New study links neurodevelopmental disorder to gene mutation
Thousands of cases of intellectual disabilities could be explained by a newly identified gene mutation. News also includes: How body composition scans are better than BMI; Summer may increase kidney stone risk; and more.
NBC News: Scientists identify a genetic disorder that can cause intellectual disability
A newly identified neurodevelopmental disorder may explain thousands of cases of intellectual disability whose cause was previously unknown, according to a new study. The research, published Friday in the journal Nature Medicine, examined the effects of mutations in the gene RNU4-2, which is found in all animals, plants and fungi. The gene plays a key role in gene splicing – the process of cutting out parts of genetic material and joining others together. (Bendix, 5/31)
On nutrition and health —
NPR: Forget BMI. Body composition scans are a better measure of your health
The scales have never been a friend to Mana Mostatabi. Even in high school, when she ran the 100-meter dash on the varsity track team, her BMI — a ratio of weight to height — put her in the overweight category. Because of her body shape, Mostatabi says, “My dad always joked that I should be a wrestler.” Many professional athletes fail the BMI test. Some are considered obese despite their fitness, and many doctors say it’s not helpful to focus on it. (Aubrey, 6/3)
Statistics: BMI, excluding imperfections, has been found to be useful in estimating body fat in young people
The body mass index has long faced criticism as a blunt tool for evaluating health, and that’s become even more true as new obesity drugs have transformed the conversation about weight and health. Now a study has reaffirmed the importance of BMI as a screening tool for detecting high levels of body fat in children, a measure associated with greater risk of heart disease, early atherosclerosis and higher BMI in adulthood. BMI is an equation that divides a person’s weight in kilograms by his or her height in meters squared. (Cooney, 6/3)
USA Today: People are more at risk for kidney stones during summer months
Warm weather brings days spent at the beach, sunscreen and … kidney stones? Researchers say people who don’t stay properly hydrated are at a higher risk of developing these painful mineral deposits in the summer when temperatures and humidity rise. In addition, they found that people who generally have a diet high in sodium, fat and sugar may find themselves among the 10 Americans who will develop kidney stones in their lifetime. (Alltucker, 6/3)
CBS News: Study finds Mediterranean diet reduces mortality rate by 23%
The Mediterranean diet has long been considered a heart-healthy choice, but a new study has found that this diet may help reduce the risk of death. For the study, published in JAMA Network Open Friday, researchers examined 25,315 women over 25 years, finding that greater adherence to the diet was associated with a 23% lower risk of mortality from all causes. A reduction in the risk of heart disease and cancer mortality was also seen. (Moniuszko, 5/31)
In other health and wellness news –
Washington Post: 1.5 million Medline adult bed rails recalled after two senior citizens died
Nearly 1.5 million adult bed rails have been recalled in the United States and Canada following the suffocation deaths of two elderly people. Bed rails made by Illinois-based company Medline Industries pose a risk of entrapment and suffocation, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday. (McDaniel, 5/31)
USA Today: Cucumbers recalled in 14 states over salmonella concerns
The Food and Drug Administration on Saturday announced a recall of cucumbers potentially contaminated with salmonella. Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida, is recalling cucumbers that were shipped to wholesalers and distributors in 14 states from May 17 through May 21, 2024. (Powell and Howery, 6/2)
The Atlantic: Why are severe symptoms of syphilis appearing now?
For some people, the world suddenly becomes blurry. Others describe it as a dust storm in your eyes, or like a snow globe is shaking. People may see flashing lights or black spots in their field of vision, or have a sudden sensitivity to light, which is worse than walking into sunlight after having your eyes dilated. If patients are not treated, some will inevitably go blind. Many medical providers never suspect the culprit: syphilis. (Gross, 6/2)
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