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New genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease identified

An international team of doctors and human geneticists has identified a new genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease. The institutions involved in the study were the Institute of Human Genetics of Helmholtz Zentrum München and Technische Universität München, the Neurological Clinic of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU) and the Mitochondrial Research Group of Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

18 Jan 2010

High BMI among children and adolescents continues to be a public health concern in the U.S.

The prevalence of high weight for length or high body mass index (BMI) among children and teens in the U.S. (i.e., at or above the 95th percentile), ranges from approximately 10 percent for infants and toddlers, to approximately 18 percent for adolescents and teenagers, although these rates appear to have remained relatively stable over the past 10 years, except for an increase for 6- to 19-year-old boys who are at the very heaviest weight levels, according to a study appearing in the January 20 issue of JAMA. The study is being published early online because of its public health importance.

18 Jan 2010

Nationwide Children's Hospital to break ground for its third research facility

Nationwide Children's Hospital will break ground on property west of Parsons Avenue and north of Livingston Avenue in early 2010 for its third research facility as the last piece of its $840 million strategic facilities expansion plan, first announced in 2005. Nationwide Children's Board approval of the final construction budget is expected in early 2010.

18 Jan 2010

Molecules capable of reversing brain abnormalities in PD identified

Scientists identified several molecules capable of reversing the brain abnormalities of Parkinson's disease (PD), while also uncovering new clues for its origin in a study just published in the journal Disease Models and Mechanisms. PD is characterised by abnormal deposits of a brain protein called alpha-synuclein throughout the damaged brain regions, but exactly what they do there is not clear. The fact that their numbers and spreading are associated disease progression has made them, however, a major point of interest in PD research.

18 Jan 2010

Table saw-related injuries remain high; new technology to prevent injuries needs to be affordable

Woodworking is a popular hobby, with table saws being owned and used by an estimated 6 million to 10 million people in the United States. Although table saws are associated with more injuries than any other woodworking tool, there have been no previously published national studies of table saw-related injuries.

18 Jan 2010

Race against time to produce artificial blood substitute

The Twilight book trilogy has 'vegetarian' vampires living on animal blood and in the TV series True Blood, Japanese scientists have developed a synthetic blood substitute. However, in the most recent blockbuster movie Daybreakers, vampires suffer a horrific fate when attempting to drink their blood substitute.

18 Jan 2010

New report providing insight for companies developing therapies to treat hematologic malignancies published

MedPredict Market Research, a global provider of pharmaceutical competitive intelligence and market research, has published a new report providing critical strategic insight for companies developing therapies to treat hematologic malignancies.

18 Jan 2010

"Cadillac Plan" tax: Society of Actuaries proposes changes for successful health care reform

Drawing attention to one of the most complex health care bills recently passed by the U.S. Senate, the Society of Actuaries and American Academy of Actuaries today announced the findings from a new technical model and report on the estimated effect of the excise tax on high–cost employer health plans, also known as the "Cadillac Plan" tax. According to the report, while a tax on excess benefits could play a role in offsetting other costs of health reform, specific design elements of the tax may present some issues.

18 Jan 2010

Study indicates young Swedish men consume excess amount of salt

Young Swedish men are consuming at least double the recommended amount of salt according to a study carried out by the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

18 Jan 2010

Memorial Healthcare System to deploy Axolotl’s Elysium Exchange solutions for HIE

Axolotl Corp., today announced that Memorial Healthcare System, the fifth-largest public health care system in the nation has selected Axolotl’s Elysium® Exchange suite of solutions to securely access and share clinical information between physician practices and medical staff. Axolotl’s Elysium Exchange solutions are used by hundreds of hospitals and thousands of health care professionals, powering 3 statewide HIEs and 18 additional regional exchanges (RHIOs) across the nation.

18 Jan 2010

Study shows key differences among Hispanic populations on the risk of cardiovascular disease

Latinos are not all the same when it comes to risk of heart disease, and a new study by a Columbia University researcher shows key differences among Hispanic populations that doctors should take into account in trying to stem the risk of cardiovascular disease in this large and growing subset of the U.S. population.

18 Jan 2010

Cancer Research UK welcomes government's decision to ban sunbeds

Cancer Research UK welcomes the government's intention to ban the use of sunbeds by under-18s following the launch of a Private Member's Bill in Parliament by Julie Morgan, MP for Cardiff North.

18 Jan 2010

New neuroprotective drug trial for people with traumatic brain injuries

A clinical trial of a new neuroprotective drug for people with traumatic brain injuries will be offered to patients seen in UC Davis Medical Center's level-1 trauma center, through an $8 million grant funded by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program of the U.S. Department of Defense.

18 Jan 2010

Possibility of a shorter life span encourages youth to commit crimes

As Atlanta officials aim to tackle the city's safety problems this year, some of their toughest criminals to stop maybe young offenders whose desires to commit crimes are being fueled by an anticipation of dying early.

18 Jan 2010

Mutagenic drugs designed to kill viruses may make them stronger, says research

As the flu season continues in full-swing, most people can appreciate the need for drugs that stop viruses after they take hold in the body. Despite this serious need for new drugs, a team of researchers from the University of Texas at Austin raise serious concerns about an emerging strategy for stopping viral infections.

18 Jan 2010

Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease are the same

Nearly 20 years ago Huntington Potter kicked up a storm of controversy with the idea that Down syndrome and Alzheimer's were the same disease. Now the evidence is in: He was right.

18 Jan 2010

New discovery likely to have significant influence on cell replacement therapies

MIT neuroscientists have discovered that when it comes to new neurons in the adult brain, the squeakiest wheels get the grease.

18 Jan 2010

Nutrisystem recognized as best among popular weight loss programs

With millions of Americans making it their New Year’s resolution to lose weight and lead a healthier lifestyle, and with the cost of some diet programs rising as high as $10,000 per year, Nutrisystem has been credited by two of the nation’s most respected media outlets for helping consumers shed pounds without lightening their wallets.

18 Jan 2010

Sirnaomics certifies polypeptide nanoparticle technology

Sirnaomics, Inc. (www.sirnaomics.com) announced today that the company has licensed a polypeptide nanoparticle technology invented by Professor A. James Mixson of University of Maryland Medical School.

18 Jan 2010

Major tobacco company dampens impact of EU public health legislation

A major tobacco company played a key role in dampening the impact of EU public health legislation, academics at the Universities of Bath and Edinburgh have claimed.

18 Jan 2010