Most Risk for Autism Comes from Common Genetic Variation, Not Rare Genes

Most of the genetic risk for autism comes from versions of genes that are common in the population rather than from rare variants or spontaneous glitches, researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health have found. Heritability also outweighed other risk factors in this largest study of its kind to date.

Genetic risk autism

Study: Chocolate Pills to Help Your Heart

A new study is being launched to see if pills containing the nutrients in dark chocolate can help prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Chocolate pills

July 4th Poses Health Hazards

Many people are making plans to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday. Fireworks and outdoor recreation are a part of most July 4th celebrations, but sparklers, rockets and hot temperatures pose very real dangers to adults and children. With so many health hazards out there, it’s no wonder that patient numbers increase over the holiday.

Healthy tips for the Fourth of July

Using Big Data Analytics to Predict Metabolic Syndrome

A new study by Aetna’s Innovation Labs and GNS Healthcare uses “big data” analytics to predict patients at risk for metabolic syndrome. Their results show that lowering waist size and blood glucose have the largest health benefits and cause the biggest reduction in medical costs. Regular doctor visits and medication adherence reduces the one-year probability of having metabolic syndrome in nearly 90% of people.

Big data analytics predict patients at risk

Review Finds Inexpensive Food a Key Factor in Rising Obesity

A new review summarizing what is known about economic factors linked to increasing obesity in the United States dispels some widely held beliefs and concludes that cheap food has fueled the obesity epidemic [1].

Cheap eats