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. […]

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 […]

A Little Exercise Might Lengthen Life A little physical activity can go a long way toward extending your life, regardless of your weight, a new study found. People who walked briskly or did other activity at only half the recommended amount gained nearly 2 years in life expectancy compared to inactive people. Those who exercised […]

Gene Therapy for Salivary Gland Shows Promise An experimental trial showed that gene therapy can be performed safely in the human salivary gland. The accomplishment may one day lead to treatments to help head and neck cancer survivors who battle with chronic dry mouth.   A mouse embryonic salivary gland.Credit: Melinda Larsen et al., Developmental Biology 255: […]

Technique Selectively Represses Immune System Researchers devised a way to successfully treat symptoms resembling multiple sclerosis in a mouse model. With further development, the technique might be used to treat multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders.   Myelin (green) encases and protects nerve fibers (brown). A new technique prevents the immune system from attacking myelin […]

Cataloging Human Genetic Variation The world’s largest, most detailed catalog of human genetic variation—used by disease researchers around the world—has more than doubled in size. The newly published information will provide deeper insights into the genomic basis of human disease. Genetically, people are more than 99% alike. Although most of the variations between us have […]

Brain Wave Synchronization Key to Working Visual Memory Short-term memories are stored as synchronized signals between 2 key brain hubs, according to a new study in monkeys. The findings show for the first time how the brain stores visual information for working memory tasks.   Plots showing the coherence between activity of cells in different […]

Dozens of Genes Linked to Bowel Diseases Researchers found 71 new human genes associated with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis—forms of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affect nearly 2.5 million people worldwide. The study brings the total number of genes linked with IBD to 163. The most common signs of IBD are diarrhea and […]

Healthy Diet May Fend Off Type 2 Diabetes After Gestational Diabetes By keeping a healthy diet in the years after pregnancy, women who develop diabetes during pregnancy can greatly reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes, a new study found. About 5% of pregnant women nationwide develop high blood sugar levels even though they didn’t […]

Improved COPD Detection A new technique can distinguish between different types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and track disease progression. The method could allow for more accurate diagnoses and lead to more effective treatments for COPD.   PRM images can help distinguish healthy lung areas (green) from those with early-stage damage (yellow) and emphysema […]