New research from the University of Eastern Finland shows that the APP gene variant protecting against Alzheimer’s disease significantly decreases plasma beta-amyloid levels in a population cohort. This is a very significant discovery, as many on-going drug trials in the field of Alzheimer’s disease focus on decreasing beta-amyloid levels in the brain tissue. According to...
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Mutation of growth hormone receptor gene in men found to lengthen lifespan
Medical Xpress)—A team of researchers with member affiliations in the U.S., France and Israel has found that a mutation in a growth hormone receptor gene can make some men live longer. In their paper published on the open access site Science Advances, the group outlines their study of several different groups of men and the differences...
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Viral vectors for gene transfer travel longer distances in the brain than thought
Gene transfer as a treatment of neurodegenerative diseases Where viral vectors ‘travel’ and which types of neural cells they infect, can be visualized by fluorescent Proteins being transmitted. Gene transfer is seen as a hopeful therapy for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients. The approach involves using harmless laboratory-produced viruses to introduce important genes into the brain...
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Impact of nutrition on social decision making
Abstract Food intake is essential for maintaining homeostasis, which is necessary for survival in all species. However, food intake also impacts multiple biochemical processes that influence our behavior. Here, we investigate the causal relationship between macronutrient composition, its bodily biochemical impact, and a modulation of human social decision making. Across two studies, we show that...
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Broccoli extract shows promise for type 2 diabetes
There are few children – or adults – who are naturally fond of broccoli, and moms have a notoriously difficult time to get their kids to eat this green vegetable. It now turns out that your mom may have been right about broccoli’s goodness all along. A small study suggests that a substance in this...
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Eating fried potatoes linked to higher risk of death, study says
How your spuds are cooked is key to your health. People who eat fried potatoes two or more times a week double their risk of an early death compared to those who avoid them, a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found. Eating potatoes that have not been fried was not...
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Augmented Reality System to Help Understand Medical Conditions and Assist in Patient Education
At the Birmingham City University in the United Kingdom researchers are working on an augmented reality system that would help clinicians manipulate and interact with patient imaging scans, related anatomical models, and data from electronic medical records. Many practical use cases for this technology is envisioned, including helping to relay to patients the effects of their...
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Ebb Insomnia Therapy System Cools Front of Head to Help Stop Racing Thoughts
A new sleep therapy system is coming to market that works by cooling the frontal lobe. The technology is rooted in some evidence that less activity in the front of the brain is linked to better sleep. It seems related to “racing thoughts” that people sometimes experience while trying to sleep, the slowing of which...
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DOT Telemedicine Backpack, an All-in-One Solution Brings Remote Doctors Anywhere
A company called swyMed out of Lexington, Massachusetts is releasing a portable telemedicine solution designed to link patients with doctors, whether they are at home, in an ambulance, or in a hard to reach location. The plug-and-play solution can be quickly deployed to begin a consultation, particularly important in emergency scenarios. The DOT Telemedicine Backpack features a rugged...
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Could Parkinson’s disease be cured by transplanting PIG CELLS into the brain? Early trials may hold the key to the first ever remedy
The futuristic technique has already proved that it can be successful on rats Four patients who have had the procedure are believed to be on the mend The firm behind the treatment believe it could offer hope to millions of sufferers Transplanting pig cells into the brain may be able to cure Parkinson’s disease, new...