http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/diseases_and_conditions/ Read the latest research on diseases and conditions, symptoms, new treatment options and more. Updated daily. en-us Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:05:02 EST Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/diseases_and_conditions/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111130948.htm Scientists have devised an innovative way to disarm a key protein considered to be "undruggable," meaning that all previous efforts to develop a drug against it have failed. Their discovery lays the foundation for a new kind of therapy aimed directly at a critical human protein -- one of a few thousand so-called transcription factors -- that could someday be used to treat a variety of diseases, especially multiple types of cancer. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111130948.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105121052.htm Substances naturally produced by the human body may one day help prevent paralysis following a spinal cord injury, according to researchers. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105121052.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111123602.htm A new study reveals that a previously undiscovered mouse gene reduces the two major pathological perturbations commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The research finds that the novel gene interacts with a key cellular enzyme previously linked with AD pathology, thereby uncovering a new strategy for treating this devastating disorder. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111123602.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121451.htm Cancer biologists have identified a subpopulation of cells that can give rise to pancreatic cancer. They also found that tumors can form in other, more mature pancreatic cell types, but only when they are injured or inflamed, suggesting that pancreatic cancer can arise from different types of cells depending on the circumstances. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111121249.htm Got food poisoning? The cause might be bacterial spores, en extremely hardy survival form of bacteria, a nightmare for health care and the food industry and an enigma for scientists. Spore-forming bacteria, present almost everywhere in our environment, can also cause serious infectious diseases, such as tetanus, anthrax, and botulism. Now researchers have made a breakthrough in our understanding of the molecular characteristics of spores that in the long term may lead to new methods for sterilizing food and medical equipment. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111121249.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173720.htm Researchers have transplanted genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells into mice so that their developing red blood cells produce a critical lysosomal enzyme -- preventing or reducing organ and central nervous system damage from the often-fatal genetic disorder Hurler's syndrome. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121458.htm Stereotactic body radiation therapy should be considered a new standard of care for early-stage lung cancer treatment in patients with co-existing medical problems, according to results from a national clinical trial. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121458.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145406.htm A compound already used to treat pneumonia could become a new therapy for an inherited muscular wasting disease. Researchers report that pentamidine might be adapted to counter genetic splicing defects in RNA that lead to type 1 myotonic dystrophy. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121334.htm Teachers and parents must be vigilant in observing difficulties with language comprehension, reading and spelling in children and young people with autism, Asperger's syndrome and ADHD. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121334.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105172425.htm Higher levels of phosphorus in the blood are linked to increased calcification of the coronary arteries -- a key marker of heart disease risk, according to a new study. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105172425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105121215.htm A new study indicates dentists can play a potentially life-saving role in health care by identifying patients at risk of fatal heart attacks and referring them to physicians for further evaluation. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105121215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110065911.htm Combination therapies to tackle multiple changes in the brain may be needed to combat the growing problem of dementia in aging societies, according to a new study. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110065911.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111121251.htm Mobile phones and other cordless telephones have a biological effect on the brain, according to new research from Sweden. It is still too early to say if any health risks are involved, but medical researchers recommend caution in the use of these phones, above all among children and adolescents. Few children who regularly use mobile phones use a headset regularly. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111121251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171632.htm Use of the cholesterol-lowering drugs statins for more than a year is associated with a reduced risk of having gallstones requiring surgery, according to a new study. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171632.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171630.htm Nearly 50 percent of women surveyed indicate they experience pain symptoms 2 to 3 years after breast cancer treatment, with women who were younger or who received supplemental radiation therapy more likely to have pain, according to a new study. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171630.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104140822.htm Researchers have found a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy given before prostate removal is safe and may have the potential to reduce cancer recurrence and improve patient survival. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104140822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103112251.htm Stereotactic radiosurgery, a radiation therapy procedure that precisely delivers a large dose of radiation to tumors, effectively controls pain in patients with cancer that has spread to the spine, according to researchers. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103112251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111083051.htm High levels of workplace exposure to Bisphenol-A may increase the risk of reduced sexual function in men. This is the first human study to look at the effect of BPA on the male reproductive system. Rodent studies have shown BPA's detrimental effect on male reproductive system. The five-year study of 634 workers in China found workers with BPA exposure had quadruple risk of erectile dysfunction, and seven times more risk of ejaculation difficulty. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111083051.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109090425.htm The use of postmenopausal hormone therapy has decreased over time in the United States, which researchers suggest may play a key role in the declining rate of atypical ductal hyperplasia, a known risk factor for breast cancer. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109090425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110105357.htm Getting a flu shot this fall? Canadians scientists have found that focusing on a pretty image could alleviate the sting of that vaccine. According to a new study, negative and positive emotions have a direct impact on pain. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110105357.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110211704.htm Damp environments, poorly maintained heating and air-conditioning systems and carpeting may contribute to poor indoor air quality, according to experts. Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, where they are repeatedly exposed to indoor allergens and airborne particles that can lead to respiratory symptoms and conditions. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110211704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171744.htm Researchers have found a link between two genes involved in cancer formation in humans, by examining the genes in worms. The groundbreaking discovery provides a foundation for how tumor-forming genes interact, and may offer a drug target for cancer treatment. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001163734.htm Surgical masks appear to be no worse than, and nearly as effective as N95 respirators in preventing influenza in health care workers, according to a new study. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001163734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110135409.htm A potential new drug for lung cancer has eliminated tumors in 50 percent of mice in a new study. In the animals, the drug also stopped lung cancer tumors from growing and becoming resistant to treatment. The authors of the research are now planning to take the drug into clinical trials, to establish whether it could offer hope to patients with an inoperable form of lung cancer. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110135409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029211521.htm A diet high in fructose increases the risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension), according to ne research. The findings suggest that cutting back on processed foods and beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup may help prevent hypertension. