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Research finds genetic roots of alcoholism in humans

A novel mutation found in a mouse gene might provide new insights into the genetic roots of alcoholism in humans, according to a study led by researchers at the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center and the University of California, San Francisco. The study is published August 12th in the open-access journal PLoS Genetics.

13 Aug 2010

Shared motivation drives gestational surrogacy

Jodi, of West Branch, IA, recently gave birth to twins (a boy and girl), but she doesn't claim to be their mother. That's because she carried them as the gestational surrogate for a Chicago couple wanting to start a family.

4 Aug 2010

People insensitive to quinine's bitter taste may have varied absorption, metabolization capabilities: Study

Some people find quinine to be bitter while others can drink it like water. Now, scientists from the Monell Center and collaborators report that individual differences in how people experience quinine's bitterness are related to underlying differences in their genes.The findings, published online in the journal Human Molecular Genetics, demonstrate that genetic variation in regions of DNA that encode bitter taste receptors predicts a person's perception of bitterness from quinine.

3 Aug 2010

Bullied children are at risk for developing emotional problems

Bullying victimization is common among children of school age, although its consequences are often anything but benign. The recent death of a Massachusetts teen by suicide prompted state lawmakers to pass one of the most far-reaching anti-bullying laws within the U.S. Whether such legislative actions result in measurable decreases in physical or emotional distress among school peers remains to be seen.

23 Jul 2010

Vaginal birth after previous C-section may be a safe option say doctors

According to new practice guidelines revealed for obstetricians by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists this Wednesday, a vaginal birth after a Caesarean section (VBAC) or maybe even after two C-sections can be a safe and appropriate choice.

21 Jul 2010

Obesity, chronic pain linked to family history, mood disorders: Study

Though it is well known obese individuals have a high incidence of persistent pain problems, a new study in The Journal of Pain, published by the American Pain Society, reports that comorbid obesity and pain also are linked to family history and mood disorders.

20 Jul 2010

Vitamin D supplements could help preteen girls set stage for a lifetime of strong bones: Study

"Eat your veggies," "Don't run with scissors" and now "Take your calcium and vitamin D." A clinical study conducted at the School of Exercise Science at Australian Catholic University has shown that taking high quality calcium supplements like USANA's Active Calcium could help preadolescent girls set the stage for a lifetime of strong, mineral-rich bones.

20 Jul 2010

Funding ART in Québec is highly justified and ethical use of public funds, says IAAC

Following the announcement on July 13 by Québec's Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Yves Bolduc, that assisted reproduction treatments (ART) will be covered by the public health system of Québec as of August 5, 2010, many comments have been made about how this new policy will stress the public health system, and neonatology units in particular.

16 Jul 2010

Training for first responders on antidote for acute cyanide poisoning from fire smoke

Since January 1, 2010 the CPTC has tracked 1,100 civilians treated for smoke inhalation, 413 smoke inhalation deaths, and 125 firefighters who were transported for smoke inhalation treatment. Contrary to popular belief, whether a civilian or a firefighter, smoke inhalation isn't a minor injury - it's deadly.

6 Jul 2010

Wellcome Trust launches project in UK to decode genomes of 10,000 people

On the tenth anniversary of the completion of the first draft of the human genome - a draft which had taken ten years to complete - the Wellcome Trust today launches a project to decode the genomes of 10,000 people over the next three years. This will be one of the largest genome sequencing programmes ever undertaken and will analyse the genomes of the equivalent of one in 6,000 people in the UK.

28 Jun 2010

Affiliations with drug-using peers leads to genetic vulnerability towards regular substance use: Study

The nature-nurture debate is usually about how much of something is due to our genes and how much is caused by our environment. New research just published in the academic journal Addiction shows that the case is more interesting for young women who smoke, drink, or use drugs, for two related reasons.

24 Jun 2010

Florida obstetricians collaborate to lower premature and Cesarean birth rates

Much has been published of late, in medical journals as well as in the general media, concerning the national rise in both the Cesarean section and premature birth rates. While not directly connected, the two medical concerns have many interrelated variables. Nationally, the Cesarean section rate has risen to 32 percent of all births, while the rate of premature birth has climbed to just over 12 percent.

24 Jun 2010

Fertility drugs cause multiple and premature births

The widespread use of fertility drugs, not just high-tech laboratory procedures, plays a major role in causing multiple births and contributes to the problem of premature birth in the United States, experts said today at the March of Dimes National Communications Advisory Council luncheon.

17 Jun 2010

Eating Mediterranean-style diet reduces heart disease risk: Research

A study of twins shows that even with genes that put them at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, eating a Mediterranean-style diet can improve heart function, according to research reported in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, an American Heart Association journal.

16 Jun 2010

National MS Society commits over $2.4M to support 7 CCSVI research projects

Over $2.4 million has been committed by the National MS Society (USA) and the MS Society of Canada to support 7 new research projects focusing on the role of CCSVI in MS.

14 Jun 2010

Gambling addiction can be inherited equally by sons and daughters: Study

Gambling is linked to a gene that is passed on through generations and a new study claims that it is passed on to both sons and daughters alike. The study published in the June issue of Archives of General Psychiatry says, that genes rule at least 50 percent of a persons propensity to gamble irrespective of sex. Genes have been linked earlier to gambling but this is the first time women are also said to inherit the trait.

10 Jun 2010

Genetic influences play important role in development of gambling disorders: Report

Genetic influences appear important in the development of gambling disorders in both women and men, according to a report in the June issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

8 Jun 2010

Estradiol plays role in development of eating disorders during puberty: MSU researchers

For the first time, scientists have discovered a possible biological culprit in the development of eating disorders during puberty: a type of estrogen called estradiol.

5 Jun 2010

Socioeconomic factors predict ADHD-medication in Swedish schoolchildren

A major study of more than a million children has found strong links between receiving medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and limited maternal education, single parent families and welfare benefits, according to the June issue of Acta Paediatrica.

1 Jun 2010

Northwestern Memorial performs robotic assisted vasectomy reversal using da Vinci surgical robot

In 1989 a 29-year-old Michael Schrader had it all: steady job, a wife, and two wonderful children-daughter Courtney and son Cameron. He couldn't envision wanting more-that is, more children. Taking steps to keep his nuclear family intact, he underwent vasectomy- a procedure so routine he was back on the golf course the next afternoon.

28 May 2010