scan | Page 11 of 14 | Health Newstrack

Bulimia nervosa linked to brain circuit abnormalities

Functional abnormalities within a neural system subserves self-regulatory control, which may contribute to binge eating and other impulsive behaviors in women with Bulimia nervosa (BN). – Women with bulimia nervosa appear to respond more impulsively during psychological testing than those without eating disorders, and brain scans show differences in areas responsible for regulating behavior, according to a report in the January issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Hypertension susceptibility gene STK39 identified

University of Maryland researchers identify common gene variant linked to high blood pressure. STK39 gene produces protein involved in regulating how kidneys process salt. – Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have identified a common gene variant that appears to influence people’s risk of developing high blood pressure, according to the results of a study being published online Dec. 29, 2008 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Good sleep lowers heart disease risk

Longer measured sleep is associated with lower calcification incidence independent of examined potential mediators and confounders. – Participants in a study who slept on average an hour longer per night than other participants had an associated lower incidence of coronary artery calcification, which is thought to be a predictor of future heart disease, according to a study in the December 24/31 issue of JAMA.

Colonoscopy’s limitation for right sided colon cancer

Colonoscopy significantly reduces death from left-sided colon cancer but not from right-sided. Physicians should advise patients of test limitations. – A new study finds that colonoscopy is strongly associated with fewer deaths from colorectal cancer. However, the risk reduction appears to be entirely due to a reduction in deaths from left-sided cancers.

MRI shows signs of multiple sclerosis before disease develops

If Brain MRI shows signs of Multiple sclerosis (MS), will the disease develop? – With more and more people having brain MRIs for various reasons, doctors are finding people whose scans show signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) even though they have no symptoms of the disease.

Education level linked to Alzheimer’s disease, dementia

Brain imaging study supports the ‘cognitive reserve’ hypothesis. Greater education has been associated with better cognitive function during life. – Individuals with higher education levels appear to score higher on cognitive tests despite having evidence of brain plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

New prenatal test for Down syndrome less risky than amniocentesis

New prenatal test for Down syndrome less risky than amniocentesis, Stanford/Packard scientists say. – Pregnant women worried about their babies’ genetic health face a tough decision: get prenatal gene testing and risk miscarriage, or skip the tests and miss the chance to learn of genetic defects before birth.

New gene identified for age related macular degeneration AMD

Researchers looked at a UK sample of patients with AMD and controls, and screened 32 genes potentially involved in the condition. Results suggest an association with the SERPING1 gene. – A new genetic association is established with the eye condition age-related macular degeneration (AMD), revealed by researchers.

Migraine linked to blood clots in veins, venous thrombosis

People with migraine are more likely to have strokes and other cardiovascular problems. – People with migraines may also be more likely to develop blood clots in their veins, and are more likely to have strokes and other cardiovascular problems, revealed by researchers.

Skin odor may diagnose skin cancer

Skin cancer could be diagnosed by the distinctive chemical odor it gives off, say US researchers. – Chemists described the first identification of a specific “odor profile” for skin cancer, a discovery that could form the basis of a rapid, non-invasive test for diagnosing the most common type of cancer in the United States.