Heart Disease :: Single genetic defect causes early heart disease
A team of researchers from the United States and Iran has identified a genetic mutation that causes early onset coronary artery disease in members of a large Iranian family.
Laboratory
Infertility :: Steroid use fails to boost pregnancy rates in infertility treatments
There is no clear benefit from a hormone commonly prescribed to enhance the effectiveness of infertility treatments, according to a new review of studies.
Liver :: Predicting survival in liver patients has many applications but could be refined further
A review of the studies on the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) found that it is an accurate predictor of survival of patients with a variety of liver diseases, is particularly useful in allocating organs for liver transplants, and can also be used to help determine the course of treatment in certain cases.
Leukemia :: Leukemia drug turns mini-molecules up, cancer genes down
New research shows that a form of vitamin A used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia induces changes in an unusual class of small molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) in the leukemic cells.
Nicotine :: New study demonstrates nicotine’s role in smoking behavior
Tobacco dependence is the leading cause of mortality in Canada. Although most smokers express a desire to stop smoking, only a small number are able to succeed.
HIV :: Widely used hepatitis B drug spurs HIV drug resistance
A Johns Hopkins study has proven false established medical practice that an antiretroviral drug widely used to treat hepatitis B liver infections was safe to use on its own in patients co-infected with HIV.
Flu :: Review of 1918 pandemic flu studies offers more questions than answers
Scientists and public health officials, wary that the H5N1 avian influenza virus could trigger an influenza pandemic, have looked to past pandemics, including the 1918 “Spanish Flu,” for insight into pandemic planning.
Award :: Promising blood cancer researchers in Europe to receive award to study in US
The first recipients have been selected for a new international scholarship opportunity, sponsored by the European Hematology Association (EHA) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH), for scientists in training or the early phase of their careers.
Stress :: Stress in childhood increases depression in adulthood
New research conducted in the Department of Psychology at the University of Haifa that examined the behavior patterns of laboratory rats revealed that exposure to stress at a young age increases the likelihood of developing mood and anxiety disorders in adulthood.
Newborns :: DSHS begins expanded screening of newborns
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is now testing “heel stick” blood samples from newborns for 26 disorders, with a 27th to be added this year.