Researchers Identify Genetic Variations Linked to Oxygen Drops During Sleep
Researchers have identified 57 genetic variations of a gene strongly associated with declines in blood oxygen levels during sleep. Low oxygen levels during sleep are a clinical indicator of the severity of sleep apnea, a disorder that increases the risk of heart disease, dementia and death.
Pathogenic Tau and Cognitive Impairment Are Precipitated by a High-Salt Diet
High levels of dietary salt can activate a pathway in the brain to cause cognitive impairment, according to a new study. The paper, which was published in Nature, shows that this effect is not due to a loss in blood flow to the brain as originally thought, but rather to clumps of a protein linked to several forms of dementia in humans.
Acetaminophen Exposure in Pregnancy May Be Linked to Higher Risk of ADHD, Autism
Exposure to acetaminophen in the womb may increase a child’s risk for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder, suggests a study funded by NIH and the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality.
Microbleeds May Worsen Outcome After Head Injury
Using advanced imaging, NINDS researchers have uncovered new information regarding traumatic microbleeds, which appear as small, dark lesions on MRI scans.
Scientists Work Toward Rapid Point-of-Care Diagnostic Test for Lyme Disease
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology describes a new rapid assay for Lyme disease that could lead to a practical test for use by health care providers.
Nicotine Addiction Linked to Diabetes in Animal Models
Researchers have discovered a mechanism in rats that links cigarette smoking and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Artificial Pancreas System Better Controls Blood Glucose Levels Than Current Technology
A multicenter randomized clinical trial evaluating a new artificial pancreas system has found that the new system was more effective than existing treatments at controlling blood glucose levels in people with type 1 diabetes.
Emerging Parasitic Disease Mimics the Symptoms of Visceral Leishmaniasis in People
A new study suggests that transmission of a protozoan parasite from insects may also cause leishmaniasis-like symptoms in people. The parasite, however, does not respond to treatment with standard leishmaniasis drugs.
High Lead Levels During Pregnancy Linked to Child Obesity
Children born to women who have high blood levels of lead are more likely be overweight or obese, compared to those whose mothers have low levels of lead in their blood, according to a study funded by NIH and the Health Resources and Services Administration.