Epigentics Changes Suspected in Increased Risk for Mental Illness in Those Living in Poverty!

Children from impoverished families are more prone to mental illness, and alterations in DNA structure could be to blame, according to a study published on 24 May in Molecular Psychiatry^1.

Poverty linked to epigenetic changes and mental illness. Sara Reardon. Nature. May 24, 2016. http://www.nature.com/news/poverty-linked-to-epigenetic-changes-and-mental-illness-1.19972

Neonatal Inflammation May Serve as a Biomarker for Autism!

Neonatal inflammation could potentially be used as a biomarker for the risk of developing autism, researchers said here.

Inflammation at Birth May Put Kids at Risk for Autism. Karen Blum. Medpage Today! May 16, 2016. http://www.medpagetoday.com/Neurology/Autism/57931

Depression and Stress Cause Alterations in Genetic Activity!

The visible impacts of depression and stress can be found in alterations in genetic activity, according to newly published research.

Indiana University. "Researchers identify genes linked to the effects of mood and stress on longevity." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 24 May 2016. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160524085357.htm>.

Gut Microbiome and Brain Communicate Through the Immune System!

The gut microbiome and the brain communicate to each other via the immune system, a study has shown as researchers delve deeper into the so-called 'gut-brain axis'.

Gut-brain axis uses immune system to ‘talk,’ study shows

By Will ChuWill Chu, 23-May-2016

Study: Low-Fat Diets Show Limited Results for Weight Loss Over Other Diet Types!

Paris, France – Low-fat diets do not yield greater weight loss than other slimming regimes, said a study, adding to the long-running debate on how best to shed extra pounds or kilos.

Low-fat Diets Not Best for Weight Loss: Study. Medical Observer. October 15, 2015. http://medicalobserverph.com/features-low-fat-diets-not-best-for-weight-loss-study/

Lyrica, a Drug for Pain, Linked to Birth defects!

Drug prescribed for pain and anxiety has been associated with birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

 Popular Pain Drug Linked to Birth Defects. Alice Park. Time.com. May 18, 2016. http://time.com/4340055/popular-pain-drug-linked-to-birth-defects/

Killing of Gut Biome Caused Brain Cell to Stop!

 

Antibiotics strong enough to kill off gut bacteria can also stop the growth of new brain cells in the hippocampus, a section of the brain associated with memory, reports a new study in mice. Researchers also uncovered a clue to why -- a type of white blood cell seems to act as a communicator between the brain, the immune system, and the gut.

 Cell Press. "Antibiotics that kill gut bacteria also stop growth of new brain cells." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 19 May 2016. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160519130105.htm>.