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Scientists find new protein linked to early-onset dementia

Researchers link new-found protein to early dementia: A novel protein known as TAF15 has been added to the list of proteins known to aggregate in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. Researchers reported in the journal Nature that TAF15 forms aggregated structures in patients who have frontotemporal dementia, which normally develops at an earlier age than Alzheimer’s disease. The findings could serve as a basis for diagnostic and treatment advancements.

University of Arizona’s College of Public Health secures $3.8 million National Institute of Health (NIH) grant to pioneer climate change and health research

University to study how health, climate change are linked: The University of Arizona’s school of public health is using $3.8 million in NIH funding to study the intersection between public health and the response to climate change. Researchers will examine the health implications of extreme weather, forecasting, early warning models and the built environment. Professor Kacey Ernst noted that Arizona is an appropriate location for the research as its population is growing rapidly, and it can serve as a model for other regions with dry climates.

Can Artificial Intelligence Detect Autism?  Scientists are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to detect autism and reduce healthcare disparities

AI shows promise for diagnosing autism: Researchers at Duke University have developed an app for smartphones or tablet computers that uses computer vision analysis to evaluate children’s responses to brief videos designed to elicit autism-related behaviors. Meanwhile, researchers in Korea reported in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) Network Open that they have developed a deep learning algorithm that screens for autism spectrum disorder based on retinal images.

FDA Faces Scrutiny Over Medical Device Recalls

Stemming from an apparent mishandling of the Philips Respironics recall, two (2) prominent Senators suggest that it is time for a new probe examining Agency oversight

Smartwatches Are Spotting Hidden Heart Trouble in Kids

Using smartwatches for heart issue detection in children shows promise: A study published in the journal Communications Medicine found that using smartwatches to detect arrhythmias in children is feasible, and medical records show the tools were able to detect heart issues that were not spotted using traditional monitoring approaches. Researchers wrote that it may be useful for children to have smartwatch technology with heart-tracking algorithms designed for their age group.

How studying arctic ground squirrels can help advance human brain health

Unlocking squirrels’ hibernation secrets for brain health: Arctic ground squirrels’ ability to hibernate in freezing conditions for long periods has prompted researchers to develop drugs that mimic hibernation and slow the metabolic rate in humans, which may be effective in treating brain injuries or neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers are working on a drug that stimulates A-1 receptors, which have been found to slow metabolism in squirrels, with promising results in studies with rats and pigs.

CPAP Device for Sleep Apnea Might Also Ease Chronic Cough, Heartburn

Heartburn, chronic cough relief linked to CPAP device use: A study in the journal ERJ Open Research found that patients with sleep apnea who used a continuous positive airway pressure device regularly had 42% lower odds of experiencing nighttime heartburn at a follow-up period of two (2) years compared with patients who used the machine a little or those who did not use one at all. The acid reflux reduction was associated with an almost fourfold reduction in chronic bronchitis risk and at least a fourfold decrease in morning cough with mucus.

Belgian project to study aims to improve heart health… in space

Belgian firms develop model to study heart in space: Under the AstroCardia project, Belgian companies Antleron, QbD Group, Space Applications Services, BIO INX and SCK CEN developed a “heart-on-a-chip” that will be launched to the International Space Station in 2025 to study heart health in the space environment. “A healthy heart is important [not] only for those currently suffering from cardiovascular disease, but also for healthy astronauts exploring space,” said QbD Chief Information Officer Martijn Reniers.