ScienceDaily: Chronic Illness News

Getting enough sleep could help prevent type 2 diabetes

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:18:18 EDT

Getting more sleep increases insulin sensitivity and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Obesity leads to brain inflammation, and low testosterone makes it worse

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:28:28 EDT

Low testosterone worsens the harmful effects of obesity in the nervous system, a new study in mice finds.

Rett Syndrome protein surrenders some of its secrets

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:25:25 EDT

Discovery of a mutant gene responsible for a disease is a milestone, but for most conditions, it may be only a first step towards a treatment or cure. Understanding Rett Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder, is further complicated by the fact that the implicated gene controls a suite of other genes. Two papers, published in today's Nature Neuroscience and Nature, reveal key steps in how mutations in the gene for methyl CpG-binding protein cause the condition.

Short-term antidepressant use, stress, high-fat diet linked to long-term weight gain

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:08:08 EDT

Short-term use of antidepressants, combined with stress and a high-fat diet, is associated with long-term increases in body weight, a new animal study finds.

Medical marijuana not the answer for teens with chronic pain, doctors say

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:09:09 EDT

Adolescents can have chronic pain, just like adults. As patients, their parents and physicians search for solutions, there is one increasingly available option they should avoid, researchers say: medical marijuana.

Stress test and brain scans pinpoint two distinct forms of Gulf War illness

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 23:04:04 EDT

New research suggests that Gulf War illness may have two distinct forms depending on which brain regions have atrophied. In a study of Gulf War veterans, researchers say their findings help explain why clinicians have consistently encountered veterans with different symptoms and complaints.

Testing method promising for spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:28:28 EDT

A medical test previously developed to measure a toxin found in tobacco smokers has been adapted to measure the same toxin in people suffering from spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis, offering a potential tool to reduce symptoms.

Depression in postmenopausal women may increase diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:28:28 EDT

Postmenopausal women who use antidepressant medication or suffer from depression might be more likely to have a higher body mass index, larger waist circumference and inflammation -- all associated with increased risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

High prevalence of NSAID prescription in those at risk of heart attack/death in primary care

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:26:26 EDT

A new study demonstrates a high prevalence of NSAID prescriptions in patients at risk of ischaemic heart disease.

Overweight and obese patients less likely to achieve remission in early rheumatoid arthritis

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:26:26 EDT

Overweight and obese patients are less likely to achieve successful remission in early rheumatoid arthritis compared to those of normal weight.

Brain-imaging technique can help diagnose movement disorders

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:41:41 EDT

A new study suggests a promising brain-imaging technique has the potential to improve diagnoses for the millions of people with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

Sleep mechanism identified that plays role in emotional memory

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 22:41:41 EDT

Sleep researchers have identified the sleep mechanism that enables the brain to consolidate emotional memory and found that a popular prescription sleep aid heightens the recollection of and response to negative memories.

Men with restless legs syndrome may be at higher risk of early death

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:22:22 EDT

Men who experience restless legs syndrome (RLS) may have a higher risk of dying earlier, according to new research.

Cocoa may help fight obesity-related inflammation

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:31:31 EDT

A few cups of hot cocoa may not only fight off the chill of a winter's day, but they could also help obese people better control inflammation-related diseases, such as diabetes, according to new research.

Recognising low blood sugars could help prevent brain damage in newborn babies

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:30:30 EDT

Researchers studying a rare and potentially lethal childhood disease – which is the clinical opposite of diabetes - have made an important discovery.

Dad's life stress exposure leaves mark on sperm, can affect offspring brain development

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:26:26 EDT

Stress felt by dad -- whether as a preadolescent or adult -- leaves a lasting impression on his sperm that gives sons and daughters a blunted reaction to stress, according to a new preclinical study. The findings point to a never-before-seen epigenetic link to stress-related diseases such as anxiety and depression passed from father to child.

Commonly prescribed drugs may influence the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:25:25 EDT

Multiple drug classes commonly prescribed for common medical conditions are capable of influencing the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease, according to researchers.

Walking leads to better health for older men

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:16:16 EDT

The more an older man walks, the better his physical and mental health and his quality of life are likely to be, finds a new study.

New sickle cell anemia therapy advances to phase II clinical trials

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 09:29:29 EDT

Seeking to improve the lives of sickle cell anemia sufferers around the world, researchers are preparing to launch Phase II of a clinical trial to investigate a potential new therapy for reducing the disorder’s severest symptoms. More than 100,000 Americans and several million people worldwide suffer from this genetic disorder.

Walking or cycling to work linked to health benefits in India

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:45:45 EDT

People in India who walk or cycle to work are less likely to be overweight or obese, have diabetes or high blood pressure, a study has found.

Very high prevalence of chronic health conditions among adult survivors of childhood cancer

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:18:18 EDT

In an analysis that included more than 1,700 adult survivors of childhood cancer, researchers found a very high percentage of survivors with 1 or more chronic health conditions, with an estimated cumulative prevalence of any chronic health condition of 95 percent at age 45 years, according to a new study.

