Balance tips toward environment as heritability ebbs in autism?

The largest and most rigorous twin study of its kind to date has found that shared environment influences susceptibility to autism more than previously thought. The study, supported by the National Institutes of Health, found that shared environmental factors — experiences and exposures common to both twin individuals — accounted for 55 percent of strict … Read more

Balance tips toward environment as heritability ebbs in autism?

The largest and most rigorous twin study of its kind to date has found that shared environment influences susceptibility to autism more than previously thought. The study, supported by the National Institutes of Health, found that shared environmental factors — experiences and exposures common to both twin individuals — accounted for 55 percent of strict … Read more

Effort seeks to identify measures of nutritional status

The National Institutes of Health has undertaken a new program to discover, develop and distribute measures of nutritional status. The Biomarkers of Nutrition for Development (BOND) Program brings together experts in the field of nutrition to provide advice to researchers, clinicians, program- and policymakers, on the role of food and nutrition in health promotion and … Read more

New substances added to HHS Report on Carcinogens

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today added eight substances to its Report on Carcinogens, a science-based document that identifies chemicals and biological agents that may put people at increased risk for cancer. MedicareCard.com has been serving consumers for several years with a primary emphasis on Medicare information and assistance. We started the … Read more

Potential new target for smoking cessation without weight gain

A new study uncovers a brain mechanism that could be targeted for new medications designed to help people quit smoking without gaining weight. This research, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health, shows that a specific subclass of brain nicotinic receptor is involved in nicotine’s ability … Read more

Funded study uses planning prompts to enhance vaccination rates

We all have good intentions, but sometimes we need a nudge to turn those intentions into actions. According to a new study, encouraging people to write down the date and time when they plan to get their flu shot increased the number of people who were vaccinated. MedicareCard.com has been serving consumers for several years … Read more

Researchers find new clues about aging

National Institutes of Health researchers have identified a new pathway that sets the clock for programmed aging in normal cells. The study provides insights about the interaction between a toxic protein called progerin and telomeres, which cap the ends of chromosomes like aglets, the plastic tips that bind the ends of shoelaces. MedicareCard.com has been … Read more

Challenges public to help bring discovery into the classroom

A new competition seeks to bring hands-on science into classrooms nationwide. The National Institutes of Health’s K-12 Lessons About Bioscience (LAB) Challenge asks teachers, students, parents, scientists, and science enthusiasts to submit their favorite experiments for elementary, middle, and high school students. The best experiments will become part of an official collection that NIH will … Read more

Beach Safety

Before heading to the beach, review some safety tips from USA.gov. MedicareCard.com has been serving consumers for several years with a primary emphasis on Medicare information and assistance. We started the medicare blog in order to provide the community with forum opportunities to express some of the ins and outs in dealing with the current … Read more

Statement on the new crib safety standards

On June 28th, new mandatory safety standards for infant cribs will take effect, helping to ensure a safe sleep environment for infants in the United States. The new standards released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) require manufacturers and retailers to meet new safer crib standards, which include stopping the manufacture and sale of … Read more

Medicare: Apply for a Passport

Whether you’re renewing an old passport or applying for the first time, visit the U.S. Department of State for passport-related services. Currently, processing times are about 4-6 weeks, or 2-3 weeks for the more costly, expedited service. MedicareCard.com has been serving consumers for several years with a primary emphasis on Medicare information and assistance. We … Read more

Funded study shows 20 percent reduction in lung cancer mortality with low-dose CT compared to chest X-ray

Scientists have found a 20 percent reduction in deaths from lung cancer among current or former heavy smokers who were screened with low-dose helical computed tomography (CT) versus those screened by chest X-ray. The primary research results from the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) were published online today in the New England Journal of Medicine. … Read more

Women sought for NIH study of infertility disorder

Young women in the Washington, D.C., area who have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are encouraged to take part in a study at the National Institutes of Health on the possible role of the adrenal glands in the disorder. MedicareCard.com has been serving consumers for several years with a primary emphasis on Medicare information and assistance. … Read more

The Cancer Genome Atlas completes detailed ovarian cancer analysis

An analysis of genomic changes in ovarian cancer has provided the most comprehensive and integrated view of cancer genes for any cancer type to date. Ovarian serous adenocarcinoma tumors from 500 patients were examined by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network and analyses are reported in the June 30, 2011, issue of Nature. MedicareCard.com … Read more