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A special issue of American Journal of Medical Genetics (AJMG): Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics presents a comprehensive overview of the latest progress in genetic research of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

CHICAGO (Reuters) - A drug used to suppress the immune system in cancer and rheumatoid arthritis has helped extend the life of a Minnesota boy struggling with a rare and deadly form of the genetic disorder Pompe disease.

With 30 million drivers in the US aged 65 and over, we count on older Americans to recognize when they can no longer drive safely and decide that it's time to stay off the road. A new study finds that a decrease in vision function is a key factor in bringing about this decision.

Childhood trauma is a potent risk factor for development of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), finds a new study. Results of the study confirm that childhood trauma, particularly emotional maltreatment and sexual abuse, is associated with a six-fold increased risk for CFS. The risk further increases with the presence of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.The [...]

By examining the DNA of cacao trees, scientists have traced the genetic roots of the key ingredient in chocolate.

Starting at the beginning of January, the New Mexico Department of Health will call New Mexicans to survey them about their health behaviors for the Department's annual survey, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The survey is designed to provide information on behaviors and risk factors for chronic and infectious diseases and other health conditions among adults in New Mexico.read more

Jerry Adler, senior editor for Newsweek, examines research into the genetic differences between racial groups in a recent opinion piece for the magazine. according to Adler, the question of 'what, if any, are the significant genetic differences between racial groups ... that we use to define 'race'' was 'virtually a closed question in academia' for decades. However, medical researchers lately have been collecting data on differences in health risks and drug responses for various groups, according to Adler.read more

Cell Transplantation - The Regenerative Medicine Journal , the number two journal ranked by impact factor in the field of transplantation, has become an 'open access' journal from the 1st January 2009, starting with volume 18, making it available on the World Wide Web without subscription to researchers and clinicians as well the public and members of the media.

Abstract: Paediatric cardiac arrythmias commonly occur in the absence of structural heart disease, and are classified according to their cardiac site of origin. Although a detailed history and examination are invaluable, a correct diagnosis cannot be made unless the ECG is analysed, taking into account features specific to this age group. A 24-hour ECG recording may also be helpful. As many of these conditions have a genetic basis, a careful family history should be taken. For patients presenting acutely with haemodynamic collapse, paediatric life support measures should be instigated. For others, there is more time to undertake investigations prior to treatment. A relatively small number of agents, described here, are used in therapy, and in older children, radiofrequency ablation or fitting of a pacemaker offers a more permanent treatment. Advances in genetics suggest the chance of improved screening and treatment for those conditions which are inherited.

Risk factors for gout include family history, older age, renal insufficiency, use of medications that reduce urate excretion, high intake of foods that increase urate production (beer, seafood, red meat, high-fructose beverages), and comorbidities such as obesity and metabolic syndrome. About 90% of acute gout attacks are monoarticular; 50% occur in the first metatarsophalangeal joint.