Health News

How we respond to stress at cellular level in the brain

Washington, March 3 : Conducting experiments on mice, scientists in Canada have identified a novel mechanism whereby the brain responds to stress.

University of Calgary scientist Dr. Jaideep Bains, along with is researcher colleagues at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, have found that neurons in the hypothalamus-the brain's command centre for stress responses-interpret "off" chemical signals as "on" chemical signals when stress is perceived.

"It's as if the brakes in your car are now acting to speed up the vehicle, rather than slow it down," Nature magazine quoted Bains as saying.

Hormone patch to perk up women's sex drive ''may not work''

Hormone patch to perk up women's sex drive ''may not work''

Broccoli may help protect against asthma

Broccoli may help protect against asthmaWashington, Mar 3: A naturally occurring compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables may help protect against respiratory inflammation that causes conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, says a new study.

Genetic variant linked to cocaine addiction identified

Genetic variant linked to cocaine addiction identifiedWashington, Mar 3: In a novel study, an international team of researchers has identified a genetic variant linked to cocaine addiction and cocaine-induced paranoia.

They have discovered variant in gene called á-endomannosidase (MANEA) that contributes to cocaine dependence and related behaviours.

During the study, the researchers looked at 3,992 individuals from two family-based samples of European American and African American families, and were then genotyped for 11 markers spanning the MANEA gene.

Hong Kong sees record high level of HIV infections

Hong Kong sees record high level of HIV infections Hong Kong - Hong Kong recorded its highest-ever number of HIV infections in a single year in 2008, the city's Department of Health announced Tuesday.

There were 435 new cases of HIV recorded, the highest total since records began in 1984 and 5 per cent more than in 2007, a spokesman said.

Of the 435 infections, 131 people acquired the disease through heterosexual contact while another 145 were infected through homosexual or bisexual contact. The remainder of cases were unknown or from other sources.

Women''s low vitamin B12 levels up their kids'' risk of neural tube defects

Women''s low vitamin B12 levels up their kids'' risk of neural tube defectsWashington, Mar 2 : Women with low blood levels of vitamin B12 shortly before and after conception may have children with increased risk of a neural tube defect, according to a new study.

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