Personal Health

Genome editing helps decipher a congenital liver disease

Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) is a rare genetic disease that causes malformation and fibrosis (scarring) of the liver. Occurring in roughly one out of every 20,000 births, CHF can lead to an enlarged liver, impaired blood flow to the intestines (portal hypertension), infection of the bile ducts and liver failure. In severe cases, a liver […]

Health Problems

New study finds Montmorency cherries can aid fight against cardio-metabolic disease

A groundbreaking study by a researcher at the University of Hertfordshire has found that drinking the juice of Montmorency cherries can help to prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Discovered by the Romans, Montmorency cherries have strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, as powerful as anything in common pharmaceutical drugs. As there was little research in the […]

Personal Health

The Facts (and Myths) About How You Really Get Lyme Disease

Now that winter has transitioned to spring and temperatures are warming up in much of the country, you’re likely to start hearing a lot about Lyme disease. Rates of this tick-borne illness have been rising steadily in the United States over the last two decades, with most infections happening in April through October. According to […]

Health Problems

What makes joints pop and crack and is it a sign of disease?

Joints emit a variety of noises, including popping, snapping, catching, clicking, grinding, grating and clunking. The technical term for these noises is “crepitus”, from the Latin “to rattle”. People of all ages can experience crepitus, although it becomes more common with old age. So what causes crepitus? Air bubbles forming in the joint spaces are […]

Health News

Deadly 'zombie' deer disease threat prompts Louisiana lawmaker to act: It's 'critical' to find a cure

Deadly ‘zombie’ deer disease could spread to humans A deadly ‘zombie’ deer disease could possibly spread to humans, experts are warning. Republican Rep. Ralph Abraham isn't going to wait for the deadly, so-called “zombie” deer disease to spread to his home state of Louisiana before taking action. Abraham, who represents the state’s 5th congressional district, […]