Category: Uncategorized

Protein deficiency may explain kidney disease

The Greek goddess Klotho was responsible for spinning the thread of life. She would decide when people were born, who should be put to death, and who should be spared. The gene that was named after her may also hold the key to age and life expansion. The Klotho gene was initially identified as a […]

Study shows early brain changes in fragile X syndrome

A new study led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) is giving researchers a first look at the early stages of brain development in patients with Fragile X syndrome, a disorder that causes mild to severe intellectual disability and is the most common genetic cause of autism spectrum disorder. “We’re the first to […]

Algorithm predicts whether high-risk babies will develop autism

Autism is rarely out of the news. Yet despite increasing levels of investigative research, the origin of the condition is still poorly understood. Characterized by a difficulty communicating and interacting with others, as well as ritualized and stereotyped behaviors, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are estimated to affect 1 in 68 children in the United States. […]

B vitamins may improve schizophrenia symptoms

The debilitating mental health condition includes severe symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, but also cognitive dysfunction and agitated body movements. Additionally, so-called negative symptoms range from not taking pleasure in daily activities anymore, to reduced speaking, reduced emotional expression, and the inability to engage in activities. Available treatment options focus on eliminating the symptoms […]

What are the effects of traumatic brain injury in children?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any injury to the head that interferes with the normal functioning of the brain. This can be a violent blow or bump, which can result in a sudden jolt, or a penetrating injury that pierces the skull and the brain tissue. TBIs can range from mild (commonly known as […]

Gout and Diet: Nutritional Information and What to Avoid

Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by an excess of a waste product called uric acid in the blood. When there is too much uric acid, crystals can form in the joints, causing severe pain, tenderness, redness, and inflammation. Gout most commonly affects men. However, it can also affect women who have […]

Harsh parenting may do more harm than good for children’s education

From an analysis of more than 1,000 students, researchers found that children exposed to harsh parenting were more likely to engage in delinquency and other negative behaviors as teenagers, which was associated with lower educational achievement by the age of 21. Study leader Rochelle F. Hentges, of the Department of Psychology at the University of […]

Living with pets linked to stronger social skills in children with autism

Previous studies show that pets encourage social interaction, and there have been reports of dogs helping children with autism develop their social skills. But before this new study, from a researcher the University of Missouri (MU), nobody had shown this might also true of other types of pet. Dr. Gretchen Carlisle, research fellow in the […]

Sharing a bed with your pet could help you sleep

Lead author Dr. Lois Krahn, of Mayo Clinic’s Center for Sleep Medicine in Scottsdale, AZ, and colleagues publish their findings in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. It goes without saying that the US is a nation of animal lovers; almost 65% of American households own a pet, the most common companions being dogs and cats. There have […]

Childhood pets surpass siblings for relationship satisfaction

Study leader William T. Cassels, of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, and colleagues recently reported their findings in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology. America is a nation of pet lovers. According to The Humane Society of the United States, around 66.5 million households in the U.S. […]