An international team of scientists recently discovered a new syndrome associated with severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) and identified the genetic cause of the syndrome. In a paper published in the Jan. 1, 2009 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, mutations in the gene Glucose-6-phosphatase, catalytic subunit 3 (G6PC3) is shown to be the genetic cause of the syndrome.

Gradual, chronic starvation of the brain as it ages seems to be a trigger of Alzheimer's, according to a new study from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.

In fact, starvation of the brain as we age appears to be one of the major triggers of a biochemical process that causes some forms of Alzheimer's disease.

The study, in the December 26 issue of Neuron, found that when the brain does not receive enough glucose, such as might happen when a cardiovascular disease restricts blood flow in arteries to the brain, then a particular process is begun that eventually produces the sticky lumps of protein known as amyloid plaques that are a suspected cause of Alzheimer's disease.

Medical researchers at Penn State University have developed a nontoxic nanoparticle they say is an all-around effective delivery system for both therapeutic drugs and the fluorescent dyes that can track their delivery. The calcium phosphate particles, ranging in size from 20 to 50 nanometers, have been shown to successfully enter cells and dissolve harmlessly, releasing their cargo of drugs or dye.

Researchers at University of Texas School of Public Health have found evidence that patients with Type 2 diabetes may be at increased risk of contracting tuberculosis. The cause is compromised immune systems, leading to difficult to treat lung infections.

It was reported previously that Type 2 diabetes was the leading risk factor for tuberculosis (TB) in the United States/Mexico border area and multiple other studies in Asia and elsewhere have confirmed this observation. The UT School of Public Health team has now led three new studies that revealed key findings:

Women who are conscientious about taking their calcium and vitamin D to ward off osteoporosis get an additional benefit- fewer PMS symptoms. That's right, getting plenty of vitamin D and calcium the primary building blocks for healthy bones can helps alleviate the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome aka PMS.

A number of treatment options exist for PMS but there is no cure and it cannot be totally prevented. Thanks to a number of long-term research studies into PMS, scientists and doctors are discovering some real answers that might help women with this dreaded monthly syndrome.

30% Lower Risk of PMS