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Living longer, not healthier

A UMass Medical School study found that long-lived C. elegans mutants spend more time in a frail state than healthy ones, challenging the assumption that longevity and health are linked. The researchers identified genes that control 'healthspan' as separate from those influencing lifespan.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2015

Dramatic decline in risk for heart attacks among HIV-positive Kaiser Permanente members

A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that the adjusted risk ratio for heart attacks among HIV-positive patients decreased from an 80% increased risk in 1996 to no increased risk in 2010-2011. The improved care and treatments led by Kaiser Permanente's early awareness of cardiovascular disease risks have result...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 16, 2015

Paradox revealed: Cues associated with infant abuse may help reduce stress in adult brain

Researchers discovered that trauma-related cues from infancy can lower depressive-like behavior in adults, contrary to previous expectations. The study found that these cues altered the brain's serotonin levels, leading to mood uplift and alleviating depression in grown rats.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2015

Why do only some people with hereditary heart disease experience symptoms?

A new study reveals that environmental stress significantly increases the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in individuals with gene mutations, putting them at greater risk of developing the disease. The findings suggest that stressors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and alcohol use may trigger the onset of symptoms in car...

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateJan 5, 2015

Year of birth significantly changes impact of obesity-associated gene variant

Researchers found a significant impact of the FTO gene variant on body mass index (BMI) that largely depends on birth year, with stronger correlations in later years. The study suggests that broad environmental changes may alter the effect of the gene variant, highlighting the importance of considering time of birth in genetic studies.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 29, 2014

A novel tool to study life-threatening arrhythmias: A genetically engineered pig

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center developed a genetically engineered pig model to study inherited arrhythmic syndrome, shedding light on the mechanisms of lethal arrhythmias. The model may lead to the development of better treatments for life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2014

No increase in patient deaths or readmissions following restrictions to residents' hours

A recent study published in JAMA found that restricting residents' work hours to 16-24 hours per shift had no impact on patient deaths or readmissions. The researchers analyzed nearly 6.4 million Medicare patient hospital admissions between 2009 and 2012, but found no relative changes in mortality rates during this time period.

Brain activity after smokers quit predicts chances of relapsing, Penn study suggests

A Penn Medicine study suggests that disruptions in brain memory-related activity after quitting can identify smokers at risk of relapsing. Smokers who failed to quit had decreased activity in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and reduced suppression of activation in the posterior cingulate cortex, indicating a higher chance of re...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 3, 2014

Heterosexuals have egalitarian views on legal benefits for same-sex couples, not on PDA

A study by Indiana University PhD candidates found that heterosexuals are equally supportive of legal benefits for same-sex couples as they are for heterosexual couples, but are less supportive of PDA. Gay and lesbian individuals were also found to be less supportive of certain public displays of affection due to safety concerns.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateNov 20, 2014