Australian scientists claim to have discovered a gene responsible for baldness in women which may lead to an effective treatment for hair loss. Researchers at the University of Melbourne and St Vincent’s Hospital studied the DNA of almost 500 women who had lost at least 50 percent of hair on their scalp. Aged between 18 and 65, all the women who participated in the study, suffered severe hair loss, a condition that will affect up to 55 percent … full story

One day not long ago a 27-year-old woman was brought to the 
Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, sleepy and confused. Fani Andelman, a neuropsychologist at the center, and colleagues gave the woman a battery of psychological tests to judge her state of mind. At first the woman seemed fine. She could see and speak clearly. She could understand the meaning of words and recall the faces of famous people. She could even solve logic puzzles, including a … full story

A breast cancer wonder drug could be turned into a universal weapon against tumours. Newcastle University researchers said a family of cancer drugs, known as PARP inhibitors, affect the way tumour cells repair themselves. These inhibitors target hereditary forms of breast cancer as well as ovarian prostate cancer and pancreatic tumours with the same rogue gene, the journal Nature Medicine reports. The drugs exploit the “Achilles heel” of hereditary … full story

For decades doctors and pregnant women have relied on amniocentesis – taking a sample of DNA from the amniotic fluid – to diagnose certain disorders in unborn babies, despite the risk of triggering a miscarriage. Now scientists in Hong Kong have made a groundbreaking discovery which will make it possible for doctors to detect a whole range of genetic abnormalities in foetuses by simply testing the mother’s blood. The team at the Chinese University … full story

Folic acid can benefit you in a wide array of areas. It is primarily suggested by doctors and nutritionists for those who are pregnant or could become pregnant. Folic acid has been found to greatly reduce the risks of having children born with certain birth defects, including neural tube defects, cleft palate and cleft lip and spina bifida. This is a B vitamin and if often found in a B vitamin complex. Folic acid by itsel is responsible for the replication … full story