Researchers discover potential way to wake up 'sleeping' genes that cause Prader-Willi syndrome, a devastating and incurable genetic condition. The approach aims to reduce severe symptoms such as obesity, developmental delays, and hormone dysfunction by targeting the genetic cause of the condition.
A pilot study found that Montmorency tart cherry juice reduced systolic blood pressure and lowered insulin levels in adults with metabolic syndrome. The study also showed improvements in arterial stiffness after consumption of the juice.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have created a blood test that can flag the disease, which currently lacks a standard diagnostic test. The test successfully identified participants in a study with chronic fatigue syndrome and is being used to screen for potential drugs that may help treat the condition.
A study by MIT neuroscientists found that a genetic mutation linked to Williams Syndrome leads to thinning of the fatty layer that insulates neurons. Reversing this effect with drugs improved symptoms, suggesting a new direction for treatment.
Researchers found that neurons in the motor cortex divide into externally focused and internally focused groups, with externally focused neurons controlling different body parts and internally focused neurons communicating only within the group. The study's findings have implications for brain disorders such as Rett Syndrome, which may...
Researchers confirmed the theory that impostor syndrome mediates the link between perfectionism and psychological distress. Impostor syndrome arises from maladaptive perfectionism, causing increased anxiety, depressive moods, and other disorders. The study recommends focusing on competence, understanding self-defense mechanisms, mainta...
A new collaboration will create a centralized biobank of induced-pluripotent stem cells for Prader-Willi syndrome, enabling researchers to investigate the genetic basis of the disease and explore potential therapies. The biobank will provide high-quality cellular resources to accelerate research and development of new treatments.
Researchers at University of Bath created a mouse model for Joubert Syndrome by deleting portions of the Talpid3 gene, reproducing physical abnormalities and progressive ataxia in mice. The study aims to accelerate research into the disease and develop new treatments.
A study found a high rate of metabolic syndrome among elderly individuals aged 60-100 years. Three simple measures - waist diameter, waist circumference, and neck circumference - were predictive of metabolic syndrome in both men and women.
A preclinical study has shown that a cancer preventive vaccine may be effective in preventing cancers associated with Lynch syndrome. The vaccine was found to reduce intestinal tumor burden and improve survival in mice with the genetic mutation, suggesting potential as a treatment option.
EpiSign analyzes DNA methylation patterns to diagnose or resolve variants of uncertain significance in patients with genetic disorders and congenital anomalies. The test has identified unique epigenetic signatures for 19 genetic disorders, including those associated with intellectual disability and congenital anomalies.
Mutations in the NUP160 gene are associated with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disease that does not respond to steroids. The study identified new genetic mutations and developed a functional study system to analyze human genes.
A new assessment tool predicts the risk of developing chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in college students six months after contracting infectious mononucleosis. The study found that those with more severe mononucleosis were over three times more likely to meet CFS diagnostic criteria.
The new center aims to increase understanding of Down syndrome's biology and neuroscience, developing novel interventions and technologies to improve quality of life for people with the condition. It will also provide training opportunities for early career scientists and students.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital will examine genetic mutations causing nephrotic syndrome using Drosophila. The goal is to develop targeted treatments for pediatric patients with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome.
A study found that cannabinoid receptor type-1 is involved in memory problems associated with Down syndrome. Inhibiting CB1 receptors improved memory and synaptic plasticity in mouse models.
Fibrosis, a major complication of butterfly syndrome, is driven by the protein TSP1 and its activation of TGF-beta signaling. Researchers have identified a potential treatment by inhibiting TSP1, reducing fibrosis in tissue-engineered models.
A new mouse model has revealed the crucial role of PARL in maintaining mitochondrial respiratory chain function and structural integrity. The study found that mice lacking PARL display symptoms reminiscent of Leigh syndrome, highlighting the importance of understanding the protein's mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study from MGHfC and colleagues in the Netherlands investigated the development of functional skills in persons with Down syndrome. The results indicate that most people with Down syndrome can walk, speak clearly, and maintain personal hygiene by certain ages, with some improvements possible into adulthood.
Research suggests that metabolic syndrome patients require higher amounts of vitamin C to counteract the effects of antioxidant depletion. A diet high in saturated fat leads to chronic inflammation, which can trigger metabolic syndrome and impair gut function. Eating fruits and vegetables daily can help restore balance.
