Genetics and Genetic Disorders

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Genetics and Genetic Disorders

Genes May Explain Why Kids With Autism Avoid Eye Contact

More research could shed light on how these genetic pathways work
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
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

More Genetics and Genetic Disorders News

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
- 7
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
- 26
Scientists Report Progress on Genetic Test for Anal Cancer
But research is still in early stages
- Posted May 26, 2017
- 7
Love Chocolate? Potato Chips? Your Genes Might Be to Blame
Study findings may someday lead to more individualized diet advice, researcher says
- Posted April 23, 2017
- 9
How the Neanderthal in Your Genes Affects Your Health
The DNA appears to influence certain human traits and diseases, scientists say
- Posted February 23, 2017
- 19
Geneticists Get to the Roots of Hair Loss in Men
Researchers spot close to 300 genetic regions linked to baldness, which could provide targets...
- Posted February 14, 2017
- 18

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.