New evidence indicates that small pieces of noncoding genetic material known as microRNAs (miRNAs) might influence cancer susceptibility. Differences in certain miRNAs may predispose some individuals to develop cancer, say researchers collaborating in a joint study at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson in Philadelphia, Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus and Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo.
Two genes important for human development and implicated in cancer and schizophrenia also help keep a healthy balance between excitation and inhibition of brain cells, researchers say.
Highlighting vast inequality in health resources between developed and developing countries, a new UN report has said the deaths caused by non-communicable diseases among ageing populations in the world are rising.
A study of high schools in China has found community, school and household factors have a major impact on obesity in adolescents.
Reducing the density of fast food outlets and improving walking tracks could help promote healthy behavior in local communities, according to a new University of Melbourne study.
In a pair of studies posted on Biology of Reproduction — Papers in Press, researchers report that results from studies of adolescent female sheep suggest that teenaged girls who become pregnant before reaching full growth may not be able to supply their fetuses with adequate nourishment.
Women smokers who become pregnant have long been encouraged to reduce or eliminate their nicotine intake. A new study being published in the June 15th issue of Biological Psychiatry provides further reason to do so, as it presents new evidence that in utero exposure to smoking is associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) problems in genetically susceptible children.
A gene that controls the flow of potassium into cells is required to maintain normal sleep in fruit flies, according to researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH). Hyperkinetic (Hk) is the second gene identified by the SMPH group to have a profound effect on sleep in flies.
Despite improvements in the ability to diagnose malaria, these diagnostic tests are often underused in Zambia, and patients with negative test results are often prescribed anti-malaria medications, according to a study in the May 23/30 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on malaria.
Evidence confirms Public Citizen?s warnings about the risks of popular diabetes drug Avandia. Statement given by Sidney Wolfe, MD, Director of Health Research Group at Public Citizen: