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Scientists identify 'de novo' genetic mutations in autism spectrum disorder children

Scientists at the University of Washington (UW) Department of Genome Sciences have identified several sporadic or "de novo" genetic mutations in children with autism spectrum disorder. The researchers applied leading edge molecular biology techniques and massively parallel sequencing to simultaneously examine all of the protein coding portions of the genome, collectively called the exome.

17 May 2011

Imec, VIB and KU Leuven join forces in pioneering brain research at NERF and in the Human Brain Project

Today, Flanders' ambitious brain research that may lead to better diagnosis and treatment of brain disease, new prosthesis technologies for patients with a disability, a new generation of more intelligent robots, etc. switches into higher gear. In the presence of Ingrid Lieten, Flemish Minister of Innovation, Public Procurement, the Media and Combatting Poverty, imec, VIB and K.U.Leuven officially inaugurated the NERF (Neuro-Electronics Research Flanders) labs on the Imec campus in Leuven. The Human Brain Project was also launched on this occasion, one of the projects on the shortlist of the prestigious European Flagship Programme. Through NERF and the participation of Flanders' research institutes in the Human Brain Project, Flanders shows that it is putting progressive brain research high on its research agenda.

16 May 2011

Study to examine population rates of ED use for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

In the first North American study to examine population rates of Emergency Department (ED) use for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), researchers from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) found 55 per cent of adults with IDD and mental illness visited the ED at least once in a 2 year period and 15.6 per cent visited at least 5 times.

16 May 2011

Genetic link for depression found: Study

Researchers have for the first time confirmed a specific genetic link to depression, according to new evidence published in the American Journal of Psychiatry on Monday. This finding was made independently by research teams in the UK and US, is expected to lead to a better biological understanding of the condition and eventually to more effective antidepressants.

15 May 2011

With release of trustees' report, Medicare's finances likely to get even more attention

Congress is putting off changes to Social Security, but the massive retirement and disability program still faces long-term financial problems from an aging population and an economy that has been slow to rebound.

13 May 2011

First Edition: May 13, 2011

Today's headlines include details of Mitt Romney's major health care speech as well as the latest updates on the debt limit and budget talks and the outlook for Medicare's future.

13 May 2011

CAMH scientist identifies gene responsible for Joubert syndrome

A new study involving Canada's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has found a gene connected with a type of intellectual disability called Joubert syndrome.

13 May 2011

Losartan therapy improves muscle injury regeneration and prevents disuse atrophy

Using geriatric mice, a Johns Hopkins research team has shown that losartan, a commonly used blood pressure drug, not only improves regeneration of injured muscle but also protects against its wasting away from inactivity.

12 May 2011

Two new reports recommend core competencies for interprofessional education in health professions

Two new reports released today by six national health professions associations and three private foundations recommend new competencies for interprofessional education in the health professions, and action strategies to implement them in institutions across the country.

12 May 2011

Engineers develop novel hybrid HMI for hands-free control of electric powered wheelchairs

For people with severe physical disabilities, such as spinal cord injury, quadriplegia and hemiplegia or amputation, current technology for controlling a wheelchair or mobility scooter is wholly inadequate.

11 May 2011

Georgia to review Medicaid changes; Calif. judge rules against freeze on payments for disability services

In any other year, a historic overhaul of the Medicaid system would have overshadowed every health issue in the Legislature. But when lawmakers went home early Saturday morning, Medicaid might not have even been the noisiest health-related debate of the 2011 legislative session. Lawmakers passed a nearly $70 billion budget that included deep cuts to hospitals, nursing homes and dozens of other health programs.

11 May 2011

Research suggests systemic sclerosis is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis

A new study by researchers in Hong Kong suggests that systemic sclerosis is an independent determinant for moderate to severe coronary calcification or atherosclerosis. Conventional cardiovascular risk factors such as age and hypertension predispose patients with systemic sclerosis to plaque build-up in the heart arteries similar to the general population. Details of this study are now available in Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).

10 May 2011

IOF launches Vertebral Fracture Initiative for health professionals

Vertebral fractures are a common cause of pain and disability - and they are also powerful predictors of future spine and hip fractures. Yet there is evidence that many health professionals simply fail to recognize vertebral fractures in their patients. Even if the fractures are reported, appropriate intervention is often not initiated.

10 May 2011

First non-invasive technique to directly map electrical activation of the heart

Abnormalities in cardiac conduction, the rate at which the heart conducts electrical impulses to contract and relax, are a major cause of death and disability around the world. Researchers at Columbia Engineering School have been developing a new method, Electromechanical Wave Imaging, that is the first non-invasive technique to map the electrical activation of the heart.

10 May 2011

15% strokes occur during sleep making treatment difficult: Study

According to a new study nearly 15 percent of people who have a stroke are not eligible for clot-busting treatment because the stroke happened while they slept. These clot breaking drugs can prevent permanent disability after a stroke - but the treatment must be given within a four-and-a-half-hour window after the stroke symptoms begin say experts. Since people who have a stroke while asleep can't know when it occurred, they can't get the treatment if they slept for more than four and a half hours, explained study author Dr. Jason Mackey at the University of Cincinnati. “They can't get the drug,” he said. “That's a big issue.”

10 May 2011

Disability News and Research

Scientists identify 'de novo' genetic mutations in autism spectrum disorder children

Imec, VIB and KU Leuven join forces in pioneering brain research at NERF and in the Human Brain Project

Study to examine population rates of ED use for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Genetic link for depression found: Study

With release of trustees' report, Medicare's finances likely to get even more attention

First Edition: May 13, 2011

CAMH scientist identifies gene responsible for Joubert syndrome

Losartan therapy improves muscle injury regeneration and prevents disuse atrophy

Two new reports recommend core competencies for interprofessional education in health professions

Engineers develop novel hybrid HMI for hands-free control of electric powered wheelchairs

Georgia to review Medicaid changes; Calif. judge rules against freeze on payments for disability services

Research suggests systemic sclerosis is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis

IOF launches Vertebral Fracture Initiative for health professionals

First non-invasive technique to directly map electrical activation of the heart

15% strokes occur during sleep making treatment difficult: Study

Study reveals autism prevalence may be higher than current estimates in Korean children

Abortion bills move to governors in Texas and Florida

AGA's cutting-edge research on GI disorders to be presented at DDW 2011

Centric Health to acquire LifeMark Health

Omeros' PDE7 program expands addiction franchise

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

From Puberty to Menopause: Clue’s CEO, Audrey Tsang on the Power of Femtech

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