A large, multi-ethnic genome-wide association study (GWAS) of asthma identified novel associations with potential relevance for asthma susceptibility in older adults of diverse racial backgrounds. The study, “Large-scale, multi-ethnic genome wide association study identifies novel loci contributing to asthma susceptibility in adults,” appears in the April issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. […]
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Movement toward a stool test for liver cirrhosis
For the estimated 100 million U.S. adults and children living with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), whether or not they have liver cirrhosis, or scarring, is an important predictor for survival. Yet it’s difficult and invasive to detect liver cirrhosis before it is well advanced. In an effort to quickly and easily identify people at […]
Emails show FDA worry with growers after romaine outbreaks
After repeated food poisoning outbreaks tied to romaine lettuce, a U.S. food safety official shared his concerns in an internal email, saying the produce industry’s water testing “failed in an epic and tragic way.” How the industry tests water to grow leafy greens is “unacceptable” and needs to change, James Gorny, a senior adviser for […]
Experts set out targets to eliminate tuberculosis within a generation: Tuberculosis can be treated, prevented and cured, yet it kills 1.6 million people a year, more people than any other infectious disease
A world free of tuberculosis (TB) is possible by 2045 if increased political will and financial resources are directed towards priority areas including providing evidence-based interventions to everyone, especially to high risk groups, and increasing research to develop new ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent TB. Funding this response will require substantial investments, and accountability […]
Engineers aim to pioneer tissue-engineering approach to TMJ disorders: Solutions have been hampered by past failures, proximity of jaw joint to brain
Here’s something to chew on: One in four people are impacted by defects of the temporomandibular — or jaw — joint. Despite the pervasiveness of this affliction, treatments are lacking, and many sufferers resort to palliative measures to cope with the pain and debilitation it causes. “The TMJ is central to chewing, talking and so […]
CRISPR/Cas libraries open new avenues in cancer research: Innovative methods lead to foundation of start-up Vivlion GmbH
CRISPR/Cas enables the targeted deactivation of genes by cutting DNA at pre-determined sites. This is accomplished by providing the Cas enzyme with a genetic zip code. Using an entire library of zip codes, it is then possible to simultaneously probe multiple sites within the genome, for example to determine which genes are essential for cancer […]
Sniffing out Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that leads to progressive brain cell death and extensive loss of motor function. Despite much research being conducted on this disease, there are no definitive diagnostic tests currently available. Now, researchers report the identification of compounds that make up the signature odor of the disease with the help an […]
Older patients with Crohn’s disease benefit from new medications
Combining medications that suppress the immune system has been successful in treating young patients with Crohn’s disease, but some physicians have been reluctant to use this strategy in older patients because of concerns about safety. Now an Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics study indicates that older patients can be safely and effectively treated with such combined […]
Toilet seat that detects congestive heart failure getting ready to begin commercialization: Researchers developed the seats to measure biometrics during ‘natural’ processes
With 1 million new cases of congestive heart failure diagnosed each year, a revolutionary product is making it easier for hospitals to monitor patients with the condition in the comfort of their own homes. A toilet-seat based cardiovascular monitoring system created by a team of Rochester Institute of Technology researchers aims to lower the hospital […]
Novel electrocardiogram uses signals from ear and hand to check heart rhythm: The ECG not requiring two hands could be used by drivers, athletes, and the military
A novel electrocardiogram (ECG) method which uses signals from the ear and hand to check heart rhythm is revealed today at EHRA 2011 a European Society of Cardiology (ESC) congress. The ECG does not require two hands and could be used by drivers, athletes, and the military. Study author Dr Raffaele De Lucia, of the […]