In the brain, as in business, connections are everything. To maintain cellular associates, the outer surface of a neuron, its membrane, must express particular proteins—proverbial hands that reach out and greet nearby cells. And, like a creepily long handshake, surface molecules can overstay their welcome: A protein that lingers too long on the membrane may […]
Affordable Care Act: Study finds surprising gaps in HIV care providers’ knowledge
A new study has revealed surprising gaps in some HIV medical providers’ knowledge of the Affordable Care Act, with more than a quarter of providers surveyed unable to say whether their state had expanded Medicaid. The national survey also sought to better understand the healthcare providers’ views on the effects of the ACA. Providers in […]
Study shows ‘precision nutrition’ may prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
A study led by researchers from the Texas A&M University System and Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, or CTVHCS, shows how a protein known as STING could be a therapeutic target for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD. The study, “Expression of STING Is Increased in Liver Tissues from Patients with NAFLD and Promotes […]
Study to examine possible effects of cannabis compound for common movement disorder
Researchers at University of California School of Medicine are preparing to launch a novel clinical trial to examine the safety, efficacy and pharmacological properties of cannabis as a potential treatment for adults with essential tremor (ET). Currently, ET is treated using repurposed medications originally developed for high blood pressure or seizures. Surgery is another option. […]
Lab test may identify dangerous gene mutations, study finds
The technique is aimed at easing a frustrating problem in genetic testing. (AP) NEW YORK – Scientists say they’ve found a new way to help determine whether specific genetic abnormalities are likely to make people sick, a step toward avoiding a vexing uncertainty that can surround DNA test results. Researchers used genetic engineering to create […]
Brains of people with schizophrenia are less reactive to social rewards like smiling faces, study shows
In imaging studies, UCLA researchers found that the brains of people with schizophrenia are less sensitive to social rewards, such as the positive feelings that can come from social interactions with people, than they are to so-called nonsocial rewards, such as money or objects. People generally find social stimulation rewarding, which in turn motivates them […]
Study finds increased risk of second HPV-associated cancers among survivors of HPV-associated cancers
A retrospective study led by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health found that survivors of HPV-associated cancers have a high incidence of developing second HPV-related cancers. Their findings, which were reported today in JAMA Network Open, suggest the need for […]
LGBT Americans Typically Poorer Than Straight Peers: Study
FRIDAY, Sept. 7, 2018 — LGBT people in the United States are more likely than their straight counterparts to be poor, and this is especially true for women, a new study says. Wealth plays a key role in health and well-being, and it’s one factor in the poorer health for this group that could be […]
Canine melanoma study identifies genetic basis of disease, potential drug targets
As a veterinarian, Dr. Carolyn Duregger is familiar with the telltale signs of canine melanoma. So when she gave her own dog, Parker, a routine oral examination, the 1-centimeter-diameter discolored lump in the pup’s upper right gums took her breath away. “It’s an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis that I’ve seen many times. My stomach […]
Visceral leishmaniasis on the rise in Brazil, study finds
The parasitic disease leishmaniasis is spread to humans through the bites of sandflies, and is endemic in a number of countries, including Brazil. Despite control efforts, the incidence of visceral leishmaniasis—the most severe form of the disease—rose in Brazil between 1990 and 2016, researchers have reported in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Leishmaniasis can be classified […]