Hearing loss in older adults tied to more hospitalizations and poorer physical and mental health

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:18:18 EDT

Older adults with hearing loss are more likely than peers with normal hearing to require hospitalization and suffer from periods of inactivity and depression, according to new results.

New research urges caution on use of peer support in chronic disease

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:21:21 EDT

Health organizations need to give careful consideration to schemes which encourage people with chronic diseases to seek support from peers, to avoid the potential negative effects, new research shows.

Hepatitis C virus entry factor identified

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:26:26 EDT

A new study reveals that HCV not only alters expression of the iron-uptake receptor known as transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) but that TfR1 also mediates HCV entry.

A path to lower-risk painkillers: Newly-discovered drug target paves way for alternatives to morphine

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:25:25 EDT

New findings provide vital step towards exploring pain medications that may lower risks of prescription drug abuse and side effects of painkillers.

Frequent binge drinking is associated with insomnia symptoms in older adults

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:30:30 EDT

A new study suggests that frequent binge drinking is associated with insomnia symptoms in older adults.

Treatment of mental illness lowers arrest rates, saves money

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:27:27 EDT

Research shows that outpatient treatment of mental illness significantly reduces arrest rates for people with mental health problems and saves taxpayers money.

Suicide risk factors described

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 08:41:41 EDT

The rate of suicide among men is almost three times that of women, according to new research. Being young, single and having a low level of education were stronger risk factors for suicide among men, while mental illness was a stronger risk factor among women. Unemployment was the strongest social risk factor among women, whereas being single was the strongest among men.

Neurostimulation lowers need for opioids in chronic pain

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 08:40:40 EDT

Scientists have created the first consensus guidelines for the use of neurostimulation, an established and growing therapy for chronic pain and other conditions.

New cause of life-threatening disease identified

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 20:45:45 EDT

Researchers have just published findings that explain a previously unknown mechanism used by cells to communicate with one another. The research significantly contributes to understanding why some children are born with malformations and why children and adults may develop life-threatening diseases.

Vegetable oil is good for you, experts say

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 22:28:28 EDT

Since the 1970s, researchers have known that lineolic acid (LA) helps reduce blood cholesterol levels, and for decades, scientists have known that consuming LA can help lower the risk of heart disease. However, some experts have been claiming recently that Americans might be getting too much of a good thing. A new study contradicts that claim.

Diabetes drug shows promise in treatment of neurodegenerative disease

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 22:25:25 EDT

Researchers have found that a drug used to control Type II diabetes can help repair the spinal cords of mice suffering from the inherited disease adrenoleukodystrophy which, untreated, leads eventually to a paralysis, a vegetative state and death. They believe that their findings may be relevant to other neurodegenerative diseases. A Phase II trial will be starting shortly.

Common genetic disease linked to father's age

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:10:10 EDT

Scientists have unlocked the mystery of why new cases of the genetic disease Noonan syndrome are so common; a mutation that causes the disease disproportionately increases a normal father's production of sperm carrying the disease trait.

Rapid change in China brings significant improvements in health

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:08:08 EDT

In China between 1990 and 2010, communicable disease and child mortality decreased while life expectancy increased. But China faces significant challenges. The top five causes of health loss are dietary risks, high blood pressure, tobacco use, ambient air pollution, and household air pollution. Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer increased in the past 20 years. China has five cancers in its top 15 causes of premature mortality, more than any G20 country.

New liver cell for cellular therapy to aid in liver regeneration

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:10:10 EDT

Liver transplantation is the mainstay of treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease, the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, but new research suggests that it may one day become possible to regenerate a liver using cell therapy in patients with liver disease.

Formula-feeding linked to metabolic stress and increased risk of later disease

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:37:37 EDT

New evidence from research suggests that infants fed formula, rather than breast milk, experience metabolic stress that could play a part in the long-recognized link between formula-feeding and an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other conditions in adult life.

Targeting an aspect of Down syndrome

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:29:29 EDT

Researchers have determined how a gene that is known to be defective in Down syndrome is regulated and how its dysregulation may lead to neurological defects, providing insights into potential therapeutic approaches to an aspect of the syndrome.

Obese mums may pass health risks on to grandchildren

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 10:44:44 EDT

Health problems linked to obesity -- like heart disease and diabetes -- could skip an entire generation, a new study suggests.

Heart health matters to your brain

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 15:33:33 EDT

People suffering from type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are at an increased risk of cognitive decline, according to a new study.

Weather conditions do not affect fibromyalgia pain or fatigue

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 09:46:46 EDT

Weather conditions including temperature, sunshine, and precipitation have no impact on fibromyalgia symptoms in female patients, study suggests. Results suggest, however, that individual patients may be sensitive to some changes in the weather.

Interleukin 17F level and interferon beta response in patients with multiple sclerosis

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 16:41:41 EDT

A new study examines the association between IL-17F and treatment response to interferon beta-1b among patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Role conflict and emotional demands are 'most important' risk factors for distress in workers

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:32:32 EDT

Employees who face high emotional demand and conflicting roles are more likely to report psychological distress—placing them at higher risk of mental health disorders and reduced productivity, reports a new study.