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029211521.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171652.htm Medications frequently given to cancer patients to reduce their risk of anemia are associated with an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, according to new research. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171652.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110105347.htm Researchers have discovered a mechanism that controls the brain's ability to create lasting memories. In experiments on genetically manipulated mice, they were able to switch on and off the animals' ability to form lasting memories by adding a substance to their drinking water. The findings are of potential significance to the future treatment of Alzheimer's and stroke. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110105347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110202855.htm Researchers have developed a pupil response test that is 92.5 percent accurate in separating children with autism from those with typical development. In the study, the scientists found that children with autism have slower pupil responses to light change. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110202855.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171739.htm People who did not earn a high school diploma could be more likely to get H1N1 and the vaccine might be less effective in them compared to those who earned a diploma, new research shows. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171739.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029211644.htm Like yoga for office drones, cells do have coping strategies for stress. Heat, lack of nutrients, oxygen radicals -- all can wreak havoc on the delicate internal components of a cell, potentially damaging it beyond repair. Proteins called HSPs (heat shock proteins) allow cells to survive stress-induced damage. Scientists have long studied how HSPs work in order to harness their therapeutic potential. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029211644.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091101132528.htm Despite being highly effective and beneficial for many patients, unexpected consequences are emerging in patients who are prescribed proton pump inhibitors for reflux diseases. Physicians are warned to monitor these effects and prescribe these medications carefully, according to a new commentary. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091101132528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110141844.htm In a new study, psychologists are able to see in detail for the first time how various regions of the human brain respond when people experience an unexpected or traumatic event. The study could lead to the creation of biological measures that could identify people with post-traumatic stress disorder or identify PTSD sufferers who would benefit from specific treatments. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110141844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110135417.htm Laparoscopic surgery has been used in the treatment of intestinal disorders for close to 20 years, but its benefits have only recently begun to be extended to people with rectal cancer. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110135417.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091101132533.htm A new study confirms the success of a simple questionnaire designed to identify patients at high risk of lung cancer. Initiated in 2001, the current study confirmed 18 cases of cancer of the original 430 patients who qualified as high risk after completing a five-minute questionnaire. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091101132533.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173356.htm In an advance that could one day enable surgeons to reconstruct and restore function to damaged or diseased penile tissue in humans, researchers at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine have used tissue engineering techniques to completely replace penile erectile tissue in rabbits. This is the most complete replacement of penile erectile tissue to date and suggests the possibility of using the same approach for men with erectile dysfunction or conditions that require reconstruction, including penile cancer and congenital abnormalities. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109173356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091031152434.htm A new study found that hepatitis B does not increase the risk for pancreatic cancer -- and that only age is a contributing factor. The results contradict a previous study in 2008 that suggested a link between pancreatic cancer and previous hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by a viral infection. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091031152434.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110210509.htm Depression occurs in as many as one-third of patients after a stroke, and women are at somewhat higher risk, according to a large new review of studies. Post-stroke depression is associated with greater disability, reduced quality of life and an increased risk of death. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110210509.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111200225.htm Scientists have found a clear link between living to 100 and inheriting a hyperactive version of an enzyme that rebuilds telomeres -- the tip ends of chromosomes. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111200225.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111200221.htm A new study puts scientists one step closer to clinical trials to test a gene delivery strategy to improve muscle mass and function in patients with certain degenerative muscle disorders. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111200221.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111200213.htm Malfunctioning circadian clock genes may be responsible for bipolar disorder in children. Researchers found four versions of the regulatory gene RORB that were associated with pediatric bipolar disorder. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111200213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111123614.htm Scientists in China are reporting for the first time assembly of the largest-ever collection of data about the proteins produced by genes in a single human organ. Their focus was the liver, and their massive database in both protein and transcript levels could become a roadmap for finding possible new biomarkers and treatments for liver disease. Those include hepatitis and liver cancer, which is at epidemic levels in China and affects millions of people worldwide. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111123614.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111092043.htm Researchers have identified an entirely new mechanism by which a specific protein in the body inhibits formation of new blood vessels. Inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels is an important aspect of, for example, cancer treatment. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111092043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110105355.htm College age students text the most, preferring it to calls or e-mail. However, new research is suggesting that the copious amounts of texting could lead to overuse injuries -- once only reserved for older adults who have spent years in front of a computer. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110105355.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103112403.htm Radiation oncologists are intent on finding ways to avoid damage to the critically important hippocampus and limbic circuit of the brain when cranial radiation is required to treat existing or potential metastatic cancers. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103112403.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103144814.htm Hypofractionated radiation treatment, a newer type of radiation treatment that delivers higher doses of radiation in fewer treatments than conventional radiation therapy, is significantly more effective in stopping cancer from growing in high risk patients, compared to receiving standard radiation treatment, according to a new study. In addition, findings show there is no increased risk of negative side effects later in patients who undergo hypofractionated radiation. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103144814.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110065909.htm An experimental study examining the perception of pain and the effects of various mental training techniques has found that a relatively short and simple meditation method can have a significant positive effect on pain management. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110065909.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110135413.htm Mathematicians are coupling mathematical models with information about a baby's physiology inside the womb. Combining ultrasound with powerful algorithms based on real-life data, pediatricians get critical data on the development of the fetal circulatory system, so they can determine when the baby is strong enough to survive on its own. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110135413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110090905.htm The drug Sprycel, approved for use by the US Food and Drug Administration in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, significantly inhibited the growth and invasiveness of ovarian cancer cells and also promoted their death, a new study has found. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110090905.htm