A person with restless leg syndrome (RLS) has an irresistible urge to move the body to temporarily stop odd sensations in the legs. RLS causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs or arms that have been described as “burning, itching, tickling sensation” likened to hundreds of ants crawling in the muscle.
Anywhere from 7% to 10% of the population in North America and Europe suffer from RLS, and it is more common in women than men, those with iron deficiency, end-stage renal disease or pregnancy. RLS also becomes more severe with age. Symptoms are worse at night or when the …read more

Microorganisms and bacteria living in our intestines help with proper digestion of food by breaking down nutrients and helping our body absorb them better. Although much is known about the function of microorganisms, there is still much to study about the relationship between gut microorganisms and weight.  Scientists are particularly interested in the relationship between the kinds of gut microorganisms and amount of calories harvested from carbohydrates and sugars, as evidence to this could help with weight management. Researchers also want to find out how the various microorganism communities compare in different individuals.
A new study appearing online this …read more

It’s the Sunday edition of Genetics and Health so let’s sum up some of the genetic research and news that came up this week.
A grand rounds lecture "Molecular Genetics of Colorectal Cancer" by Vincent Yang presents an overview on the role of genes in colorectal carcinoma, and shares initial findings on a cell cycle modulator gene.
The NY Times article, "Man Who Helped Set the Stage for Nobel-Winning Work Has Left Science" profiles Dr. Douglas C. Prasher, the scientist who provided the essential piece of evidence that helped the work of Nobel Price Chemistry winners Roger Y. Tsien and …read more

  The gene for male-pattern baldness (androgen receptor) has traditionally been linked to the X chromosome which means mom passes it on to her sons. Now, two new independent studies published yesterday at the Nature Genetics identified association between hair loss and chromosome 20.
A genome-wide association study (GWAS) for male-pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, identified a new association at chromosome 20p11.22, between the PAX1 and FOXA2 genes, and confirmed a previous association with the gene encoding the androgen receptor in the X. Tim Spector and colleagues found that 1 in 7 men carry both the chromosome X and chromosome …read more

For years doctors and researchers have noticed a link between some intestinal diseases and some forms of arthritis.  This is often seen in patients with ankylosing spondylitis who the go on to develop inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers at Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, assessed the occurrence of IBD and AS among relatives and the risk of inheriting either and both disorders. Their results provide compelling evidence of a link.
For further information, click on:
http://www.interscience.wiley.com/journal/arthritis
In Norway  researchers are privileged to enjoy an extensive geneologic database collected by a company called deCode.  Norway’s population, unlike most of the rest of the world, is homogenous – that is …read more