Brain Research: Luminescent nanoparticles to image brain function ♦ Using light to treat Alzheimer's disease ♦ Brain structure may be root of apathy

Parkinson's disease: A new tool for healthcare professionals aims to improve diagnosis and advance treatment A group of experts has developed a new tool for healthcare professionals that they hope will mark a significant advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease, especially in its early stages. The results of their study could also have a major impact on the quality of research on Parkinson's disease.

Brain structure may be root of apathy Scientists have found evidence of a biological basis for apathy in healthy people. Research could shed light on the way some people become pathologically apathetic, for example after a stroke or with Alzheimer's disease.

Using light to treat Alzheimer's disease Medical application of photoactive chemicals offers a promising therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. Navy researchers recruit luminescent nanoparticles to image brain function Scientists are on pace to develop the next generation of functional materials that could enable the mapping of the complex neural connections in the brain. The ultimate goal is to better understand how the billions of neurons in the brain communicate with one another during normal brain function, or dysfunction, as result of injury or disease.

Health Research: Engineered probiotics detect tumors in liver ♦ Ending Medicaid dental benefit is costly ♦ Very overweight teens risk bowel cancer

'Decoder ring' powers found in microRNA  MicroRNA can serve as a "decoder ring" for understanding complex biological processes, a team of chemists has found. Their study points to a new method for decrypting the biological functions of enzymes and identifying those that drive diseases.

Very overweight teens may double their risk of bowel cancer in middle age Being very overweight in your teens may double the risk of developing bowel cancer by the time you are middle aged, suggests new research.

African-Americans at lower socioeconomic levels have increased risk of heart disease African-Americans, especially women and young adults at lower socioeconomic levels have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The findings underscore the need for increased awareness and education about prevention and early detection and treatment of cardiovascular disease in African-American women and younger adults.

Diagnosing cancer with luminescent bacteria: Engineered probiotics detect tumors in liver Engineers have devised a new way to detect cancer that has spread to the liver, by enlisting help from probiotics -- beneficial bacteria similar to those found in yogurt. Using a harmless strain of E. coli that colonizes the liver, the researchers programmed the bacteria to produce a luminescent signal that can be detected with a simple urine test.

Ending Medicaid dental benefit is costly A study finds states gain little when dropping adult dental coverage. Researchers say adults in California made 1,800 more hospital visits annually for dental care after losing the benefit. California spent $2.9 million each year, 68 percent more before eliminating the benefit.