Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!usa-post Newsgroups: usa-today.health,americast.usa-today.health From: usa-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: usa-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: health Tue, Oct 27 1992 Date: Tue, 27 Oct 92 04:59:45 EST Message-ID: 10-27 0000 DECISIONLINE: Health USA TODAY Update Oct. 27, 1992 Source: USA TODAY:Gannett National Information Network CHEMICAL MAY CAUSE AGGRESSION: Some people are just born to be bad. Researchers say low levels of the brain chemical serotonin appear directly linked to aggression. The findings, from Wake Forest University, also raise questions about possible violent side effects of low-cholesterol diets. And it could explain why some women are more aggressive before menstruation. MONKEYS STUDIED: Earlier studies linked low serotonin with impulsive, violent and suicidal behavior in mental patients and criminals. New research is among the strongest to support that link. Researchers found monkeys with low serotonin levels were more likely to bite, growl, slap and chase others; acted more violently aggressive when shown pictures of threatening images; and spent more time alone. CURE MAY BE ON THE HORIZON: A glitch in the way the brain uses energy may be the cause of Huntington's disease. The inherited brain-damaging disorder causes jerky movements and mental problems. So far, the disease is untreatable. But researchers say the new findings open the door for the first time to a variety of new treatments. Researchers presented the findings Monday at the Society for Neuroscience. ASPIRIN MAY CUT CANCER RISK: As little as one aspirin a week may help protect against cancer. Researchers at Emory University in Atlanta say long-term use of one weekly aspirin may cut colon cancer risk by 50%. Many experts believe aspirin could stop runaway cell growth that leads to cancer. PRESIDENT AWARDS FITNESS: Now kids as young as 10 can earn a Presidential Sports Award. The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports hands out the awards in 58 categories from aerobic dancing to wrestling to people who fulfill certain criteria within a four-month period. To work toward the award, write to Presidential Sports Award, Amateur Athletic Union, Box 68207, Indianapolis, Ind., 46268. STUDY PROBES HYDROGEN BONDS: The National Institute of Standards has done a study involving the weak hydrogen bonds that hold molecules together - a study that could help scientists clean up exhaust, better understand the ozone layer and create "designer drugs." This information could eventually lead scientists to create proteins with specific functions for new drugs. WOMEN BRUISE EASILY: Women bruise more easily than men, according to a University of Iowa family practice specialist. Women have a higher ratio of body fats, which makes their blood vessels less elastic and more susceptible to breakage, says Dr. Richard Dobyns. On the other end of the spectrum, older or overweight people bruise easier due to decreased vessel elasticity. NAIL CHANGES CAN SIGNAL HIV: Fingernail and toenail changes may be the first signs of HIV, according to a recent American Academy of Dermatology report. Nail ringworm or white fungus infections beneath the nail and on the nail itself, particularly near the "moon" or cuticle, may indicate a need for further testing. While ringworm of toenail surfaces is fairly common, it's unusual underneath fingernails. DEPRESSION CAN LEAD TO STROKE: As if suffering from depression isn't bad enough, it can cause heart attacks and strokes, says Dr. David Gordon, a Des Moines cardiologist. It is a known fact that smokers' chances of heart attacks are much higher than non-smokers' chances. But depressed smokers fight three times the battle because of the tobacco chemicals that linger in blood vessels. BABIES SHOULD SLEEP ON BACK: To help combat sudden infant death syndrome, the American Academy of Pediatrics recently recommended that healthy infants be put to sleep on their sides or backs, rather than on their stomachs. To help keep baby in the preferred positions, a tightly rolled towel can be used. Another help: Baby Snuggle-Heads (1-800-762-5229). SPRAYS SUPPRESS SMOKING URGE: Folks who have tried acupuncture, willpower, herbs, patches, prayer and gum to quit smoking: Get ready for another chance: Nasal spray. The appeal: Nicotine by nose offers the second-fastest absorption after inhalation, according to Drug Topics magazine. Results of a study by a Swedish pharmaceutical company show 26% percent of people inhaling nicotine completely avoided cigarettes. USA LACKS PAID MATERNITY LEAVE: The USA lags behind other countries for average paid maternity leave required by law. Sweden gives the most paid maternity leave at 32 weeks, followed by France's 28 weeks. The USA doesn't require any paid maternity leave. Health Editor: Michele Coleman. (1-919-855-3491) Making copies of USA TODAY Update (Copyright, 1992) for further distribution violates federal law. This article is copyright 1992 Gannett News Service. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM