Health News

The FPIES Foundation global registry offers doctors a vital first step in researching this rare allergy

Date: Nov-25-2013
The FPIES Foundation is excited to launch 'The FPIES Foundation Global Registry'. The registry is a ground-breaking opportunity to directly bring families affected by Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome, FPIES, together with doctors and researchers interested in learning more and trying to understand this rare allergy. The registry provides a vital, yet secure way for doctors researching FPIES to connect with FPIES families.

Better support, treatment and research for millions of patients with rare diseases, UK

Date: Nov-25-2013
The UK's first strategy to help build understanding of rare diseases and boost research to find effective treatments and therapies was launched by Health Minister Lord Howe today (November 22nd).The UK Rare Diseases Strategy aims to ensure that none of the three million people in the UK who are affected by rare diseases are left behind.For the first time, it sets out a UK-wide vision for building on our reputation as a world leader in rare disease research, including revolutionary genomic research to help transform diagnosis and treatment.

FDA allows marketing of four "next generation" gene sequencing devices

Date: Nov-25-2013
Today (November 19th, 2013) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed marketing of four diagnostic devices that can be used for high throughput gene sequencing, often referred to as "next generation sequencing" (NGS). These instruments, reagents, and test systems allow labs to sequence a patient's DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).The new technology also gives physicians the ability to take a broader look at their patients' genetic makeup and can help in diagnosing disease or identifying the cause of symptoms."NGS is changing the way we look at genomics," said Alberto Gutierrez, Ph.D.

FDA allows marketing of four "next generation" gene sequencing devices

Date: Nov-25-2013
Today (November 19th, 2013) the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowed marketing of four diagnostic devices that can be used for high throughput gene sequencing, often referred to as "next generation sequencing" (NGS). These instruments, reagents, and test systems allow labs to sequence a patient's DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).The new technology also gives physicians the ability to take a broader look at their patients' genetic makeup and can help in diagnosing disease or identifying the cause of symptoms."NGS is changing the way we look at genomics," said Alberto Gutierrez, Ph.D.

U.S. Marshals seize more than $2 million in adulterated dietary supplements from Georgia company

Date: Nov-25-2013
At the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Marshals seized dietary supplements manufactured and held by Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., located in Norcross, Ga., after FDA investigators found the products contained 1, 3-Dimethylamylamine HCl (DMAA) or its chemical equivalent. The retail value of the seized products is more than $2 million. A complaint filed in the U.S.

U.S. Marshals seize more than $2 million in adulterated dietary supplements from Georgia company

Date: Nov-25-2013
At the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Marshals seized dietary supplements manufactured and held by Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., located in Norcross, Ga., after FDA investigators found the products contained 1, 3-Dimethylamylamine HCl (DMAA) or its chemical equivalent. The retail value of the seized products is more than $2 million. A complaint filed in the U.S.

Researchers develop breakthrough in reducing drug development process

Date: Nov-25-2013
Neuromuscular junction studies are mainly concerned with understanding the connection between the nervous system and the muscular system, specifically with the synapses that transmits information across and back. By modelling this interaction in the lab, scientists hope to investigate subtle changes in muscle functional outputs in response to treatment with novel modulatory and inhibitory compounds. Such a system may prove invaluable in furthering research efforts aimed at the development of effective treatments and reducing the overall cost of clinical trials. James J. Hickman, Ph.D.

Poorer children with kidney disease at greater risk of stunted growth

Date: Nov-25-2013
Even with more prescriptions for growth hormone, children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease were less likely to grow to normal height ranges if they came from lower-income families, according to research funded by the National Institutes of Health. Results from the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) Study are published in the December issue of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases and online now.

Gene found in human speech problems affects singing in zebrafinches

Date: Nov-25-2013
A genetic defect that profoundly affects speech in humans also disrupts the ability of songbirds to sing effective courtship tunes. This defect in a gene called FoxP2 renders the brain circuitry insensitive to feel-good chemicals that serve as a reward for speaking the correct syllable or hitting the right note, a recent study shows.The research, which was conducted in adult zebrafinches, gives insight into how this genetic mutation impairs a network of nerve cells to cause the stuttering and stammering typical of people with FoxP2 mutations. It appears Nov.

Potential for treating diabetes, obesity from newly discovered brown fat cells

Date: Nov-25-2013
Obesity and diabetes have become a global epidemic leading to severe cardiovascular disease. Researchers at the University of Utah believe their recent identification of brown fat stem cells in adult humans may lead to new treatments for heart and endocrine disorders, according to a new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Stem Cells.The study was led by Amit N. Patel, M.D. M.S., director of Clinical Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering, and associate professor in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine.