Blood test could help to accelerate brain cancer diagnosis
A blood test which could help to accelerate the diagnosis of brain cancer has been developed in new research.
Read moreBirth Defects
Special occasion drinking during pregnancy may cause harm
If you thought a glass or two of alcohol on special occasions was safe during pregnancy, think again. Research shows even small amounts of alcohol consumed during pregnancy can cause insulin-resistance, which increases the likelihood of diabetes, in male rat offspring.
Read moreSevere morning sickness associated with higher risk of autism
Children whose mothers had hyperemesis gravidarum — a severe form of a morning sickness — during pregnancy were 53% more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, according to new research.
Read moreNew neurodevelopmental syndrome and NKAP gene
Researchers have identified a gene mutation that causes developmental delay, intellectual disability, behavioral abnormalities and musculoskeletal problems in children. The newly diagnosed condition, called NKAP-related syndrome, arises from mutations in the NKAP gene, which plays a key role in human development.
Read morePesticides likely caused 'Havana syndrome' that affected Cuba-based diplomats
The study details the nature of the injury, specifies the brain regions involved, including the blood-brain barrier and suggests a possible cause in the form of 'cholinesterase inhibitors,' with 'organophosphorus insecticides' being a likely source. Cholinesterase (ChE) is one of the key enzymes required for the proper functioning of the nervous systems of humans, invertebrates and insects.
Read moreFathers-to-be should avoid alcohol six months before conception
Aspiring parents should both avoid drinking alcohol prior to conception to protect against congenital heart defects.
Read moreIn Russia, declines in alcohol consumption and mortality have gone hand in hand
Since the early 2000s, Russia has seen significant declines in overall alcohol consumption, and a new review shows that there has been a parallel, steep decline in the country's mortality rates as well.
Read morePotential drug to treat heart attacks
Administered within hours of an attack, the potential drug would prevent scarring that can lead to heart failure. For the study, the researcher used a drug that targets a key component of the cellular clock mechanism. The medication disrupts expression of genes that trigger adverse immune responses after a heart attack. When mice were given the drug after a heart attack, they were found to have less inflammation and improved cardiac repair.
Read moreFirst targeted therapy for cholangiocarcinoma shows clinical benefit in phase III trial
New data have shown for the first time that targeted therapy can improve the outcome of patients diagnosed with advanced cholangiocarcinoma. Cholangiocarcinoma is a subtype of bile duct cancer with aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. Despite the low incidence, most patients die from the disease and therefore new effective therapies are urgently needed.
Read moreResearchers advance search for safer, easier way to deliver vision-saving gene therapy
In experiments with rats, pigs and monkeys, researchers have developed a way to deliver sight-saving gene therapy to the retina. If proved safe and effective in humans, the technique could provide a new, more permanent therapeutic option for patients with common diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and it could potentially replace defective genes in patients with inherited retinal disease.
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