From Neanderthals to Vikings: A Journey Through Dupuytren’s Contracture

From Neanderthals to Vikings: A Journey Through Dupuytren’s Contracture

In the panorama of human health, countless conditions dot the landscape, each telling a unique story. Today, our focus turns towards a peculiarly named disorder known as the ‘Viking Disease.’ This story carries us across the epochs of time, weaving a complex narrative involving ancient Neanderthals, Norse seafarers, and modern medicine. It is the tale of Dupuytren’s Contracture, a disease as intriguing as its moniker suggests.

42 new genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease risk

42 new genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease risk

A major new international study involving UK DRI researchers has identified 75 genes associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, including 42 new genes which had not previously been implicated in the condition.

Thousand genes differences contribute to autism risk

Changes in scores of genes contribute to autism risk — Newfound genetic differences provide many hints at causes – Small differences in as many as a thousand genes contribute to risk for autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This new study examined data on several types of rare, genetic differences in more than 14,000 DNA samples from parents, affected children, and unrelated individuals.

Biomarker predicts effectiveness of brain cancer temozolomide treatment

Biomarker predicts effectiveness of brain cancer treatment – Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have identified a new biomarker that predicts whether glioblastoma – the most common form of primary brain cancer – will respond to chemotherapy.

New blood test predicts breast cancer risk

New test predicts the risk of non-hereditary breast cancer — A simple blood test is currently in development that could help predict the likelihood of a woman developing breast cancer – A simple blood test is currently in development that could help predict the likelihood of a woman developing breast cancer, even in the absence of a high-risk BRCA1 gene mutation. This new research is published in the Genome Medicine.

Bacteroides ovatus helps us get our daily dietary fiber xyloglucan

How a versatile gut bacterium helps us get our daily dietary fiber – A common gut bacterium – Bacteroides ovatus – helps us metabolize a main component of dietary fibre xyloglucan from the cell walls of fruits and vegetables, revealed by researchers from University of British Columbia in the journal Nature.

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