Health Newstrack

Brain imaging and genetic studies link thinking patterns to addiction

Scientists have for the first time identified brain sites that fire up more when people make impulsive decisions. In a study comparing brain activity of sober alcoholics and non-addicted people making financial decisions, the group of sober alcoholics showed significantly more “impulsive” neural activity. – Alcoholics are more impulsive than non-addicted people making financial decisions, revealed by researcher Charlotte Boettiger at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Breast cancer gene mutation common in Hispanic, young black women

The gene mutation BRCA1, which is known to increase the risk of breast cancer, is prevalent among Hispanics and young black women with breast cancer, researchers report. – A genetic mutation already known to be more common in Ashkenazi Jewish breast cancer patients is also prevalent in Hispanic and young African-American women with breast cancer, according to one of the largest, multiracial studies of the mutation to date.

Bayer Diabetes Care recalls test strips for Contour TS Blood Glucose Meter

A unit of Bayer AG recalled diabetes test strips used with its Contour TS Blood Glucose Meter because they may result in 5 to 17 percent higher. – Bayer Diabetes Care has initiated a voluntary market recall of test strips (sensors) used exclusively with the Contour TS Blood Glucose Meter. In the course of its routine quality control monitoring processes the Company identified a manufacturing issue with test strips from specific lots that could result in blood glucose readings with a positive bias that is outside of our product specifications. Test results may demonstrate results 5 -17% higher.

Most parents underestimate children’s obesity

Despite ongoing reports of the global obesity epidemic, many American parents whose children are obese do not see it, a new survey finds. – Large numbers of parents fail to recognize that their children are overweight or obese, and therefore may be less inclined to modify their children’s diet and activity levels. More than 40 percent of parents with obese children ages 6 to 11 describe their child not as obese, but as “about the right weight.”

7 tips to keep the holidays happy

Take seven steps for happy holidays as mentioned by Dennis Orthner to prevent tension at family gatherings. – Today’s busy families have moved toward a pattern of individual activities (listening to an iPod, surfing the internet), rather than joint activities, according to Dennis Orthner, a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work.

Safety warning on fentanyl skin patch by US FDA

The FDA warned, for the second time in two years, that improper use of the fentanyl patch, a painkiller, is still claiming lives. – The US Food and Drug Administration issued its second safety warning about the fentanyl transdermal system, an adhesive patch that delivers a potent pain medicine through the skin. In July 2005, the agency issued a similar warning to the public and to health care providers, saying that the directions on the product label and on the patient package insert should be followed exactly in order to avoid overdose.

Medical myths even doctors believe

In a study entitled ?Medical Myths Even Doctors Believe? published in the Christmas issue of the British Medical Journal, Indiana University School of Medicine researchers explored seven commonly held medical beliefs. – Indiana University School of Medicine researchers explored seven commonly held medical beliefs. The study entitled “Medical Myths Even Doctors Believe” is published in the Christmas issue of the British Medical Journal.

Chest pain – common sign of heart attack for women

Several recent reports have found that women are more likely to have other symptoms of a heart attack but chest pain is the most common sign of heart attack for most women. – Chest pain or discomfort has long been regarded as the most common early warning sign of a heart attack for both men and women. However, several recent reports have found that women are more likely to have other symptoms of a heart attack. A new study looked at the available evidence and concluded that chest pain is the most common sign of heart attack for most women.

Early treatment stops epilepsy seizures

Yale School of Medicine researchers have shown for the first time that it is possible to suppress the development of epilepsy in genetically predisposed animals?which could open the door to treating epilepsy as a preventable disease. – It is possible to suppress the development of epilepsy in genetically predisposed animals revealed by Yale School of Medicine researchers. This new study would open the door to treating epilepsy as a preventable disease.

Gene changes may lead to hardening of arteries, atherosclerosis

A genetic mutation expands lesions in the aorta and promotes coronary atherosclerosis, more commonly known as hardening of the arteries, according to a study by Yale School of Medicine in Cell Metabolism. – Researchers revealed that changes in gene may lead to hardening of the arteries and expands lesions in the aorta and promotes coronary atherosclerosis. The study was done by researchers from Yale School of Medicine and published in Cell Metabolism.