TIME Health medicine Type 1 Diabetes Treatment Gets Boost from Stem Cells Insulin-making cells grown from stem cells glow green two weeks after they are transplanted into mice (c) Douglas Melton 2014 Scientists started with stem cells and created the first insulin-making cells that respond to changes in glucose Scientists are closer to a potential stem cell treatment for type 1 diabetes. In a new article in the journal Cell, Douglas Melton, co-director of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute (and one of the 2009 TIME 100) and his colleagues describe how they made the first set of pancreatic cells that can sense and respond to changing levels of sugar in the blood and churn out the proper amounts of insulin. Its a critical first step toward a more permanent therapy for type 1 diabetics, who currently have to rely on insulin pumps that infuse insulin when needed or repeated injections of the hormone in order to keep their blood sugar levels under control. Because these patients have pancreatic beta cells that dont make enough insulin, they need outside sources of the hormone to break down the sugars they eat. MORE: Stem-Cell Research: The Quest Resumes Melton started with two types … Continue reading →

April Flowers for redOrbit.com Your Universe Online A wide range of complex neurodevelopment disorders make up the autism spectrum disorder. In the US, the rate of children being born with some version of autism is on the rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2000, the rate of autism was an estimated 1 child in every 150. In 2010, that rate had increased to 1 child in every 68. Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups, and is five times more common among males than females. Despite the rising prevalence, researchers still do not know exactly what causes autism. People who suffer from autism have a variety of symptoms, including difficulty interacting with others, repetitive behaviors, and hypersensitivity to stimuli like sound and touch. A new study from MIT describes a hypothesis that could account for the wide variety of behavioral symptoms. It may also provide a neurological foundation for many of the disparate features of autism spectrum disorder. The results of their study have been published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. According to the study, autism might be rooted in an impaired ability to predict events and other peoples … Continue reading →

PHOENIX and CHANDLER, Ariz. (PRWEB) October 08, 2014 Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) today announced the opening of its new treatment centers in Phoenix and Chandler, Ariz. with Family Fun Days scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 18. CARD provides a variety of services using the evidence-based principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to treat the delays and challenges commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at over 28 centers worldwide. ABA is the only scientifically validated treatment for ASD, and research shows that it is most effective when delivered early and at a high level of intensity. The events will feature a presentation by leading autism expert, Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D child-friendly games and activities, food and refreshments. The events are free and childcare will be provided. To RSVP, contact s.price(at)centerforautism(dot)com or call 818-345-2345 x322. We invite the community to join us for a fun-filled and informational day, said Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, founder and executive director of CARD. CARDs goal is to ensure that every individual diagnosed with autism has access to top quality treatment for a brighter future. The first Family Fun Day will take place at the CARD office in Phoenix from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 … Continue reading →

BERWICK Berwick Hospital Center recently began participating in a program that provides round-the-clock coverage by board-certified neurologists and neurosurgeons specialists considered essential in early diagnosis and treatment of strokes. Prior to Sept.17, patients admitted to the 101-bed hospital showing symptoms of a possible stroke would likely be immediately transferred to another facility. But when it comes to stroke care, time is critical, and so is having a neurologist on hand to evaluate a patient, make a diagnosis and begin proper treatment, according to a hospital news release. And thanks to the latest in technology and an innovative program provided by the Penn State Hershey Neuroscience Institute, Berwick Hospital Center now provides stroke patients with that specialist diagnosis and treatment. The new program, LionNet TeleStroke, is a partnership between community hospitals and Penn State Hershey to improve patient care via telemedicine. When a patient experiencing stroke arrives in the emergency room at Berwick, neurologists on staff at Hershey are immediately connected to the attending physicians through a secure website via a specialized monitor at the Berwick hospital. The Hershey doctors provide consultation, examine the patients, review CT scans and speak to the patient and family. A treatment is recommended and the … Continue reading →