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Positive moods can improve decision making and working memory in older people

Older adults can improve their decision making and working memory simply by putting on a happy face, a new study suggests.

31 Jan 2013

Study illuminates the response of dopaminergic neurons to changes in temperature

While the wooly musk ox may like it cold, fruit flies definitely do not. They like it hot, or at least warm. In fact, their preferred optimum temperature is very similar to that of humans-76 degrees F.

31 Jan 2013

MiR-182 deeply involved in memory formation within the amygdala brain structure

It takes a lot to make a memory. New proteins have to be synthesized, neuron structures altered. While some of these memory-building mechanisms are known, many are not. Some recent studies have indicated that a unique group of molecules called microRNAs, known to control production of proteins in cells, may play a far more important role in memory formation than previously thought.

30 Jan 2013

Microscopic hematuria poor indicator for renal, bladder malignancy

The presence of microscopic levels of blood in the urine is unreliable as an indicator for renal or bladder cancer, report researchers.

30 Jan 2013

ALDH1 expression predicts outcome in node-negative rectal cancer

Expression of the cancer stem cell marker aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 is an independent predictor for poor prognosis in node-negative rectal cancer, researchers say.

30 Jan 2013

Hospitalists flag patient overload threat to safety

Two-fifths of US hospitalists say their average patient load exceeds safe levels at least monthly, according to a nationwide survey.

30 Jan 2013

Birthweight extremes influence psychotic symptom severity

Both high and low birthweight increase the severity of psychotic symptoms, particularly disorganized and negative symptoms, research indicates.

30 Jan 2013

Bipolar pedigree endophenotypes found

Researchers have found cognitive endophenotypes in a single extended family showing linkage of bipolar disorder to a risk locus on chromosome 4.

30 Jan 2013

Maternal diet, first-year housing affect foals' osteochondrosis risk

Mares that are fed a diet that includes or is solely comprised of concentrates during gestation are significantly more likely to produce foals that develop permanent osteochondrosis lesions compared with mares who are fed a diet of roughage alone, report researchers.

30 Jan 2013

Achilles tendon lengthening shows benefits for diabetic foot

Researchers report that the addition of Achilles tendon lengthening to procedures for managing diabetic forefoot and midfoot ulceration seems warranted.

30 Jan 2013

Weight-gain brain-drain warning for young adults

Visceral fat gain may have a negative impact on cerebellar structure and functional connectivity, an exploratory study suggests.

30 Jan 2013

Pediatric migraine drugs show limited or no efficacy

There is limited evidence supporting the efficacy of trazodone and topiramate in the prevention of pediatric episodic migraine headaches, show results from a meta-analysis.

30 Jan 2013

Central field loss creates driving hazard

People with central field loss experience a range of difficulties when driving that could pose a danger to themselves and pedestrians, researchers believe.

30 Jan 2013

Sydney 2012 norovirus strain continues to spread globally

A new strain of norovirus known as Sydney 2012 has caused a significant number of acute outbreaks of the infection during the 2012–2013 winter season and continues to spread worldwide.

30 Jan 2013

Inflammation could hinder energy intake in advanced cancer

Energy intake, particularly energy density, is positively associated with energy balance in patients with advanced cancer, report Swedish researchers.

30 Jan 2013

Tributyltin exposure may cause ‘transgenerational obesity’

Research shows that offspring of mice exposed to low doses of the chemical tributyltin, used in paints, plastics, and other consumer products, have greater than normal body fat, liver fat, and fat-specific gene expression.

30 Jan 2013

Pelvic floor exercises after RP ‘sufficient’

Performing pelvic floor muscle training both before and after radical prostatectomy is no more effective at reducing postoperative urinary incontinence than performing the exercises after surgery, report researchers.

30 Jan 2013

Some second trimester markers for Down’s syndrome more telling than others

A new analysis has found that some second trimester markers for Down’s syndrome that are detected by ultrasound are more telling than others. Published early online in Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, the study’s results will help adjust pregnant women’s risks for having a child with the condition.

30 Jan 2013

Lack of exercise, television viewing associated with risk of metabolic syndrome

A team of scientists at Umeå University, in collaboration with colleagues in Melbourne, Australia, have found that television viewing and lack of exercise at age 16 is associated with the risk of developing metabolic syndrome at 43 years age.

30 Jan 2013

Timing of meals predicts weight-loss effectiveness

Most weight-loss plans center around a balance between caloric intake and energy expenditure. However, new research has shed light on a new factor that is necessary to shed pounds: timing. Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), in collaboration with the University of Murcia and Tufts University, have found that it's not simply what you eat, but also when you eat, that may help with weight-loss regulation.

30 Jan 2013