Researchers focus on a brain protein and an antibiotic to block cocaine craving

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:26:26 EDT

A new study by neuroscientists demonstrates that GLT1, a protein that clears glutamate from the brain, plays a critical role in the craving for cocaine that develops after only several days of cocaine use.

Clear link between perceived stress and an increased incidence of psychosomatic symptoms

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:24:24 EDT

In four out of ten cases, long-term stress suffered by women leads to some form of physical complaint. This is shown by a study of 1,500 women.

Enhanced white blood cells heal mice with MS-like disease

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 13:38:38 EDT

Genetically engineered immune cells seem to promote healing in mice infected with a neurological disease similar to multiple sclerosis, cleaning up lesions and allowing the mice to regain use of their legs and tails.

How disease mutations affect the Parkin protein

Fri, 31 May 2013 10:52:52 EDT

Researchers have determined the crystal structure of Parkin, a protein found in cells that when mutated can lead to a hereditary form of Parkinson’s disease. The results define the position of many of the mutations linked to hereditary Parkinson’s disease and explain how these alterations may affect the stability and function of the protein. The findings may in time reveal how the activity of Parkin is affected in patients with this rare but debilitating type of Parkinson’s disease.

Good kidney health begins before birth

Thu, 30 May 2013 19:24:24 EDT

Researchers have found that conditions in the womb can affect kidney development and have serious health implications for the child not only immediately after birth, but decades later.

Cost of resiliency in kids uncovered

Thu, 30 May 2013 13:24:24 EDT

Children living in poverty who appear to succeed socially may be failing biologically. Students able to overcome the stress of growing up poor are labeled "resilient" because of their ability to overcome adversity, but researchers found this resiliency has health costs that last well into adulthood.

New discovery permits rapid diagnosis and treatment of sepsis

Thu, 30 May 2013 11:11:11 EDT

Despite advances in treating infections and disease, effective treatments for sepsis remain elusive. New research could help health care providers predict who may or may not develop sepsis, and facilitate new therapies to address the root causes, rather than just managing the symptoms. This also may benefit patients suffering from viral infections, as well as chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Billions worldwide suffer from major tooth decay

Thu, 30 May 2013 11:11:11 EDT

Billions of people across the globe are suffering from major untreated dental problems, according to a new report.

Brain activity in sleep may impact emotional disturbances in children with ADHD

Wed, 29 May 2013 19:09:09 EDT

Sleep consolidates emotional memories in healthy children but not in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to new research. The study suggests these deficits in sleep-related emotional processing may exacerbate emotional problems experienced in the daytime by children with ADHD.

Blood test to diagnose Alzheimer's in earliest stage?

Wed, 29 May 2013 11:12:12 EDT

Blood offers promise as a way to detect Alzheimer’s disease at its earliest onset, researchers say. They envision a test that would detect distinct metabolic signatures in blood plasma that are synonymous with the disease -- years before patients begin showing cognitive decline.

Link between domestic violence and perinatal mental health disorders

Tue, 28 May 2013 18:10:10 EDT

Women who have mental health disorders around the time of birth are more likely to have previously experienced domestic violence, according to a study by UK researchers.

Meta-analysis: Bug and weed killers, solvents may increase risk of Parkinson's disease

Mon, 27 May 2013 23:17:17 EDT

A large analysis of more than 100 studies from around the world shows that exposure to pesticides, or bug and weed killers, and solvents is likely associated with a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

Down syndrome neurons grown from stem cells show signature problems

Mon, 27 May 2013 15:36:36 EDT

Brain cells have been grown from skin cells of individuals with Down syndrome.

Researchers identify genetic suspects in sporadic Lou Gehrig's disease

Mon, 27 May 2013 10:06:06 EDT

Researchers have identified mutations in several new genes that might be associated with the development of spontaneously occurring cases of the neurodegenerative disease known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

Proteins in migration: New animal model provides important clues on mechanisms of Parkinson's disease

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:48:48 EDT

Scientists have developed a novel experimental model that reproduces for the first time this pattern of alpha-synuclein brain spreading and provides important clues on the mechanisms underlying this pathological process. They triggered the production of human alpha-synuclein in the lower rat brain and were able to trace the spreading of this protein toward higher brain regions. The new experimental paradigm could promote the development of ways to halt or slow down disease development in humans.

Young children who miss well-child visits are more likely to be hospitalized

Fri, 24 May 2013 10:46:46 EDT

Young children who missed more than half of recommended well-child visits had up to twice the risk of hospitalization compared to children who attended most of their visits, according to a new study.

Heart healthy lifestyle may cut kidney disease patients' risk of kidney failure

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:13:13 EDT

Compared with kidney disease patients who had zero or one heart healthy lifestyle component in the ideal range, those with two, three, and four ideal factors had progressively lower risks for kidney failure over four years. No kidney disease patients with five to seven ideal factors developed kidney failure. Patients' risk of dying during the study followed a similar trend.

New mechanism for estrogen suppression of liver lipid synthesis

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:37:37 EDT

By discovering the new mechanism by which estrogen suppresses lipid synthesis in the liver, endocrinologists have revealed a potential new approach toward treating certain liver diseases.