Health News for April 12, 2008

Scientists identify COX-2 expression as marker for cancer in benign breast biopsies
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have announced a break through study, which may help doctors predict and treat breast cancer patients years before the cancer even develops. ANI

Scientists identify mitochondrial uncoupling as effective treatment for obesity
Researchers at Maastricht University have provided a new insight into the fight against obesity, by finding a way to increase cells energy consumption: mitochondrial uncoupling. ANI

One-two punch insecticide combo more lethal to crop pests: Study
In a new study, biologists have cited that a one-two punch combination of insecticides containing a plant protein and a common insecticide may prove to be more fatal to crop pests than either ingredient used alone. ANI

Body Building supplements prevent brain damage, death in newborns
Researchers from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia suggest that body building supplements used by athletes and body builders can protect against brain damage and death in newborns from oxygen starvation. ANI

New muscular dystrophy treatment seems to be safe
A new study conducted by researchers from the UK and US has revealed that Myostatin, a protein that blocks muscle growth, seems to be an effective potential therapeutic target for safe muscular dystrophy treatment. ANI

Personal and web-based approach for weight-loss is beneficial: Study
Both Personal and web-based approach for weight-loss are important for an effective obesity control programme, says a new study that supports an approach combining the two adopted by Kaiser Permanente - Americas leading integrated health plan. ANI

Educated individuals live longer than the less-educated: Study
The more educated you are, the longer you will live - at least according to a new study by researchers at Harvard Medical School and Harvard University. ANI

New technology uses microchip fingerprints to combat chip pirates
Pirated microchips i.e. chips stolen from legitimate factories or made from stolen blueprints, have been a major problem for chipmakers. But now, thanks to techniques developed at Rice University, it will be possible for chip designers to lock and remotely activate chips with a unique ID tags. ANI

Post brain injury, new nerve cells originate from neural stem cells: Study
Researchers at German Research Centre for Environmental Health have revealed that new nerve cells originate from neural stem cells after a brain injury. ANI

Obese pregnant women need to control calorie intake, maintain active lifestyle
Overweight pregnant women need to control their calorie intake and maintain a physically active lifestyle in order to fight hypertension and diabetes, says an expert. ANI

A test for depression may soon be a reality
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine have found a biomarker for depression that could lead to a quick lab test to identify patients suffering from the blues. ANI

Weight-loss works better than intensive insulin therapy for type 2 diabetics
Researchers at the UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that weight-loss and major lifestyle changes might be more effective than intensive insulin therapy for overweight patients with poorly controlled, insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes. ANI

Genomics researchers refine marker for common obesity gene
A research team from the Childrens Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has further refined the marker to a common obesity gene called FTO - something that may help identify its role in obesity in various human populations worldwide ANI

A blood test may soon help catch Parkinsons early
Researchers at the Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City have come up with a blood test that profiles molecular biomarkers, giving hope that it could become the first accurate diagnostic test for Parkinsons disease. ANI

Short-term stress can impair memory and learning
Leading a stress free life really is important, for researchers at the University of California, Irvine have found that short-term stress can affect memory and learning. ANI