In recent years, suicide has become one of the leading causes of death for adolescents and young adults nationally. Texas is no exception to this trend, with a significant increase in suicide deaths over the past decade. Depression, which affects millions of American adolescents, has long been associated with a higher risk for suicide. However, there are other factors that may be linked to suicidal thoughts and actions that could serve as predictors to alert caregivers, clinicians and others when an intervention might be needed.
Potential treatment target for rare form of infant epilepsy identified
New research from Tufts University School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences suggests that the timing of the death of certain inhibitory neurons in the brain shortly after birth may be at least partly to blame for infantile spasms syndrome (ISS), a rare but devastating form of epilepsy that develops most frequently between four and eight months of age but can emerge within weeks of birth until ages 4 or 5.
Zambia among countries warned of cyclone ‘Freddy’
HEAVY RAINS in some parts of the country may be looming after latest reports indicating that Zambia is among the seven countries warned to stay alert of a tropical cyclone also known as ‘Freddy’. A tropical cyclone has hit some parts of Madagascar leaving one person dead on Tuesday as heavy rains and strong winds […]
Does a child’s mathematical ability have a genetic basis?
A new study published in Genes, Brain and Behavior has identified several genetic variants that may be linked with mathematical abilities in children.
Does electively induced labor in pregnancy affect a child’s future school performance?
New research published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica found that in women with uncomplicated pregnancies, elective induction of labor at any point between 37 and 41 weeks was consistently associated with lower school performance in children at age 12.
Which medications are best for treating acute low back pain?
Acute low back pain is a common cause of disability. An analysis in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research examined which non-opioid drugs are best for treating this condition.
Study supports links between bovine meat and milk factor protein expression, inflammation as cause of colorectal cancer
Bovine meat and milk factors (BMMFs)—initially identified by de Villiers et al. in 2014—represent a class of infectious agents in beef and cow’s milk that have been linked to the development of cancer. New research published in Molecular Oncology suggests that monitoring the presence and rate of expression of a BMMF-encoded replication protein (Rep) in inflammatory sites of the tissues may help identify individuals at risk for developing colorectal cancer subsequently after decades-long latency periods.
Study finds strong performance of autism screener when used as intended
With one in 44 children in the United States having autism, early detection and intervention are integral to improving outcomes. Because autism is diagnosed based on behavior, and there are not yet reliable biomarkers to detect the likelihood of autism, there is a need for standardized screening to identify children at high likelihood for autism and to refer them for diagnostic and intervention services at as young an age as possible.
Researchers find that new approach to boosting protein production could advance mRNA and protein-based medicines
Medicines that are based on mRNAs and proteins—particularly vaccines and antibodies—are time-intensive and costly to make. The challenge is in producing the necessary mRNAs and proteins in large enough amounts at low cost.
Evaluating the effect of manuka honey on collagen scaffolds
The bones of the face and skull can be affected due to a wide range of conditions, including cleft palate defects, traumatic injuries, cancer, and bone loss from dentures. Although bone replacements are routinely used to regenerate the missing tissue, they are vulnerable to bacterial infection. In a new study, researchers investigated whether manuka honey, made from tea trees, can be used to resist bacterial infection and promote bone growth.