The extract of the leaves of Ginkgo biloba, a popular dietary supplement, may offer some therapeutic benefits in fighting Type 2 diabetes, according to a study co-authored by a researcher at the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine. “In diabetic rats Ginkgo biloba had a very good effect on the beta cells of Langerhans […]
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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 […]
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 […]
A single measurement may help determine kneecap instability risk
Knee injuries can be a scourge to collegiate and pro athletes alike, but Penn State researchers say a single measurement taken by a clinician may help predict whether a person is at risk for knee instability. The researchers found that measuring the distance between the tibial tubercle (TT) — a bony bump on the tibia, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Indoor tanning may be an addiction abetted by both genetic and psychiatric factors
A combination of elevated symptoms of depression along with modifications in a gene responsible for dopamine activity, important to the brain’s pleasure and reward system, appear to influence an addiction to indoor tanning in young, white non-Hispanic women. That finding comes from a new study, reported by researchers at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and […]
‘Organs in a dish’ pave the way for personalized medicine in gut and liver disease
One of the most exciting advancements in stem cell research has been the development of organoid systems, which are organ-like three-dimensional structures that mimic their corresponding organ in vivo. In this important review in Digestive and Liver Disease, published by Elsevier, scientists highlight some of the established and exciting novel uses for organoids or “organs […]
Intelligent algorithms for genome research: New repository ‘Kipoi’ improves access to machine learning models
Although the importance of machine learning methods in genome research has grown steadily in recent years, researchers have often had to resort to using obsolete software. Scientists in clinical research often did not have access to the most recent models. This will change with the new free open access repository: Kipoi enables an easy exchange […]
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 […]