IQ Archives

Belviq lorcaserin approved to treat overweight or obese adults

FDA approves Belviq to treat some overweight or obese adults – Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride) is approved as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, for chronic weight management. This obesity drug is approved by US FDA for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) and who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol (dyslipidemia).

Autism detected by computer analysis of EEG

Computer analysis of EEG patterns suggests a potential diagnostic test for autism — Largest, most unbiased analysis to date finds distinguishing EEG features – Widely available EEG testing can distinguish children with autism from neurotypical children as early as age 2, finds a study from Boston Children’s Hospital. The study investigated EEGs as a potential diagnostic tool for autism, and offers hope for an earlier, more definitive test.

NASA developed osteoporosis test to detect bone loss early

Earlier detection of bone loss may be in future — NASA-funded research looks to isotope analysis rather than X-ray for measurement – A more sensitive technique is developed by scientists at Arizona State University and NASA for detecting bone loss early than the X-ray method used today, with less risk to patients.

A new type of male contraceptive possible now

Male fertility genes discovered — Gene study could pave way for non-hormonal male contraceptive – A new type of male contraceptive could be created thanks to the discovery of a key gene essential for sperm development. The finding could lead to alternatives to conventional male contraceptives that rely on disrupting the production of hormones, such as testosterone and can cause side-effects such as irritability, mood swings and acne.

IMRT Radiation optimal for localized prostate cancer

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy optimal for localized prostate cancer – A treatment for localized prostate cancer known as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is better than conventional conformal radiation therapy (CRT) for reducing certain side effects and preventing cancer recurrence.

Autism Awareness Day – 2 April 2012

April is Autism Awareness Month — The fifth annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2012 – 5th annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2012. Every year, autism organizations around the world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness-raising events.

Speaking more than one language may ward off symptoms of dementia

Being bilingual wards off symptoms of dementia — speaking more than one language may translate to better mental health – New study examines how being bilingual can offer protection from the symptoms of dementia, and also suggests that the increasing diversity in our world populations may have an unexpected positive impact on the resiliency of the adult brain.

Cancer treatment with personalised approach to cancer patients

The path to personalized cancer treatment — Researchers identify genetic markers of drug sensitivity in cancer cells – Recently researchers have profiled genetic changes in cancer with drug sensitivity in order to develop a personalised approach to cancer treatments. They uncovered hundreds of associations between mutations in cancer genes and sensitivity to anticancer drugs.

New technique for screening breast cancer using ultrasound

New screening technique could provide more reliable breast cancer detection — Initial tests show promising results of new ultrasonic screening technique – Scientists have successfully completed an initial trial of a new, potentially more reliable, technique for screening breast cancer using ultrasound. The team at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the UK’s National Measurement Institute, working with the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, are now looking to develop the technique into a clinical device.

Understanding working of parkin gene and Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease: Study of live human neurons reveals the disease’s genetic origins — UB researchers identify how the parkin gene works and how mutations cause Parkinson’s disease – Parkinson’s disease researchers at the University at Buffalo have discovered how mutations in the parkin gene cause the disease, which afflicts at least 500,000 Americans and for which there is no cure. The results are published in the current issue of Nature Communications.

Gestational diabetes and poverty increased ADHD risk in offspring

Gestational diabetes and low socioeconomic status raise risk of ADHD in children – Low socioeconomic status (SES) and maternal gestational diabetes together may cause a 14-fold increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in six year olds, revealed by researchers.

HPV DNA testing for all women aged 29 years and above

The cervical cancer DNA test that could help cut cervical cancer deaths — HPV DNA Test ‘improves cancer screening’ – Implementation of HPV DNA testing in cervical screening leads to earlier detection of clinically relevant CIN grade 2 or worse, which when adequately treated, improves protection against CIN grade 3 or worse and cervical cancer. Early detection of high-grade cervical legions caused by HPV16 was a major component of this benefit.