Articles in Information
Early Autism May Not Last a Lifetime A new study found that some children correctly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) at an early age may lose symptoms as they grow older. Further research may help scientists understand this change and point the way to more effective interventions. ASD includes several related brain disorders, with […]
Implanted Defibrillators Boost “Real World” Survival A new study linked implanted cardiac devices to improved survival rates, whether or not patients were participating in a carefully controlled clinical trial. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) can save the lives of patients with heart failure. This small device is placed in the chest. It monitors heartbeats and delivers electrical […]
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Therapy Shows Promise for Peanut Allergy A liquid therapy placed underneath the tongues of people with peanut allergy can reduce their sensitivity to peanuts, a new study found. With further development, the experimental technique could make life easier for people whose only current option is to avoid everything that contains peanuts. Food allergy comes about […]
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Protein Linked to Atopic Dermatitis A study in mice suggests that lack of a certain protein may trigger atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema. The finding may lead to improved treatment options for people. Normal skin from a mouse (top) shows no sign of inflammation. Skin from a mouse lacking Ctip2 (bottom) is […]
Genomic Technology Detects Fetal Problems Two new studies show the potential of a genomic technique to help spot abnormalities in fetuses that conventional methods can’t. One research team used the technology in prenatal testing. Another showed that it could help detect the reasons for stillbirths. The approach might allow better planning for early interventions. Some […]
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Brain Changes as Trust Rises With Age Older adults are more likely than younger ones to perceive dishonest faces as trustworthy, according to a new study of social judgments and brain activity. The findings may help explain why older people are more likely to fall victim to fraud. Up to 80% of scam victims are […]
Source of New Heart Cell Growth Discovered A study in mice suggests that new heart cells arise from pre-existing heart cells and that the renewal process slows with age. The findings may lead to improved regenerative therapy for people with heart damage. Dividing heart cells in newborn mice incorporate a tracer that can be seen […]
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Forecasting Flu Outbreaks Scientists were able to forecast seasonal flu outbreaks using an approach common to weather prediction. The accomplishment lays the groundwork for systems to help public officials better predict and prepare for outbreaks. In temperate regions, people become sick from influenza infections most often during winter. Dry air appears to be a factor. […]
Gene Variations Linked to Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers Researchers identified 3 genetic regions that predispose Asian women who’ve never smoked to lung cancer. The finding provides evidence that lung cancer among never-smokers can differ on a fundamental level from lung cancer in smokers. Up to 90% of lung cancer deaths can be attributed to smoking. […]
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Old Habits Gone But Not Forgotten Scientists have identified a small region of the rat brain that seems to control whether certain habits will continue or be replaced by new habits. The finding offers insights into the brain pathways that help us shift between fixed and flexible behaviors. Habits are a powerful force in our […]
