Health News

Most patients willing to share medical records for research purposes: But survey finds age, health literacy, who will see the research — and how they’re asked — are all influencing factors

As medicine becomes both bigger and more personalized, the need for massive databases of patient records, such as the 1 million person All of Us Research Program, become increasingly essential to fueling both new discoveries and translational treatments. But the looming, lingering question is to what degree are individual patients willing to share medical records […]

Health News

New synthesis method opens up possibilities for organic electronics

Semiconducting polymers, very large chain-like molecules made from repeating sub-units, are increasingly drawing the attention of researchers because of their potential applications in organic electronic devices. Like most semiconducting materials, semiconducting polymers can be classified as p-type or n-type according to their conducting properties. Although p-type semiconducting polymers have seen dramatic improvements thanks to recent […]

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Cholesterol medication could invite diabetes, study suggests: Patient data shows association between statins and type 2 diabetes

A study of thousands of patients’ health records found that those who were prescribed cholesterol-lowering statins had at least double the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The detailed analysis of health records and other data from patients in a private insurance plan in the Midwest provides a real-world picture of how efforts to reduce […]

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New gene editor harnesses jumping genes for precise DNA integration

A new discovery by researchers at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons could fix one of the major shortcomings of current gene-editing tools, including CRISPR, and offer a powerful new approach for genetic engineering and gene therapy. Their new technology, called INTEGRATE, harnesses bacterial jumping genes to reliably insert any DNA sequence into […]

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A step toward better understanding brain anatomy of autism spectrum disorder: Study could lead to development of personalized biomarkers and treatment

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often lumped into a single catch-all group, despite significant differences in symptom profile and severity. Further muddying the waters when trying to understand and treat ASD, many previous studies show significant variability in findings. A new study, led by researchers at McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine and the […]