Three novel genomic loci – distinct stretches of genetic material on chromosomes – linked to Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), which often clusters in families and is roughly 39 percent heritable, have been identified by researchers. Using genome-wide association data, they deepen understanding of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, the most common cause for corneal transplants.
Delaying access to tempting, high-calorie foods and snacks in vending machines potentially can shift people’s choices to purchase less desired, but healthier snack options, new research suggests.
Researchers have successfully grown stem cells from children with a devastating neurological disease to help explain how different genetic backgrounds can cause common symptoms. They identified individual and shared defects in the cells that could inform treatment efforts.
New treatments for osteoporosis are desperately needed. Now scientists report estimates of potentially the most effective dosage of a particular peptide, with results that could raise density levels in badly degraded bones back to healthy levels.
When anonymity between people is lifted, they more likely cooperate with each other. Playing nice can thereby become a winning strategy, an international team of scientists shows in a study. The findings are based on experiments with a limited number of participants but might have far-reaching implications, if confirmed. Reducing anonymity could help social networks such as Facebook or Twitter that suffer from hate and fake news. It might also help in conflicts about environmental resources.
Hidden vulnerabilities on the surface of the dengue virus have been found by researchers. This discovery offers exciting possibilities for development of drugs to target these weak spots for treatment of dengue and related viruses such as Zika.
One change to field triage guidelines for emergency medical services (EMS) responding to older adults with head trauma could make a ‘clinically important improvement over usual care,’ according to new research.
Clinical trials found that it is safe to regularly infuse brain and lung cancer patients with 800-1,000 times the daily recommended amount of vitamin C as a potential strategy to improve outcomes of standard cancer treatments. The researchers also show pathways by which altered iron metabolism in cancer cells, and not normal cells, lead to increased sensitivity to cancer cell killing caused by high dose vitamin C.
Even a single dose of a specific ribonucleic acid molecule, known as a small interfering RNA (siRNA), offers patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease long-lasting protection against high LDL cholesterol – one of the main risk factors for heart attack and stroke – conclude researchers.
Insomnia is associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke, according to new research.
