Brain stimulation can treat major depression

Electrical stimulation of a particular brain region is reported to be an effective cure for major depression non-responsive to other treatments. Major depression is a serious medical illness and the leading cause of disability in many countries. Unlike the normal feeling of sadness, major depression is persistent and interferes with an individual's thoughts, behavior, mood, activity, and physical health. Previous studies had linked the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of the brain to the development of major depression. According to the study presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, targeting this region via an implanted cortical stimulator can lessen the symptoms of severe and medically refractory major depression. Scientists concluded that deep brain and cortical stimulation are alternative methods for treating major depression.

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One autistic child out of ten may recover

While many believe autism has no cure, a new study finds out of every ten autistic child one can lead a normal life after years of behavioral therapy. According to a study recently presented at an autism conference in Chicago, 10 percent of the children diagnosed with autism test normal on neuropsychological, verbal and nonverbal exams after a few years of treatment.While no relapse has been reported in such children, other disorders including attention-deficit problems, tics and phobias are commonly identified in three-fourths of these kids. Scientists say the parents of autistic children should pursue strategies that could help the recovery of their child, but should keep in mind that recovery is 'not a realistic expectation for the majority of kids.'

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FDA permits Tamiflu use for swine flu

The Food and Drug Administration authorizes the emergency use of certain antiviral drugs to control the global outbreak of swine flu. In the report released late Monday, the FDA has permitted the use of unapproved or uncleared antiviral products following a declaration of an emergency state. The FDA therefore allowed public health and medical personnel to prescribe Relenza (zanamivir) and Tamiflu (oseltamivir), which have not been approved for swine flu, to control the widespread outbreak. Tamiflu, originally approved for adults and children aged 1 and older, can now be used in children under 1. Physicians can also change the recommended dosage for children older than 1 under the emergency use authorization. The rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel diagnostic test is also authorized for testing samples from individuals with certain flu infections particularly those whose virus subtypes cannot be identified with available tests. According to the latest report released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 64 confirmed cases of swine flu have been found in five US states.

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Fatty foods help boost memory

While countless individuals in the world suffer from dementia, a new study finds eating fat-rich foods can help overcome the condition. High levels of oleoylethanolamide (OEA) found in dietary fats can effectively control the appetite and lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, raising hopes that these agents could be used in treating obesity and other eating disorders. The study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has reported memory-boosting properties for these compounds. According to the study, taking OEA compounds improved memory in the studied mice, helping them run in a maze and avoid unpleasant experiences. Blocking OEA, on the other hand, was associated with a poor performance in these tasks. "By helping mammals remember where and when they have eaten a fatty meal, OEA's memory-enhancing activity seems to have been an important evolutionary tool for early humans and other animals," said Daniele Piomelli the leader of the research team. OEA activates certain signals in the amygdala - the part of the brain involved with memories of emotional events. These hunger-curbing messages increase the feelings of satiation while triggering the release of a hormone which leads to long-term memory formation. Scientists concluded that fatty foods can help in the formation of long-term memories; they however warned that adopting a healthy balanced diet is still the best way to reduce the risk of dementia.

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New nanoparticles kill cancer cells

The newly-developed nanoparticles, made from a safe biodegradable polymer, can directly deliver anti-cancer medication to tumors. Available chemotherapy agents can only destroy cancerous cells when used in high concentration; this however not only may affect normal cells but also is associated with more side effects and high toxicity. According to a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the new nanoparticles postpone the multiplication of cancer cells, making them more susceptible to chemotherapy drugs. The chemically engineered nanoparticles are reported to inhibit the MARK signaling pathway, involved in most human tumors, and to carry a higher concentration of cancer drugs to the affected tissue. The modified polymer used in these nanoparticles help increase the drug loading by 20-fold, lowering the concentration of the drug and providing the use of more potent treatments with lesser side effects. Scientists concluded that the new drug-loaded nanoparticles have shown promising results in preventing tumor growth and triggering the death of cancerous cells.

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