Survey suggests family history of psychiatric disorders shapes intellectual interests

A hallmark of the individual is the cultivation of personal interests, but for some people, their intellectual pursuits might actually be genetically predetermined. Survey results published by Princeton University researchers in the journal PLoS ONE suggest that a family history of psychiatric conditions such as autism and depression could influence the subjects a person finds engaging. 31 Jan 2012 13:30

Yale study: How suppressing the immune system may prevent type 1 diabetes

[Helen Dodson] A new study at Yale School of Medicine has uncovered the mechanism by which a targeted suppression of the immune system may prevent type 1 diabetes or induce sustained remission. The study appears in Science Translational Medicine. 25 Jan 2012 17:04

Scientists reveal first 3D image of cancer prevention molecule

Cancer Research UK scientists have created the first 3D structure of a key protein that protects against the development of cancer, according to research published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology on Sunday, 22 January. 24 Jan 2012 11:05

Sweeping genetic analysis of rare disease yields common mechanism of hypertension

[Bill Hathaway] Analyzing all the genes of dozens of people suffering from a rare form of hypertension, Yale University researchers have discovered a new mechanism that regulates the blood pressure of all humans. 22 Jan 2012 23:15

Powerful people overestimate their own height

ITHACA, NY, USA: Maybe the powerful really do feel bigger than the rest of us: A recent study led by a Cornell University researcher finds that the psychological experience of power makes people feel taller than they are. 20 Jan 2012 16:57

Cancer Research UK launches 'outpatients' trial of breast and ovarian cancer drug

Cancer Research UK's Drug Development Office has re-launched a trial of a promising drug to treat inherited breast and ovarian cancer - but this time taken as a tablet by outpatients. 20 Jan 2012 00:21

Statins may protect against death from aneurysm, Yale study finds

[Helen Dodson] A study by Yale School of Medicine reveals that survival rates for patients with a thoracic aneurysm are significantly better, and complications are fewer, among patients who take statin cholesterol drugs than those who do not. The study appears in the American Journal of Cardiology. 18 Jan 2012 13:38

Hotter homes produce smarter babies

A hotter home appears to produce babies with better cognitive abilities - but before you turn up the home heater to make your baby brainier, the research was conducted on the Australian lizard Bassiana duperreyi by researchers from the University of Sydney. 16 Jan 2012 17:23

Fluorescent dye pinpoints tiniest signs of oesophageal cancer

A fluorescent dye that can be sprayed onto the oesophagus - the food pipe - could be used to detect oesophageal cancer earlier and spare patients unnecessary treatment, according to research published yesterday, 15 January, in Nature Medicine. 16 Jan 2012 16:37

For crying out loud!: Baby cries get a speedy response

The sound of babies crying is uniquely able to get adults to react at speed, Oxford University researchers have found. 13 Jan 2012 16:04

Nicotine could ward off memory loss

WASHINGTON, USA: Older adults who are starting to have problems with memory may benefit from small amounts of nicotine therapy, according to a US study. 13 Jan 2012 15:37

Hormone helps obese shed weight

PARIS, FRANCE: An appetite-curbing hormone found in the gut may help overweight and obese people shed weight, lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels, according to a study released on Wednesday, 11 January. 11 Jan 2012 15:05

First trial of a new hepatitis C vaccine shows promise

A new vaccine against the chronic liver disease hepatitis C has shown promising results in a first clinical trial in humans, Oxford University researchers report. 10 Jan 2012 12:23