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Research offers novel insights into root causes of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mysterious and devastating disorder that afflicts one percent of the adult population worldwide. Its symptoms — hallucinations, emotional withdrawal, and cognitive impairment — are chronic and typically emerge just as individuals are entering adulthood. Today's medications treat just one of these symptoms (psychosis); treatments for the underlying disease and its many other symptoms have been hard to develop, because no one really understands what causes the disorder.

31 Jan 2016

Scientists pin down structure of neuronal protein clumps associated with ALS

To create treatments for a disease without any, scientists need to study and understand the driving forces behind the faulty biology. Today, researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine announced the first-ever evidence-based description of the neuronal protein clumps thought to be important in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a fatal neurodegenerative condition.

29 Dec 2015

Medication poisoning threatens young children in poor areas

Children younger than 5 who live in economically disadvantaged areas had a greater risk of medication poisoning that resulted in referral to a health care facility, according to scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and the University of California, San Diego. These areas were rural and experienced high unemployment, along with lower rates of high school graduation and lower household income.

23 Dec 2015

Endoscopic submucosal dissection appears to be effective treatment for patients with throat cancer

According to a study in the December issue of GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the monthly peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) appears to be a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for patients with superficial pharyngeal (throat) cancer.

20 Dec 2015

Nutritionist offers myriad methods to help people eat during cancer treatment

Ernestine Trujillo, MS, RD, LD, plays an important role in helping people through their cancer treatment: she helps them to eat. Eating keeps their strength up so that they can get through treatment. But eating during cancer treatment isn't always easy. Trujillo, a Senior Clinical Nutritionist at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, offers myriad methods to help people get the nutrition they need.

13 Dec 2015

Biogen begins ISIS-SOD1 Rx Phase 1/2 clinical study in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that its partner, Biogen, has initiated a Phase 1/2 clinical study of ISIS-SOD1 Rx (BIIB067) in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

11 Dec 2015

Researchers discover unique muscle fibers of upper airways often present in sleep apnea patients

Researchers at Umeå University in Sweden have discovered unique muscle fibers in the soft palate of the mouth in both infants and adults. The fibers seem to be present in greater number in snorers and sleep apnea patients.

8 Dec 2015

People who experience persistent heartburn despite over-the-counter treatments need to check with their doctors

If Thanksgiving makes you wince at the thought of impending heartburn pain, you are probably not alone. But if you experience heartburn more than twice a week despite over-the-counter treatments, a Jefferson expert wants you to check with your doctor. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Awareness Week is observed each year during the week of Thanksgiving, a fitting time as Americans prepare to indulge in the holiday season.

23 Nov 2015

Stony Brook Medicine expert shares tips to minimize heartburn during holiday season

The holiday season is upon us and most days and nights will be filled with delicious festivities! However, with millions of Americans suffering from heartburn, fear may set in when anticipating these celebrations.

23 Nov 2015

Gastric balloon in a pill helps patients lose weight without surgery or endoscopy

A new gastric balloon that can be swallowed like a pill and then filled while in the stomach, helped patients lose more than 37 percent of their excess weight over four months, according to new research presented here at ObesityWeek 2015, the largest international event focused on the basic science, clinical application and prevention and treatment of obesity. The weeklong conference is hosted by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and The Obesity Society (TOS).

10 Nov 2015

PRN Course for rehabilitation nurses now available online

The PRN Course is an intensive, online course covering the major areas of care that a rehabilitation nurse provides and is conveniently accessible from anywhere. Recorded at the recent live course, this valuable educational opportunity addresses comprehensive care for the rehabilitation patient, including how professionals can incorporate 36 rehabilitation nursing concepts and skills into their practice.

26 Oct 2015

Melatonin and the circadian rhythm: an interview with Professor Kennaway, University of Adelaide

The production of melatonin is controlled by a part of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and its timing fine-tuned by our exposure to light during the morning.

20 Oct 2015

Patients with advanced lung cancer receive more than recommended number of radiation therapy

Almost half of patients with advanced lung cancer receive more than the recommended number of radiation treatments to reduce their pain, according to a new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

1 Oct 2015

Study suggests link between human endogenous retroviral genes and ALS

Scientists at the National Institutes of Health discovered that reactivation of ancient viral genes embedded in the human genome may cause the destruction of neurons in some forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

1 Oct 2015

Predicting better immunotherapy response, neurological outcomes in adults with autoimmune cerebellar ataxia

While autoimmune cerebellar ataxia (a loss of muscle control coordination) can lead to severe disability with some patients becoming wheelchair-bound, there are factors that may help predict better immunotherapy response, according to the Mayo Clinic study published by JAMA Neurology.

30 Sep 2015

Radical surgery associated with overall survival benefits among patients with advanced throat cancer

Patients with cancers of the mid- and lower throat may have higher survival rates if their initial treatment includes surgery, according to new research presented to the 2015 European Cancer Congress today (Saturday).

26 Sep 2015

Research highlights potential new treatment strategy for degenerative diseases

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have discovered evidence of a mechanism at the heart of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and related degenerative diseases. The research appears in today's edition of the journal Cell and highlights a possible new treatment strategy for the devastating disorders.

25 Sep 2015

Better treatment could be on the horizon for Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a debilitating and potentially deadly disease that can afflict anyone, characterized by severe muscle weakness, affecting control of facial expressions, arm and leg movements, chewing, swallowing, coughing and breathing. There is no cure, only treatment.

14 Sep 2015

Tadpole Endoscope improves diagnostic procedures for various cancers

Engineers have developed a new medical device aimed at improving diagnostic procedures for various cancers: the Tadpole Endoscope (TE).