Patriotic Right

Genetic Gains and Losses in Tourette Discovered

June 21, 2017 Tom Patriot

Summary: Researchers discover structural changes in two genes that increase the risk for Tourette syndrome. Source: NIH/NINDS. Researchers have identified structural changes in two genes that increase the risk of developing Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary motor and vocal tics. The study, published in the journal Neuron, was supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the National Institutes of Health. “Our study is the tip of the iceberg in understanding the complex biological mechanisms underlying this disorder. With recent advancements in genetic research,…

Another Reason To Exercise: Protecting Your Sight

June 20, 2017 Tom Patriot

People who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity may be able to significantly lower their risk of glaucoma, according to research presented today at AAO 2017, the 121st Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles reported a 73 percent decline in the risk of developing the disease among the most physically active study participants, compared with those who were the least active. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. It is most common in…

So THAT’S Why People Are Putting Snail Essence On Their Faces

June 13, 2017 Tom Patriot

Run an online search for “snail essence,” and you’ll find a whole host of skincare productsthat feature snail secretions ― yes, the goo that comes out of a snail ― as a key ingredient. Used as a skin treatment in ancient Greece, the substance has made a big comeback in recent years as a Korean-based beauty trend. Brands like Tony Moly and Missha sell moisturizers, masks, makeup creams and serums with snail slime in them, and a snail-infused “EscarGlow” facial has made its gooey mark on New York City. New York City dermatologist Tabasum Mir told HuffPost exactly where snail secretions come from. “When snails are agitated, they excrete a thick fluid as a means to…

Can A Single Exercise Session Benefit Your Brain?

June 12, 2017 Tom Patriot

Summary: Researchers document not only the behavioral and cognitive effects of a single exercise session, but also the neurochemical and neurophysiological changes that occur. Source: IOS Press. Even a single bout of physical activity can have significant positive effects on people’s mood and cognitive functions, according to a new study in Brain Plasticity. In a new review of the effects of acute exercise published in Brain Plasticity, researchers not only summarize the behavioral and cognitive effects of a single bout of exercise, but also summarize data from a large number of neurophysiological and…

Predicting Autism: Study Links Infant Brain Connections to Diagnoses at Age 2

June 7, 2017 Tom Patriot

Summary: Researchers use MRI data from six month old babies to show how brain regions connect and synchronize. By using neuroimaging, they were able to predict which infants were at higher risk of developing autism and would be diagnosed with ASD by 2 years of age. Source: UNC. For the first time, autism researchers used MRIs of six-month olds to show how brain regions are connected and synchronized, and then predict which babies at high risk of developing autism would be diagnosed with the condition at age two. A previous…