'Despair' gene linked to bipolar disorder, depression and schizophreniaNovember 14th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A gene, touted as the "despair" gene, which earlier had no relation with mood disorders, has now been found to have a link with bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenic conditions, according to pharmacy scientists at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). The researchers have identified antidepressant and anti-anxiety behaviours in tests of mice lacking the gene.
Lawmaker asks GAO to investigate school lunch safeguards against deadly E. coliNovember 9th, 2009 Lawmaker wants probe of E. coli and school lunchesWASHINGTON — The chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee wants an investigation into the risk of deadly E.
Statins can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on brain cellsOctober 29th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Apart from treating high cholesterol and lowering the risk of heart disease, statins have also been found to potentially reduce the risks of other diseases, such as dementia. But, a new study has shown that similar statin drugs can have profoundly different effects on brain cells - both beneficial and harmful.
Epilepsy drug could raise schizophrenia riskOctober 21st, 2009 WASHINGTON - Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have found that antiepilectic drug treatments administered when the brain is developing could trigger schizophrenia-like behaviour. A history of seizures during infancy leaves a person at significantly higher risk of developing schizophrenia later in life, but researchers aren't sure whether the seizures themselves or the drugs used to treat them are to blame.
Epilepsy drugs could cause psychiatric disorders in later lifeOctober 21st, 2009 WASHINGTON - American researchers say that commonly used drugs like those prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy, mood disorders and pain administered to young animals can lead to behavioural abnormalities in their later life. Neuroscientists at the Georgetown University Medical Center have proved that these dugs cause neurons in those regions of the brain to die, which are vital for regulation of mood, cognition, and movement.
Thyroid surgery safe for patients above 65:StudyfOctober 20th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A new study has shown that thyroid surgery is safe for people aged 65 and above. The study's researchers found only slight differences in rates of complications and hospital readmissions.
Dialysis may affect mobility in frail elderly with end-stage renal diseaseOctober 15th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Researchers suggest that before offering the treatment, kidney specialists need to weigh which elderly patient suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD) would benefit the most from either dialysis or conservative therapies. Dialysis provides artificial replacement of lost kidney function, passing a patient's blood through a machine that filters out impurities normally captured in the organ.
Depression leads to increased inflammatory protein linked to heart diseaseOctober 6th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Depression leads to elevated inflammatory proteins in the human body, according to researchers at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Led by Dr.
Elderly women sleep better than they think, men nap worseOctober 1st, 2009 WASHINGTON - Elderly women sleep better than elderly men even though women consistently report that their sleep is shorter and poorer, says a new study. The study, published in the journal Sleep, found that women reported less and poorer sleep than men on all of the subjective measures, including a 13.2 minute shorter total sleep time (TST), 10.1 minute longer sleep onset latency (SOL), and a 4.2 percent lower sleep efficiency.
How do bacteria subvert healthy cells?September 24th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A microbiologist has uncovered an unknown mechanism that helps a deadly food-borne bacterium subvert healthy cells. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause pregnant women to lose their foetuses and can trigger meningitis fatalities among the elderly or people with compromised immune systems.
'It was fair to probe Clinton-Lewinsky affair,' says KennedySeptember 15th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Former US Senator Ted Kennedy, who died last month after battling brain cancer, has said the probing of the affair between former President Bill Clinton and former White House intern Monica Lewinsky was fair. "Do I think such inquiry is fair? Absolutely.
Police: Va. man with guns arrested near Capitol during Obama health care addressSeptember 10th, 2009 Police: Armed man arrested during Obama addressWASHINGTON — U.S. Capitol Police have arrested a Virginia man they say tried to drive into a secure area near the Capitol with a shotgun and rifle in his car as the president gave his health care address to Congress.
Police: Va. man with gun arrested near Capitol during Obama health care addressSeptember 10th, 2009 Police: Man with gun arrested during Obama addressWASHINGTON — U.S. Capitol Police have arrested a Virginia man they say tried to get into a secure area near the Capitol with a gun in his car as the president gave his health care address to Congress.
Now, 'Music Therapy on Wheels' for paediatric patientsSeptember 3rd, 2009 WASHINGTON - Scientists have come up with a new mobile tool to deliver music therapy, and help paediatric patients cope with the fear, isolation and pain associated with being in the hospital. Making an announcement in this regard, Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA described the Music Rx unit as a high-tech, interactive studio on wheels that includes everything necessary for music therapy, both in group settings and one-on-one.
Carbon monoxide increases health risk to elderly heart patientsSeptember 1st, 2009 WASHINGTON - Exposure to carbon monoxide (CO), even well below permissible national limits, may hasten hospitalisation of elderly cardiac patients, according to a new study in the US. The nationwide study of 126 urban communities found that an increase in CO of one part per million (PPM) in the maximum daily hour-long exposure is linked with a 0.96 percent hike in hospitalisation risk from cardiovascular disease among people over 65 year.
