 2012 12:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523133232.htm Transplanting embryonic cells into adult mouse spinal cord can alleviate persistent pain. The research suggests that reduced pain results from successful integration of the embryonic cells into the host spinal cord. The findings open avenues for clinical strategies aimed not just at treating the symptoms of chronic debilitating pain, but correcting the underlying disease pathology. Wed, 23 May 2012 13:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523133232.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523133057.htm Chronic pain, by definition, is difficult to manage, but a new study shows how a cell therapy might one day be used not only to quell some common types of persistent and difficult-to-treat pain, but also to cure the conditions that give rise to them. Wed, 23 May 2012 13:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523133057.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522161338.htm Research demonstrates how dying or damaged brain cells give rise to autoantibodies in blood that can be reliable biomarkers for early AD diagnosis. Key mechanism mirrors process common to autoimmune disorders. Tue, 22 May 2012 16:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522161338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522134726.htm Residents of Lower Manhattan who suffered home damage following the September 11 terrorist attacks are more likely to report respiratory symptoms and diseases than area residents whose homes were not damaged, concludes a new study . Tue, 22 May 2012 13:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522134726.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522114536.htm The Bcl10 protein helps the free fatty acids found in high fat foods impair insulin action and raise blood sugar, new research shows. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522114536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521104251.htm Obese adolescents with no symptoms of heart disease already have heart damage, according to new research. Mon, 21 May 2012 10:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521104251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120520133614.htm A new study shows that the health risks associated with exposure to environmental tobacco smoke among children whose parents smoke persist well beyond childhood, independent of whether or not they end up becoming smokers. Sun, 20 May 2012 13:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120520133614.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132812.htm Findings suggest that the effects of exercise on memory depend on the age of the exerciser; underlying genetic mechanisms matter, too. Fri, 18 May 2012 13:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517131701.htm Training the brain to reduce pain could be a promising approach for treating phantom limb pain and complex regional pain syndrome, according to s neuroscience researcher. Thu, 17 May 2012 13:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517131701.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517131659.htm The latest genetic and biological research shows that migraine is a neurological, not vascular, disorder and both acute and preventive treatments being developed target peripheral and central nervous systems, according to a prominent migraine expert. Thu, 17 May 2012 13:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517131659.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516152440.htm Scientists have found new evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in brain tissue from blast-exposed military service personnel. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that exposure to a single blast equivalent to a typical improvised explosive device results in CTE and long-term brain impairments that accompany the disease. They also found that the blast wind, not the shock wave, leads to traumatic brain injury and long-term consequences. Wed, 16 May 2012 15:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516152440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516120318.htm ACE2, a molecule that has been shown to prevent damage in the heart, is now proving to be protective of the major organs that are often damaged in diabetic patients. Wed, 16 May 2012 12:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516120318.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515203056.htm Nearly half of all diabetics suffer from neuropathic pain, an intractable, agonizing and still mysterious companion of the disease. Now researchers have identified an unexpected source of the pain and a potential target to alleviate it. Tue, 15 May 2012 20:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515203056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515131321.htm Child abuse or neglect are strong predictors of major health and emotional problems, but little is known about how the chronicity of the maltreatment may increase future harm apart from other risk factors in a child’s life. Scientist have now taken a closer look at how chronic maltreatment has impacted the future health and behavior of children and adults. Tue, 15 May 2012 13:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515131321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515131317.htm Researchers have found new clues in the pathogenesis of skull and skin birth defects associated with a rare genetic disorder, Beare-Stevenson cutis gyrata syndrome (BSS). Tue, 15 May 2012 13:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515131317.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515094132.htm Scientists have discovered that mice that lack a gene called Snf2l have brains that are 35 percent larger than normal. The research could lead to new approaches to stimulate brain regeneration and may provide important insight into developmental disorders such as autism and Rett syndrome. Tue, 15 May 2012 09:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515094132.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514122743.htm For people receiving health care for acute and persistent low-back pain, symptoms will improve significantly in the first six weeks, but pain and disability may linger even after one year, states a large study. Mon, 14 May 2012 12:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514122743.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104856.htm Scientists have identified the genetic cause of a birth defect known as Hamamy syndrome. Their findings lend new insights into common ailments such as heart disease, osteoporosis, blood disorders and possibly sterility. Mon, 14 May 2012 10:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104856.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511133735.htm Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer where the plasma cells in the bone marrow grow out of control, causing damage to bones as well as predisposing patients to anemia, infection and kidney failure. Unfortunately, multiple myeloma continues to progress even after a transplant. A new study now offers promising news about a new long-term therapy, lenalidomide, that can be used after transplantation to slow down the progression of the disease. Fri, 11 May 2012 13:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511133735.