Faulty immune memory can trigger cold sores, cancerNovember 10th, 2009 SYDNEY - A faulty immune memory can trigger infections that may lead to cold sores and even cancer in some people, say researchers. The memory circuit, identified by the research team, involves a gene and protein called DOCK8, which helps white blood cells form synapses, tiny points of cell contact, that are responsible for memory in the brain.
Marijuana could prove helpful for post-traumatic stress disorder patientsNovember 5th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A new Israeli study has found that the use of cannabinoids (marijuana) could help in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder patients. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition in which the patient continues to suffer from stress symptoms months after going through a traumatic event like a car accident or a terror attack.
Rare brain disorder which causes dementia is geneticNovember 5th, 2009 LONDON - New research shows that a rare brain disorder that causes early dementia is highly hereditary. The brain disorder called frontotemporal dementia destroys parts of the brain, leading to dementia, including problems with language or changes in behaviour and personality.
'Slimming gene' that regulates body fat identifiedNovember 3rd, 2009 WASHINGTON - Scientists at the University of Bonn have identified a gene in fruit flies that controls the metabolism of fat. The researchers called the gene 'schlank' (German for 'slim').
How temperature synchronizes the body clockOctober 30th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A new study on the fruit-fly brain, conducted by scientists from Queen Mary, University of London, points to a possible mechanism by which temperature synchronizes the body clock (also known as the circadian clock). A variety of organisms, including insects and humans, have evolved an internal circadian clock to regulate patterns of behaviour throughout the day - for example sleep, appetite, alertness and concentration.
Cellphone radiation, clock radios can act as "catalysts" for cancerOctober 28th, 2009 MELBOURNE - An Australian brain cancer surgeon has called upon people to use mobile phones and clock radios with caution as, according to him, they are "catalysts" for cancer. "Just to err on the side of safety, I would try and limit the amount of EMR that you're exposed to," the Couriermail quoted Charlie Teo, as telling a Melbourne fundraiser.
One in 10 adolescents lie, steal, violate social normsOctober 24th, 2009 WASHINGTON - One in 10 adolescents lie, steal, take drugs, gamble and violate social norms, behaviours known as conduct disorder, according to a new study. Other symptoms include vandalism, impulsivity, verbal and physical aggression and cruelty to pets or people.
Family-based intervention program can reduce anxiety risk in kidsOctober 11th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Researchers from Johns Hopkins Children's Centre have found that a family-based program can reduce symptoms and the risk of developing an anxiety disorder among children. The study suggests that as few as eight weekly family sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy would go a long way to prevent or minimize the psychological damage of childhood anxiety.
Jet lag 'cure' a step closerOctober 9th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Jet lag may soon be history thanks to scientists who have discovered the exact brain cell that sends us to sleep or keeps us awake. The finding by University of Michigan mathematicians and their British colleagues overturns a long-held theory about our internal clock.
Genes linked with onset age of Parkinson's disease identifiedOctober 8th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Genes, which may influence the onset age of Parkinson's Disease (PD) have been identified, report researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM). The findings are the first to identify genes contributing to the variation in onset age and may help identify mechanisms and therapeutic targets capable of delaying symptoms.
Young adults likely to outgrow bipolar disorder in later lifeSeptember 30th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A new study from University of Missouri has shown that nearly half of the people diagnosed with bipolar disorder between the ages of 18 and 25 are likely to outgrow the disorder by the time they reach 30. With the symptoms often starting in early adulthood, bipolar disorder has been thought of traditionally as a lifelong disorder.
Scientists uncover 'genetic switch' that can trigger leukaemiaSeptember 28th, 2009 LONDON - Experts at the Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute at Cambridge University have identified a broken genetic "switch" that can trigger leukaemia, and believe that this breakthrough may lead to new treatments. According to background information in a report on this discovery, Leukaemia is a cancer of the bone marrow and the immune system's white blood cells, which do not develop properly and begin to divide uncontrollably.
Devices that will provide good night's sleepSeptember 27th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Many people have sleep related problems - some cannot catch sleep, some cannot wake up, and others are troubled because they get less sleep. But here's some good news for the sleep-deprived: Dr.
Three genes linked to Lou Gehrig's disease identifiedSeptember 10th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Researchers at Michigan Technological University have identified three genes that play a major role in the most common type of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), generally known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The team of mathematicians, led by Shuanglin Zhang, isolated the genes from the many thousands scattered throughout human DNA.
Breakthrough could help reverse devastating childhood diseaseSeptember 8th, 2009 SYDNEY - A breakthrough by scientists could open the way to developing drugs to reverse the effects of a devastating childhood illness known as mitochondrial disease. Aleksandra Filipovska and her team from the Western Australian Institute of Medical Research (WAIMR) have identified two new proteins that may be the key to treating mitochondrial gene defects known to cause severe and debilitating diseases, particularly among children.