MeCP2 duplication syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting mainly boys, may benefit from new treatments by blocking key protein interactions. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified a crucial part of the protein binding to NCoR as responsible for disease symptoms, paving the way for therapies that target this interaction.
New research from King's College London identifies changes in memory and attention as earliest signs of Alzheimer's in Down syndrome, paving the way for prevention trials. The study suggests that treatments could delay symptoms if started in the mid-30s with relatively low participant numbers.
Scientists at UNC School of Medicine discovered that replacing the faulty UBE3A gene in children's brains can prevent seizures, but not in adults. The study suggests a window of opportunity for prevention between early childhood and adulthood.
Researchers found patients with broken heart syndrome who developed cardiogenic shock had a higher short-term and long-term mortality rate compared to those without the complication. The study suggests careful long-term follow-up is crucial for this patient group.
A recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that midlife women transitioning to menopause have a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The study identified central obesity as the most common factor, but also showed that physically active women were less likely to deve...
Facial scans aim to identify Phelan-McDermid syndrome in children by analyzing characteristic flattening and brow shape. This could enable quicker diagnoses and better treatment options for affected families.
Scientists have identified the cause of Saul-Wilson syndrome, a rare type of dwarfism characterized by short stature and developmental delays. A single spontaneous gene change alters protein packaging in the cell's Golgi complex, affecting protein function and stability.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed a new genetics-based prognostic tool for myelodysplastic syndrome, which integrates genetic and clinical information to provide more accurate predictions. The tool identifies favorable gene mutations, such as SF3B1, and unfavorable mutations, like ASXL1 and RUNX1, to guide treatment decisions.
Researchers will investigate molecular methods to identify resistant parasites, develop new tests for metabolic syndrome diagnosis, and explore the role of gut bacteria in the disease. The studies may lead to improved equine health outcomes and new interventions.
A new 'see-through' EEG device, developed by Boston Children's Hospital researchers, measures individual neurons with fine-grained precision. The transparent microelectrode array enables simultaneous neuroimaging and optogenetics experiments.
Researchers found that the CSB protein, previously thought to be solely responsible for DNA repair, also enhances acetylation of alpha-Tubulin and regulates autophagy. HDAC inhibition restores balance, improving skin symptoms in mouse models. Further studies aim to explore its potential treatment for Cockayne syndrome.
Treatment with irbesartan, a blood pressure medication, slows aortic dilatation in children and young adults with Marfan syndrome. The five-year study found a clinically important reduction in aortic dilatation rates, potentially delaying surgical intervention and reducing complications.
Researchers have identified a group of genes strongly related to childhood nephrotic syndrome, an incurable disease with unknown cause. The study found that specific HLA haplotypes are associated with an increased risk of developing the condition.
Researchers at McGill University have made a groundbreaking discovery linking stomach tumours in patients with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome to immune system inflammation. The study suggests targeting inflammatory pathways may lead to potential new treatments for this rare genetic disorder.
A mouse model was created to study Rett Syndrome, showing that low-level MECP2 expression extends lifespan and improves neuromotor function. Therapeutic potential for RTT patients was identified with 5-10% MECP2 restoration associated with improved outcomes.
Researchers created a female mouse model with limited MECP2 gene expression, extending lifespan and reducing symptoms. The study suggests that partial reactivation of the inactive X chromosome may be therapeutic for Rett syndrome.
A study on Rett syndrome found that small molecule inhibitors reactivated the inactive X-linked MECP2 gene, rectifying morphological defects in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. The treatment has potential therapeutic applications for the neurodevelopmental disorder.
Research shows that a pharmacological strategy can alleviate multiple behavioral and cellular deficiencies in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome. Treatment with GSK6A or a similar compound could be a viable strategy for addressing cognitive and behavioral problems in fragile X syndrome.
A survey of 1,167 parents of children with Down syndrome found that 49% give or have given supplements to improve their child's health. The most popular supplement categories include antioxidants and vitamins, but some products pose unknown health risks due to lack of regulation.
Researchers found that extra copies of genes on chromosome 21 increase Alzheimer's-like brain pathology in a mouse model of Down syndrome. The study could lead to future medicines to prevent early onset Alzheimer's disease in people with Down syndrome.
A large Korean study found that sleeping fewer than six hours a day is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and its components, including higher waist circumference and triglycerides. The study also showed a potential gender difference, with long sleep linked to metabolic syndrome in women and short sleep in men.