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511101240.htm Neuroscientists have succeeded in undoing the effect of one of the genetic defects that leads to Parkinson's using vitamin K2. The discovery gives hope to Parkinson's patients. Fri, 11 May 2012 10:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511101240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510141401.htm Researchers have identified a major pathway leading to brain cell death in mice with neurodegenerative disease. They were able to block the pathway, preventing brain cell death and increasing survival in the mice. Thu, 10 May 2012 14:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510141401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113523.htm Scientists have confirmed that mutations of a gene are responsible for some cases of a rare, inherited disease that causes progressive muscle degeneration and weakness: spinal muscular atrophy with lower extremity predominance, also known as SMA-LED. Thu, 10 May 2012 11:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113335.htm Researchers have discovered preclinical evidence demonstrating that the inflammatory skin disease leads to cardiovascular disease. Further, the research demonstrated that aggressive reversal of psoriasis reduces the cardiovascular risk as well. Thu, 10 May 2012 11:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510100353.htm To better understand the cause of ADHD and to identify methods to prevent and treat it, researchers have developed a new form of specially bred mouse that mimics the condition. Thu, 10 May 2012 10:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510100353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509212721.htm A simple drawing test can predict the long-term risk of dying after a first stroke among older men. Wed, 09 May 2012 21:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509212721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509180046.htm It is relatively common for doctors to diagnose someone with multiple sclerosis when the patient doesn't have the disease -- a misdiagnosis that not only causes patients potential harm but costs the US health care system untold millions of dollars a year, according to a new study. Wed, 09 May 2012 18:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509180046.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509175807.htm Medical researchers report significant time-to-progression benefit as well as survival benefit for patients who took maintenance doses of lenalidomide following stem-cell transplant. Wed, 09 May 2012 17:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509175807.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508124455.htm Sildenafil, also known as the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra, may give a boost to underdeveloped hearts in children and young adults with congenital heart defects. Tue, 08 May 2012 12:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508124455.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507164326.htm Greater purpose in life may help stave off the harmful effects of plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study. Mon, 07 May 2012 16:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507164326.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507164215.htm Depressive symptoms that are present in midlife or in late life are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia, according to a new report. Mon, 07 May 2012 16:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507164215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507141148.htm Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is hard to diagnose as well as treat, but researchers have now discovered a way of confirming the disorder using stool samples. Mon, 07 May 2012 14:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507141148.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507102221.htm Elderly people with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes suffer from an accelerated decline in brain size and mental capacity in as little as two years according to new research. Mon, 07 May 2012 10:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507102221.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507102049.htm Badly controlled diabetes are known to affect the brain causing memory and learning problems and even increased incidence of dementia, although how this occurs is not clear. But now a study in mice with type 2 diabetes has discovered how diabetes affects a brain area called hippocampus causing memory loss, and also how caffeine can prevent this.  Mon, 07 May 2012 10:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507102049.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120505130923.htm A new study has identified the risk of major birth defects associated with different types of assisted reproductive technology. In the most comprehensive study of its kind in the world, researchers compared the risk of major birth defects for each of the reproductive therapies commonly available internationally, such as: IVF (in vitro fertilization), ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) and ovulation induction. They also compared the risk of birth defects after fresh and frozen embryo transfer. Sat, 05 May 2012 13:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120505130923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504172057.htm Researchers have developed a novel system to measure the communication between stem cell-derived motor neurons and muscle cells in a Petri dish. Fri, 04 May 2012 17:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504172057.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502184422.htm Junior Seau’s apparent suicide might shock the sports world, but not concussion specialists. NFL players have a higher rate of depression, substance abuse, and dementia. This is thought to be connected to head impacts says an expert. Wed, 02 May 2012 18:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502184422.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502144031.htm HIV patients treated with genetically modified T cells remain healthy up to 11 years after initial therapy, researchers report. The results provide a framework for the use of this type of gene therapy as a powerful weapon in the treatment of HIV, cancer, and a wide variety of other diseases. Wed, 02 May 2012 14:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502144031.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502143850.htm Three U.S. hospitals have begun implanting a device that stimulates the respiratory muscle in the chest and draws air into the lungs of patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease) under recently approved Food and Drug Administration guidelines. Wed, 02 May 2012 14:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502143850.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502112719.htm The combination of two inhibitors of protein mTOR stops the growth of primary liver cancer and destroys tumor cells, according to a new study. Wed, 02 May 2012 11:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502112719.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502112709.htm Although the two disorders may seem dissimilar, epilepsy and psychosis are associated. Individuals with epilepsy are more likely to have schizophrenia, and a family history of epilepsy is a risk factor for psychosis. It is not known whether the converse is true, i.e., whether a family history of psychosis is a risk factor for epilepsy. Wed, 02 May 2012 11:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502112709.