Joslin-led study uncovers role of appetite hormone MCH in insulin production

A new Joslin Diabetes Center-led study has shown conclusively that a neuropeptide, melanin concentrating hormone (MCH), found in the brain and known for its role in increasing appetite in people, plays a role in the growth of insulin-producing beta cells and the secretion of insulin. This finding has the potential to spur the development of new treatments for diabetes that stimulate the production of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This latest research, conducted with researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and other institutions, will appear in the February 2007 issue of Diabetes. more  

Folic acid may prevent cleft lip and palate

A new study finds that women who take folic acid supplements early in their pregnancy can substantially reduce their baby's chances of being born with a facial cleft. more

Damage to specific part of the brain may make smokers 'forget' to smoke

Preliminary research supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a component of the National Institutes of Health, has found that some smokers with damage to a part of the brain called the insula may have their addiction to nicotine practically eliminated. The study is published in the January 26, 2007 issue of the journal Science. more  

MRI contrast agent linked to rare disease

New research has shown a possible association between a popular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent and the incidence of a rare disease called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with kidney disease, according to an editorial appearing in the March issue of Radiology. more

Reducing caffeine intake has no effect on birth weight or length of pregnancy  

There is no evidence that moderate levels of caffeine consumption during pregnancy lead to a greater risk of premature births and underweight babies despite warnings from some public health officials, finds a new study on bmj.com today. more

Comparative effectiveness of management strategies for gastroesophageal reflux disease  

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), defined as weekly heartburn and/or acid regurgitation, is one of the most common health conditions affecting older Americans. Direct costs attributable to GERD were estimated to be $10 billion in the United States in 2000. more

Information for patients: Comparing health care choices - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. The stomach makes acid to digest the food. Sometimes the acid can back up into the esophagus. This can cause symptoms such as heartburn or even a sour taste in your mouth. When it happens often and over a long period of time, it is called GERD. more

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