Health News for September 28, 2007

Fear of crime doubles the risk of depression
A new study conducted by researchers at the University College London has revealed that a strong fear of crime may double an individuals likelihood of suffering from depression. ANI

Stem cell from bone marrow may hold hope for multiple sclerosis patients
Medical practitioners at the Frenchay hospital, near Bristol, are conducting clinical trials with stem cells drawn from patients own bone marrow to see whether they can travel to damaged parts of the brain and repair them. ANI

Now a novel, field-deployable biosensor to detect bird flu virus in minutes
Scientists at the Georogia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) have developed a new biosensor that can detect avian influenza in minutes. ANI

Wasp study shows maternal behaviour behind altruism
Researchers at the University of Illinois have revealed the molecular basis of altruistic behaviour in wasps using an innovative approach. ANI

Schizophrenia risk gene variants common in healthy people too
A new study has revealed that a few particular genes, known to be associated with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, affect even healthy individuals. ANI

Alcohol in any form increases breast cancer risk
A new study has found that there is no difference in the risk of developing breast cancer between wine, beer or spirits, since it is the consumption of alcohol itself and the quantity that triggers the cancer. ANI

Now, an iPod based digital system to stop you from stuttering
A researcher from the University of Mississippi has developed an economical iPod based digital device based that can replace costly devices for treating stutter. ANI

Pregnancy does not harm chances of survival from cancer: Study
A new research has revealed that pregnancy does not harm chances of survival from cancer. ANI

Common dementia linked to loss of specific gene
A team of researchers at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville have discovered how loss of a gene can lead to accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain, resulting in a common dementia. ANI

High blood pressure patients require more coordinated brain blood flow for memory tasks
When it comes to performing memory tasks, people suffering from high blood pressure require more blood flow to the parts of the brain that support such functions as compared to individuals with normal blood pressure, say researchers. ANI

Study gives new insight into H5N1s high fatality rate
Avian influenza H5N1 virus not only affects the respiratory system but gastrointestinal tract, immune and central nervous systems also, and it can be transmitted from mother to foetus through placenta, say researchers. ANI

Stealth learning helping keep students glued to science
A Duke University pharmacology professor has devised a novel method of making science education more interesting for high school students. ANI

Fried food compounds may raise heart disease risk
Gorging on those French fries and hamburgers may not be a good idea anymore, with a new study showing that fatty foods cooked at high temperatures may cause a significant dysfunction in blood vessel dilation that can lead to heart disease. ANI

Trials for diabetes drugs not measuring outcomes important to patients
Researchers have suggested that the impact of diabetes medication on a patients quality of life should be considered to avoid the risk of developing complications associated with the disease such as death, heart attack, stroke, amputation, blindness and dialysis. ANI

Music and language are processed by the same brain systems: Study
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Centre have found evidence that music and language are processed by the same brain systems. ANI

R-rated movies not enough to keep kids away from smoking
A new study in New Zealand has revealed that movies with the Restricted(R) ratings encourage children to smoke rather than keeping them away from cigarettes. ANI

Allergy is a major factor in asthma: Study
According to a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found further evidence to support the theory that allergy is a major factor in asthma. ANI

Brits being used as guinea pigs for unproven cosmetic surgery
Plastic surgeons are warning British men and women not to fall for miracle anti-wrinkle treatments in the country, for some of the products being offered are from companies that have been refused licences elsewhere. ANI

Excessive multivitamin use could increase prostate cancer risk
Men need to be cautious about taking multivitamins more than once a day, for a new study has found doing so may increase the risk of prostrate cancer. ANI