A new computational model accurately predicts the gradual progression of metabolic syndrome in mice, identifying two disease subtypes and their underlying metabolic differences. The model also correctly predicts comorbidities like fatty liver disease, offering new insights into preventing the disease.
Pilot data shows that short sleep duration is associated with a double risk of hospital readmission in acute coronary syndrome patients. The study found that patients with less than 6 hours of sleep per night were two times more likely to be rehospitalized within 30 days.
New research finds that obese children who drink at least two cups of low-fat milk daily have lower fasting insulin levels and better blood sugar control. The study's authors recommend encouraging children with obesity to consume the recommended amount of milk to protect against metabolic syndrome.
A new drug has been found to reduce symptoms and activate dormant neurons in preclinical models of Rett syndrome, a genetic disorder causing intellectual disability. The treatment, SB216763, also shows promise in improving quality of life by lengthening lifespan and reducing tremors and breathing difficulties.
Acute aortic syndrome is a group of conditions that can be challenging to diagnose due to similar clinical manifestations. Intravascular ultrasound imaging has been found to be useful in discerning the different forms of acute aortic syndrome, including aortic intramural hematoma.
Researchers found that oral sirolimus treatment significantly improved pulmonary function and reduced carcinoid tumor volume in three patients with DIPNECH syndrome. The study provides promising evidence for sirolimus as a viable treatment option for this rare condition.
Researchers found a single upfront genomic test to be more effective for detecting Lynch syndrome in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients than traditional multiple testing. This approach helps guide treatment decisions while identifying those at risk of developing CRC and other cancers.
Researchers studied 19,017 patients in Boston from 2001-2014 who took both triptans and antidepressants. The incidence of serotonin syndrome was found to be extremely low, ranging from 0 to 4 cases per 10,000 person-years.
Scientists at Whitehead Institute have developed a modified CRISPR/Cas9 system to remove methylation tags from the FMR1 gene, restoring its expression and rescuing neurons from fragile X syndrome. This approach may prove useful for other diseases caused by abnormal methylation.
A Johns Hopkins study of mice with metabolic syndrome found that the intestinal microbiome plays a substantial role in the development of obesity and insulin resistance. The research suggests that manipulating gut bacteria may prevent obesity and diabetes.
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that compounds derived from hops can improve glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and sensitivity to leptin in people with metabolic syndrome. The findings suggest that these compounds may be a promising treatment option for the condition.
A new supplement in Pediatrics synthesizes research on congenital Zika syndrome, exploring prevention, development profiles, and family support. It highlights the need for accurate information, active surveillance, and formal support services to address the ongoing health impact of Zika virus.
A recent study by Case Western Reserve University researchers has reversed symptoms of respiratory and cognitive abnormalities in a mouse model of Rett syndrome. The findings suggest that stimulating neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex could be therapeutic for Rett patients, potentially leading to improved breathing and cognitive f...
A study led by Georgia State University found that dietary fiber inulin prevented metabolic syndrome by restoring gut microbiota levels, increasing intestinal epithelial cell production, and regulating interleukin-22 expression. This study suggests that fermentable fibers like inulin may promote better health by suppressing obesity and...
A study by UNIGE and UNIL researchers found that individuals with Down syndrome have an excellent genome, better than the average genome of people without the genetic abnormality. This high-quality genome may compensate for the disabilities caused by the extra chromosome 21, enabling some fetuses to reach full term and grow up to old age.
Researchers identified two new breast cancer genes MSH6 and PMS2, associated with a doubled risk of developing breast cancer by age 60. The study suggests expanding genetic screening for these genes in women with Lynch syndrome.
Researchers found that individuals with Metabolic Syndrome were more likely to experience chronic and severe depression symptoms, requiring longer treatment response times. The study emphasizes the importance of healthcare providers closely monitoring older adults with Metabolic Syndrome when screening for and treating depression.
A Massachusetts General Hospital team developed a dual-modality approach to reactivate the inactive X chromosome, increasing MECP2 protein expression up to 30,000-fold. The treatment may provide meaningful treatment for patients with Rett syndrome and other X-linked disorders.
A study by Indiana University researchers found a link between the fragile X syndrome gene and excessive tissue growth. The discovery reveals a key biological mechanism behind the physical and mental impairments caused by fragile X syndrome, which affects 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 6,000 females.