Scientists of the University of Southern California have analyzed the data of 4,890 people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The experts have revealed eight mutations in TRIO gene, which play an important role in the development of autism. These mutations cause a chain reaction. They break the connection between the brain cells as well as the ability to store and process information.
Scientists from the University of Oregon have revealed two proteins that may help to create a vaccine against gonorrhea. Gonococcus (gonorrhea causative agent) is a super-bacterium that is resistant to all existing antibiotics. Therefore, the appearance of the vaccine will be a real breakthrough, Medical Xpress reports.
A study conducted by Northwestern University has shown that weekly administration of glucocorticoid steroids, such as prednisone, helps to accelerate recovery in muscle injuries. As Xinhua notes, this conclusion is based on the results of experiments in rodents. But, according to the scientists, the discovery will be useful for the therapy of people with muscular dystrophy.
In China a new generation robot-surgeon has been tested successfully. According to The Tech Times, the robot performed a dental surgery without any problems (an implant installation).
An international team of scientists have found that the drug "Opdivo" (nivolumab) is the best remedy to help melanoma patients, who underwent surgery to remove the tumor. The study involved more than 900 patients with stage III and IV melanoma. The volunteers were treated at 130 medical centers located in 25 countries. All participants underwent surgery to remove tumors, UPI.com reports.
Scientists from Denmark have found that healthy eating and physical activity can improve the quality of life of asthmatics. Thanks to healthy food and training, the severity of asthma symptoms in participants of the study has decreased significantly. The study involved 125 volunteers with asthma, The Daily Mail reports.
Young people infected with the swine influenza virus H1N1, may be prone to type 1 diabetes. This has been established by Norway scientists, who analyzed the data of 2.28 million people aged 30 and under for the period from June 2009 to June 2013, UPI.com reports.
Scientists of the Medical School of the University of Adelaide have found that the abuse of artificial sweeteners can affect how the body reacts to sugar. Due to this fact, the risk of development of diabetes type 2 increases. The study involved 27 people, UPI.com reports.
Scientists from the University of Edinburgh have revealed a gene causing gradual the retina degeneration and the loss of vision. It's a RPGR gene. As it turned out, the gene provokes the development of a hereditary eye disease, such as X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. Currently, there is no effective treatment for this disease.
As it is known, human papillomavirus (HPV) virus is very common. It is transmitted sexually. Due to HPV, warts appear and the risk of cervical cancer increases substantially. As UPI.com notices, about 300,000 people die from cervical cancer each year (more than 80% die in developing countries).