Health News for December 26, 2007

Studying genetic mutations in mice may pave way for human neuropathy cure
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center say that utilizing mouse models to study mutations in a gene called dynein, required for the proper functioning of sensory nerve cells, may pave the way for better treatments for a human nerve disorder known as peripheral neuropathy. ANI

People addicted to alcohol more impulsive in their decision-making
New research involving brain imaging and genetic studies has for the first time established an association between thinking patterns and liquor addiction. ANI

Exposure to environmental factors may influence testicular cancer risk
A recent study has revealed that exposure to environmental factors in early life may influence the risk of testicular cancer. ANI

Scientists develop superior method to differentiate new and recurrent cancers
Researchers have developed a novel method that uses DNA breakpoint data to differentiate between breast cancer recurrences and new primary tumors. ANI

Cannabinoids can inhibit tumor cell growth in highly invasive cancers
A new study has found that Cannabinoids, the active components in marijuana, may aid in inhibiting tumor cell growth in highly invasive cancers. ANI

New screening strategy to diagnose chagas disease in children
A new study has revealed that it would be possible to diagnose and treat Chagas disease in children in low-resource settings with the help of a new targeted screening strategy. ANI

Kenyan chemists aim to develop malaria drug from medicinal plant extracts
Kenyan chemists are trying to develop malaria medicines from the extracts of plants. ANI

Asian Americans least prone to breast cancer among ethnic minorities
A new study has found that Asian Americans have the lowest prevalence (0.5 percent) of the cancer-associated gene mutation BRCA1. ANI

Hispanic, young black women more susceptible to breast cancer
A new study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and the Northern California Cancer Center has found that a genetic mutation, already known to be more prevalent in Ashkenazi Jewish breast cancer patients, is also common in Hispanic and young African-American women with breast cancer. ANI

How fish oil fights Alzheimers disease identified
Scientists at the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) have made advancement in the fight against Alzheimers, by identifying the reasons why fish oil is a deterrent against the disease ANI

Transient neurological attacks linked to greater risk of stroke, dementia
A recent study has revealed that people experiencing symptoms described as transient neurological attacks (TNAs), such as temporary amnesia or confusion, are at an increased risk of stroke and dementia. ANI

Travellers to tropics highly prone to filarial infections
Travellers to tropical countries are highly prone to filarial infections, with river blindness being the most commonly acquired infection between 1997 and 2004, according to a study. ANI

Chemotherapy and tamoxifen separately cut breast cancer recurrence risk
A new study has shown that in breast cancer patients, chemotherapy and tamoxifen separately, may reduce the risk of recurrence of breast cancer for at least 10 and 5 years respectively. ANI

Engineered blood vessels may soon be a reality
Scientists a\t the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have found a way to induce cells to form parallel tube-like structures, opening the possibility of engineered blood vessels. ANI