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502112705.htm Obese people who consume increased amounts of fructose, a type of sugar that is found in particular in soft drinks and fruit juices, are at risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NFALD) and more its more severe forms, fatty inflammation and scarring. Wed, 02 May 2012 11:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502112705.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501183017.htm In addition to the many risk factors associated with poor health, reducing body mass index (BMI) will have a considerable and independent impact if you want to reduce the risk of developing ischemic heart disease. This is the key finding from new research which evaluated the causal relationship between BMI and heart disease in 76,000 individuals. Tue, 01 May 2012 18:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501183017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501162704.htm The United States government would get a better bang for its health-care buck in managing the country's most prevalent childhood disabilities if it invested more in eliminating socioenvironmental risk factors than in developing medicines. That's the key conclusion of a new article. Tue, 01 May 2012 16:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501162704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501134205.htm Scientists have identified a key mechanism of action for the TOR (target of rapamycin) protein kinase, a critical regulator of cell growth which plays a major role in illness and aging. This finding not only illuminates the physiology of aging but could lead to new treatments to increase lifespan and control age-related conditions, such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegeneration. Tue, 01 May 2012 13:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501134205.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501085558.htm Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have higher rates of hospitalized bacterial infection than children without JIA according to an observational study. Tue, 01 May 2012 08:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501085558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430190537.htm About one baby is born every hour addicted to opiate drugs in the United States, according to new research. Physicians found that diagnosis of neonatal abstinence syndrome, a drug withdrawal syndrome among newborns, almost tripled between 2000 and 2009. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430190537.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430124715.htm Neuropathic pain is the culprit behind many cases of chronic pain, resistant to common drugs. A new drug inhibits the transmission of pain signals throughout the body, protecting against not only neuropathic pain but also epileptic seizures, new study suggests. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430124715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430114939.htm An antibody that neutralizes Kallikrein 6 is capable of staving off MS in mice, new research suggests. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430114939.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430101052.htm Scientists have determined how specific circuitry in the brain controls not only body movement but also motivation and learning, providing new insight into neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease -- and psychiatric disorders such as addiction and depression. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430101052.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429085413.htm When children behave badly, it's easy to blame their parents. Sometimes, however, such behavior may be due to a mental disorder. Mental illnesses are the No. 1 cause of medical disability in youths ages 15 and older in the United States and Canada, according to the World Health Organization. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429085413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429085406.htm Newborns whose mothers are under stress during the first trimester of pregnancy may be at risk for low iron status, which could lead to physical and mental delays down the road, according to a new study. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429085406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429085404.htm The challenges that come with battling a chronic medical condition or developmental disability are enough to get a young person down. But being left out, ignored or bullied by their peers is the main reason youths with special health care needs report symptoms of anxiety or depression, according to a new study. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429085404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429081136.htm Efforts to prevent obesity among low-income infants should focus not only on what babies are being fed but also the reasons behind unhealthy feeding practices, according to a new study. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429081136.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120427114600.htm Medical researchers have defined the structure of a key part of the human obesity receptor -- an essential factor in the regulation of body fat -- which could help provide new treatments for the complications of obesity and anorexia. Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120427114600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120427114558.htm Scientists show that a specific type of carbohydrate plays an important role in the intercellular signaling that controls the growth and development of the nervous system. In particular, defects in that carbohydrate may result in the uninhibited cell growth that characterizes the genetic disease neurofibromatosis and certain types of cancer. Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120427114558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120427100111.htm Researchers have discovered a gene for a new form of intellectual disability, as well as how it likely affects cognitive development by disrupting neuron functioning. Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120427100111.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426143808.htm Transplanting tissue from newborn fetal membranes prevents blindness in patients with a devastating disease called Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a new study has found. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426143808.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426143806.htm Scientists have discovered that the gas nitric oxide (NO), produced in all cells of the human body for natural purposes, plays a fundamental regulatory role in controlling bacterial function, via a signaling mechanism called S-nitrosylation (SNO), which binds NO to protein molecules. In addition, the researchers discovered a novel set of 150 genes that regulate SNO production and disruption of these genes created bacterial cell damage resembling the cell damage seen in many common human diseases. Collectively these data point to new classes of antibiotics and several new disease treatments. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426143806.htm