Health News for October 7, 2008

Lower brain volume linked to memory loss
Have problem recalling the name of that friend who used to sit behind you in college? Or you always get a bashing from your friends for not remembering their birthdays? Well, then blame such memory loss on your lower brain volume, according to a new study. ANI

100pc fruit juice still make up for healthy school lunches
While parents are wondering how much of 100 percent juice to be given to their children in lunch, researchers have reckoned that it definitely contributes important nutrients to the diet and is clearly not the reason for childhood obesity. Hundred percent fruit juice has long been included in school foodservice meals or in the lunches, and is still considered healthful beverage that can serve as a daily fruit serving. ANI

Lab-on-Bead process may accelerate search for cancer drug
Searching for new cancer-fighting drugs will soon become thousand times faster, all thanks to a new nanotechnology called the Lab-on-Bead process. ANI

Genetic variant that plays role in cleft lip found
In a previously identified gene, scientists have found a variation that likely contributes to one in five cases of isolated cleft lip. ANI

Proteins behind blood vessel dysfunction in type 2 diabetes identified
Researchers at the University of Missouri ave identified the proteins that play important roles in blood-vessel dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. ANI

Gene that helps plants beat the heat identified
In a new study Michigan State University plant scientists have found a new gene, called bZIP28, that helps plants to beat the heat. ANI

Neurotransmitter defect behind autoimmune disease uncovered
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, say that they have uncovered a neurotransmitter defect that may trigger Devics disease, a potentially blinding neurological disorder that is often confused with multiple sclerosis. ANI

How Brazilian palm berrys antioxidants get absorbed in human body
A Brazilian palm berry called acai (pronounced ah-sigh-EE), known to contain numerous antioxidants, has proven its ability to be absorbed in the human body when consumed both as juice and pulp, say researchers. ANI

Most parents dont perceive their kids as being obesity prone
A new survey has revealed that many parents do not accurately perceive their children as overweight or at risk for adulthood obesity. ANI

Anti-cancer drug reverses cardiovascular damage linked to premature aging disorder
In a study on premature aging disorder, called progeria, scientists have shown that an experimental anti-cancer drug can prevent, and even reverse, potentially fatal cardiovascular damage associated with the condition. ANI

Guidelines for implementation of breast health in developing countries published
Guidelines for low- and middle-income countries to implement breast cancer programs to detect and treat the most common disease among women worldwide have been published for the first time in a special supplement of journal Cancer. ANI

Women require less tobacco exposure than men to up colorectal cancer risk
While smoking is bad for the health of both males and females, women require less tobacco exposure than men to have a significant increased risk for colorectal cancer, according to a new study. ANI

Nobel Prize winner predicts therapeutic vaccine for AIDS within four years
A French scientist honoured with the Nobel Prize for discovering the Aids virus has predicted that there would be a therapeutic vaccine for the disease within four years. ANI

Common intestinal bacteria may protect against diabetes
A common intestinal bacteria can provide some protection against type 1 diabetes, according to a new study. ANI

Air pollution linked to increased appendicitis risk
High levels of air pollution may increase the risk of appendicitis, finds a new study. ANI

Soothing music may be the best pregnancy stress buster
Listening to lullabies, classical music and sounds of nature can help relieve psychological stress among pregnant women, according to a new study. ANI

Metabolic syndrome increases colorectal cancer risk by 75pc
Metabolic syndrome can significantly increase the risk of colorectal cancer, according to a new study. ANI

Microwave ovens pose serious safety risk to small kids
Microwave ovens pose a serious threat to young kids, says a new study, which suggests that the kitchen appliance should be equipped with safety controls to prevent children from opening them and being burned by hot foods and drinks. ANI

ADHD drugs cut young girls drug abuse risk
Treatment with stimulant drugs appears to significantly decrease the risk that girls with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) will begin smoking cigarettes or using alcohol or drugs, a new study has found. ANI

Heated car seats, mobile phones can fry up mens fertility!
A heated car seat may keep your bottom warm and toasty on a cold night, but the extra luxury might be silently frying your chances of becoming a father, say two studies, which claim that mobile phones too can toast mens sperm counts. ANI

Novel non-invasive blood test to accurately detect Down syndrome
Scientists in the U.S. have developed a new prenatal blood test that can accurately detected Down syndrome and two other serious chromosomal defects. ANI

Fan use in congested rooms reduces infants SIDS risk
Using a fan in rooms with inadequate ventilation may lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), according to a new study. ANI