UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE A team at the University of Cambridge has shown how, in osteoarthritis patients, the viscous lubricant that ordinarily allows our joints to move smoothly triggers a pain response from nerve cells similar that caused by chilli peppers. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It causes joint pain and stiffness, and in some people swelling and...
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Moles on the body largely influenced by genetics, finds new study
KING’S COLLEGE LONDON A study published this week in the journal Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research has found that genes have a greater influence than previously thought not only on the number of moles you have but also where they are on your body. Survival of skin cancer is known to be influenced by gender, with female patients demonstrating higher rates of survival linked...
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Abnormal blood pressure in middle and late life influences dementia risk
JOHNS HOPKINS MEDICINE In a study that spanned two and a half decades and looked at data from more than 4,700 participants, Johns Hopkins researchers have added to evidence that abnormal blood pressure in midlife persisting into late life increases the likelihood of developing dementia. Although not designed to show cause and effect, the study...
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Nerve stimulation and repetitive sounds help improve hearing
by American Physiological Society Combining seizure-preventing electrical stimulation with repetitive musical tones improves processing of sounds in the brain, according to new research. The discovery may provide relief for chronic ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and aid communication skills in people with autism. The first-of-its-kind study, published ahead of print in the Journal of Neurophysiology...
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Study shows surprising trends for a serious lung condition
Posted Today Pulmonary embolism is a potentially life-threatening condition, in which blood clots migrate to arteries in the lungs, with the risk for increased pressure on the right side of the heart, impaired breathing, and even death. Yale researchers recently studied trends in hospitalization and mortality rates for people with pulmonary embolism, and their findings...
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Identifying Biomarkers for Guillain–Barré Syndrome
Sponsored Content by Bruker BioSpin – NMR, EPR and Imaging Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks peripheral nerves and damages the myelin insulation. Symptoms rapidly progress from pain to muscle weakness and even paralysis. Although Guillain-Barre usually affects the hands, feet, and limbs, it can be life-threatening when...
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FDA approves TB pill that cures more hard-to treat patients
by Linda A. Johnson U.S. regulators Wednesday approved a new tuberculosis medicine that shortens and improves treatment for the hardest-to-treat cases, a worsening problem in many poor countries. It’s the first TB drug from a nonprofit group. The TB Alliance, formed to come up with better treatments, developed pretomanid with help from charities and government...
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Charcoal-based drug delivery system improves efficacy of common herpes drug
by Sharon Parmet, University of Illinois at Chicago A study led by researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago has found that combining acyclovir—a commonly prescribed topical herpes medication—with particles of activated carbon improves efficacy of the drug. This new approach allows for less frequent dosing and overall course of treatment while providing some...
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Up to half of patients withhold life-threatening issues from doctors
by University of Utah Facing the threat of domestic violence, being a survivor of sexual assault, struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide are four topics that are difficult to broach with anyone. Including those who can help you. A new study reveals up to 47.5 percent of patients who feel they face one or...
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Wiggling it beats a path for a better performance at school
Marching, wiggling and tapping a beat aids young children to develop their self-regulation skills and improve school readiness, as shown in newly-published QUT early childhood research. Associate Professor Kate Williams designed a low-cost preschool program focussing exclusively on rhythm and movement activities linked to pathways in the brain to support attentional and emotional development. “Think...