Suspect gene may trigger runaway synaptic pruning during adolescence – NIH-funded study. The site in Chromosome 6 harboring the gene C4 towers far above other risk-associated areas on schizophrenia’s genomic “skyline,” marking its strongest known genetic influence. The new study is the first to explain how specific gene versions work[Read More…]

First large-scale, nationally representative survey finds issues slightly more common in girls, non-Hispanic white children. Bethesda, Maryland–(ENEWSPF)–January 28, 2016.  More than 1 in 20 (nearly 3.3 million) children between the ages of 3 and 17 have a dizziness or balance problem, according to an analysis of the first large-scale, nationally[Read More…]

NIH-supported research draws from a multi-center clinical study. Moderate hyperopia, if not treated, may affect reading ability and grade school readiness among preschoolers. Joe Balintfy, NEI Bethesda, Maryland–(ENEWSPF)–January 28, 2016.  A study funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health, has shown that uncorrected farsightedness[Read More…]

Drawing Actionable Insights from Data New CDC Museum Exhibit – Places & Spaces: Mapping Science.  One of the many infographics found at the exhibit. Atlanta, GA–(ENEWSPF)–January 27, 2016.  Data visualization is a powerful tool that helps both scientists and the public quickly understand the scope and context of complex health[Read More…]

Atlanta, GA–(ENEWSPF)–January 26, 2016.  CDC is working with other public health officials to monitor for ongoing Zika virus‎ transmission. Today, CDC added the following destinations to the Zika virus travel alerts: United States Virgin Islands and Dominican Republic.  Previously, CDC issued a travel alert (Level 2-Practice Enhanced Precautions) for people traveling[Read More…]

Destruction wrought by airstrikes in Haydan, where an MSF-supported hospital was badly damaged by attacks in October. BARCELONA/NEW YORK–(ENEWSPF)–JANUARY 25, 2016 — The conflict in Yemen is being waged with total disregard for the rules of war, the international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) declared today,[Read More…]

North Dakota’s ban on abortion as early as 6 weeks of pregnancy to remain permanently blocked. Order comes two months after Supreme Court agrees to review Texas’ deceptive clinic shutdown law, less than one week after Court refuses to review Arkansas’ ban on abortion at 12 weeks Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–January 25,[Read More…]

Los Angeles, CA–(ENEWSPF)–January 22, 2016.  The cumulative use of cannabis by adolescents has no direct effect on intelligence decline, according to longitudinal data published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Investigators at the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Minnesota evaluated whether marijuana use[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–January 21, 2016.   The administration of liquid cannabis extracts containing THC is associated with the mitigation of various symptoms of Alzheimer’s-related agitation and dementia, according to observational trial data published online ahead of print in The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Israeli investigators assessed the use of cannabis oil[Read More…]