Genetics and Genetic Disorders

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Genetics and Genetic Disorders

How a Bite of a Hot Dog Threatened and Saved a Boy’s Life

It led to a medical crisis, and then discovery of hidden heart defect
Hate to Work Out? Your DNA May Be to Blame

Findings might lead to better ways to motivate folks who don't like exercise
Play It Smart: Stay in School for a Healthier Heart

College degree may reduce your risk of cardiac disease by one-third, study suggests

More Genetics and Genetic Disorders News

Childhood Cancer Radiation May Cause Unwanted Gene Mutation in Some
That flaw seems to increase risk of a type of brain tumor later in...
- Posted August 4, 2017
- 2
Genes May Explain Why Kids With Autism Avoid Eye Contact
More research could shed light on how these genetic pathways work
- Posted July 13, 2017
- 14
Study Spots Cause of Global Outbreak of Infections Tied to Heart Surgeries
Bacteria traced to heating-cooling units used on operating rooms caused cases in multiple countries
- Posted July 13, 2017
- 22
FDA Panel OKs What May Soon Be First Gene Therapy Approved in U.S.
Expensive but potent leukemia therapy genetically transforms patients' immune system cells to fight disease
- Posted July 13, 2017
- 1
Boozing Can Age You Right Down to Your Cells
DNA studies reveal alcoholics have shorter telomeres, key markers of aging and overall health
- Posted June 26, 2017
- 3
Why Yoga, Tai Chi and Meditation Are Good for You
Mind-body interventions reverse DNA reactions that cause stress, study suggests
- Posted June 19, 2017
- 3
Mummy DNA Gives Clues to Egypt’s Long History
Foreign conquest didn't have big impact on genetics of ancient or modern Egyptians, study...
- Posted May 31, 2017
- 9

Are You Living with Psoriasis?

A growing knowledge of the skin disease called psoriasis is leading to greater treatment choices, including personalized therapies, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports.

Psoriasis is an immune system disorder that causes overproduction of skin cells, resulting in scaling, pain, swelling, redness and heat. The condition affects about 7.5 million Americans.

“As we better understand the disease, researchers know more about what specific factors to target in order to develop effective treatments,” FDA dermatologist Dr. Melinda McCord said in an agency news release.

There is no cure for psoriasis, so the main goals of treatments are to stop skin cell overproduction and reduce inflammation. Current therapies include medicines applied to the skin (topical), light treatment (phototherapy), or drugs taken by mouth or given by injection.

Doctors used to take a step-by-step approach, starting patients with mild to moderate psoriasis on topical therapy. If that was ineffective, doctors moved on to phototherapy or drug treatment.