IQ Archives

Diabetes duration and advancing age independently predict diabetes complications

Duration of diabetes and advancing age independently predict diabetes complications, risk of death – The duration of diabetes and advancing age independently predict diabetes severity and risk of death in older adults with type 2 diabetes. In a new study led by Kaiser Permanente and the University of Chicago, researchers investigated contemporary rates of diabetes complications and risk of death then contrasted them across categories of age and duration of diabetes.

Computer algorithm may predict breast cancer type

Researchers turn to machines to identify breast cancer type – Researchers have created a computer algorithm that successfully predicts whether estrogen is sending signals to cancer cells to grow into tumours in the breast. By finding this hormone receptor, known as estrogen receptor positive, physicians can prescribe anti-estrogen drug therapies, improving patient outcomes.

A cup of coffee increases blood flow in small blood vessels

Coffee may help perk up your blood vessels – The caffeine in a cup of coffee might help your small blood vessels work better, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2013.

Students with concussions may require a break from classroom

After a concussion, students may need gradual transition back to academics — American Academy of Pediatrics offers new guidance on ‘returning to learning’ after concussion – A concussion should not only take a student athlete off the playing field – it may also require a break from the classroom. In the clinical report, “Returning to Learning Following a Concussion,” released at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, the AAP offers guidance to pediatricians caring for children and adolescents after suffering a concussion.

A good night’s rest may literally clear the mind

Brain may flush out toxins during sleep — NIH-funded study suggests sleep clears brain of damaging molecules associated with neurodegeneration – Using mice, researchers showed for the first time that the space between brain cells may increase during sleep, allowing the brain to flush out toxins that build up during waking hours. These results suggest a new role for sleep in health and disease.

Copper triggers and enhances progression of Alzheimer’s disease

Copper identified as culprit in Alzheimer’s disease – Copper appears to be one of the main environmental factors that trigger the onset and enhance the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by preventing the clearance and accelerating the accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain.

DNA markers in low IQ autism suggest heredity – ASD

DNA markers in low-IQ autism suggest heredity – Researchers are striving to understand the different genetic structures that underlie at least a subset of autism spectrum disorders. In cases where the genetic code is in error, did that happen anew in the patient, perhaps through mutation or copying error, or was it inherited? A new study in the American Journal of Human Genetics finds evidence that there may often be a recessive, inherited genetic contribution in autism with significant intellectual disability.

Nutrition during first 1000 days of every child’s life

Nutrition during first 1,000 days of life crucial for childhood and economic development – Over 3 million children die every year of malnutrition-accounting for nearly half of all child deaths under 5, revealed by researchers in Lancet series on maternal and childhood nutrition.

US HHS and GSK collaboration for $200 million

GlaxoSmithKline awarded up to $200 million by U.S. government to develop new antibiotics – GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) have agreed to a first of its kind collaboration that will support the development of several antibiotics to fight antibiotic resistance and bioterrorism.

New genomic prostate cancer test improves risk assessment and surveillance

New prostate cancer test improves risk assessment — Tool tested by UC San Francisco helps identify those best suited for active surveillance – A new genomic test for prostate cancer can help predict whether men are more likely to harbor an aggressive form of the disease, according to a new UC San Francisco study. The test, which improves risk assessment when patients are first diagnosed, can also aid in determining which men are suitable for active surveillance – a way of managing the disease without direct treatment.

Skin cells can be morphed into brain cells in multiple sclerosis & cerebral palsy patients

Ordinary skin cells morphed into functional brain cells — Scientists at CWRU School of Medicine discover new technique that holds promise for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy – Researchers at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine have discovered a technique that directly converts skin cells to the type of brain cells destroyed in patients with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and other so-called myelin disorders.

Heart disease risk smaller after breast cancer radiotherapy

Heart disease risk after breast cancer radiotherapy smaller than previously thought – Researchers have for the first time calculated by how much radiotherapy for breast cancer increases the risk of heart disease and the findings can now be used by doctors to help treat patients more appropriately.