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Little exercise and heavy use of electronic media constitute a significant health risk for children

The Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children Study found that low levels of physical activity combined with heavy use of electronic media increases the risk for type 2 diabetes and vascular diseases in 6-8 year-old children. Heavy electronic media use is also linked to higher risk factors even in physically active children.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateMay 20, 2014

JCI early table of contents for April 8, 2013

Researchers identify ATRX as a crucial gene in maintaining genomic stability, preventing chromosomal mutations and rearrangements that can cause disease and aging. Atrx deficiency in mice leads to increased DNA damage, endocrine dysfunction, shortened lifespans, and degenerative phenotypes similar to human premature aging disorders.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 8, 2013

Lifelong depression may increase risk of vascular dementia

Research suggests that lifelong depression increases the risk of developing vascular dementia, while late-life depression may be an early symptom of Alzheimer's disease. A study of over 13,000 participants found a significant association between depressive symptoms in midlife and late life with increased risk of dementia.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateMay 7, 2012

UTHealth discoveries shed more light on deadly thoracic aortic disease

Researchers at UTHealth have identified a fifth gene defect associated with thoracic aortic disease, as well as 47 DNA regions linked to the condition. The findings offer new insights into the role of smooth muscle cells in contracting the aorta and provide potential avenues for blocking or reversing the disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 18, 2010

Limbs saved by menstrual blood stem cells

Cells from menstrual blood, known as endometrial regenerative cells (ERCs), have been shown to restore blood flow in a mouse model with advanced peripheral artery disease. This breakthrough discovery holds promise for the treatment of critical limb ischemia, which causes approximately 150,000 amputations per year.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateAug 18, 2008

Salk study links diabetes and Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a probable molecular basis for the interaction between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that damaged blood vessels in the brain of young diabetic mice suffered from significant memory loss and inflammation before any overt signs of Alzheimer's disease appeared.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateApr 30, 2008

JCI table of contents March 1, 2005

Researchers at NYU School of Medicine discovered that glycyrrhizic acid can kill cells infected with Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, triggering apoptosis in transformed B lymphocytes. This finding suggests a potential new treatment approach for latent viral infections.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2005