Research in the past several years shows that children can outgrow a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); once considered a lifelong condition. In a new study, researchers at Albert Einstein have found that the vast majority of such children still have difficulties; that require therapeutic and educational support. “It’s certainly encouraging to confirm that…
The World Health Organisation has said that; the world is not prepared for a global flu pandemic; and that resources are inadequate. They followed by saying that a global pandemic of flu; is a matter of “when” and not “if”. The news comes after the WHO released a global influenza strategy. In a statement, WHO…
Many more people across England and Wales with hearing loss; but will be able to access the life-changing benefits of a cochlear implant. This is the result of a decision by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to expand the criteria used when determining who is eligible for a cochlear implant within…
Studies of health effects of alcohol consumption may underestimate the risks of imbibing, particularly for younger people, according to a new study in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. The research demonstrates that although cohort studies the type of observational investigations typically used to study health benefits and risks sometimes show benefits from moderate…
Standard tests used to identify dehydration are not working for older people living in care homes according to new research from the University of East Anglia. Carers often use simple tests to see if an older person is dehydrated. These include looking at their eyes, skin, or asking if someone feels thirsty; tired or has…
Laboratory analysis from the first arm of a phase II clinical trial testing the use of nilotinib in patients with Parkinson’s disease demonstrates precisely how the agent increases levels of dopamine in the brains of study participants, says a research team at Georgetown University Medical Center. Symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as motor dysfunction, are a…
Joints emit a variety of noises, including popping, snapping, catching, clicking, grinding, grating and clunking. The technical term for these noises is “crepitus”, from the Latin “to rattle”. People of all ages can experience crepitus; although it becomes more common with old age. So what causes crepitus? Air bubbles forming in the joint spaces are…
An ambitious health economics study from a consortium of five Japanese universities has shown that different university programs to promote the equal geographic distribution of physicians; increases the number of graduates practicing in rural areas in Japan. Graduates from these programs are on average 24 % more likely to work in non-metropolitan areas than those…
A cerebral organoid describes artificially grown, in vitro, miniature organs resembling the brain. Cerebral organoids are by culturing human pluripotent stem cells in a three-dimensional rotational bioreactor; develop over a course of months. The human brain is an extremely complex system of heterogeneous tissues and consists of an extremely diverse array of neurons. This complexity has made…
For patients contemplating spinal fusion surgery to alleviate pain, bone health is an important consideration. If a patient is find to have low bone density prior to surgery, it could affect the treatment plan before; during and after the procedure. A study at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City found that a CT…
A new study from the George Mason University Arts Research Center and published in the journal Psychology of Aesthetics; Creativity, and the Arts a link between arts elective courses in music, dance, visual art and drama, and better grades in middle school. The study, led by Adam Winsler; followed a large and diverse sample of preschool…
Acute and chronic inflammation is the basis of many serious diseases including asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis. The stimulation of macrophages during the inflammatory response gives rise to overproduction of several pro-inflammatory mediators; including nitric oxide (NO) via inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). NO overproduction can lead to tissue damage through cytokine-mediated processes. This…