Scientists find stronger evidence for link between cat feces and schizophrenia

Researchers have found stronger evidence for a link between a parasite in cat feces and undercooked meat and an increased risk of schizophrenia. more  

Nursing professor calls for steps to close the reality gap between education and practice

The nursing profession should be deeply concerned that the reality gap between education and practice identified three decades ago still remains today, according to a commentary in the latest Journal of Advanced Nursing. more

Forty-seven million Americans are victims of workplace aggression

Nearly half of American workers are victims of workplace aggression, with customers, clients or patients the most likely source of attacks, according to a new comprehensive national survey. more  

Vitamin A analog is a potential lung cancer preventative with few side effects

The ideal substance to prevent cancer would block tumor growth without causing unpleasant or dangerous side effects. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis now report that a compound related to vitamin A shows promise in preventing or slowing tumor growth in mice prone to lung cancer. The compound, called bexarotene, doesn't cause the severe skin irritations that have limited the use of other vitamin A derivatives in cancer therapies. more

Utah researchers confirm chromosome may harbor autism gene 

Using technology that allows DNA from thousands of genes to be collected and surveyed on a 3 x 1½-inch chip, University of Utah medical researchers have confirmed that a region on a single chromosome probably harbors a gene that causes autism. The researchers at the U School of Medicine made the finding by tracing variations in the DNA of an extended Utah family that has a high occurrence of the disorder and whose members are descended from one couple. more

Repetition helps med students master heart sounds  

Repetition appears to be key in improving medical students’ woeful lack of stethoscope skills, a handicap that often continues into patient practice. more

USC scientists link variations in growth-factor gene to risk of prostate cancer

Two variations in the gene for insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) are linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, according to research performed by scientists from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, and the University of Hawaii. more