23andMe, working in collaboration with the Milken Institute and Lundbeck, today announced that they have commenced enrollment for a first-of-its kind genetic study designed to gain understanding of the underlying biology of major depressive and bipolar disorders. This study will combine cognitive assessments with genetic data and survey responses to assess how genes influence brain processes – such as attention, decision-making and visual perception – in individuals who live with these serious mental health conditions.
“We know genetics play a role in the development of depression and bipolar, however there is a long pathway from our genes to the manifestation of complex diseases like these,” said Emily Drabant Conley, PhD., Vice President of Business Development at 23andMe. “We need to look at these conditions in a more comprehensive way to advance our understanding. By studying cognitive function alongside genetics and other environmental variables on a massive scale, we hope to take a significant step forward in the study of depression and bipolar.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8150951-23andme-genetic-study-depression-bipolar-disorders/
The bold and thrilling quest to finally understand the brain—and along with it our mental afflictions, from depression to autism—by a rising star in neuroscience
Sebastian Seung, a dynamic young professor at MIT, is at the forefront of a revolution in neuroscience. He believes that our identity lies not in our genes, but in the connections between our brain cells—our own particular wiring. Seung and a dedicated group of researchers are leading the effort to map these connections, neuron by neuron, synapse by synapse. It is a monumental effort—the scientific equivalent of climbing Mount Everest—but if they succeed, they will uncover the basis of personality, identity, intelligence, memory, and perhaps disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. Seung explains how this new map of a human “connectome” might even enable us to “upload” our brains into a computer, making us effectively immortal.
Connectome is a mind-bending adventure story, told with great passion and authority. It presents a daring scientific and technological vision for at last understanding what makes us who we are, both as individuals and as a species. Find out more here, http://bit.ly/yEBoyq Non-Fiction
The Department of Veterans Affairs will recognize 2012 National VA Research Week April 23 – 27. This year’s theme, “Caring for Veterans Through Discovery & Collaboration,” will mark a week that celebrates the contributions of Veterans who make research possible by participating in VA research studies as well as VA investigators and collaborators.
John P. Holdren, PhD, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Assistant to the President, will be a featured speaker at VA’s Research Week Forum April 26. The Forum, to be held at VA Central Office in Washington D.C., is part of the Department’s annual Research Week celebration. Dr. Joel Kupersmith, Chief Research and Development Officer, will provide opening remarks and serve as Forum moderator.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52323-deka-arm-veterans-2012-va-national-research-week
Christina’s quest for love and acceptance makes her a victim to the eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia. With the two eating disorders as her guide, Christina is led down a life of severe starvation, binging and purging, drugs, depression, suicide attempts, and a host of other tragic problems, and she documents it all in her trusty journal. Learn about the book and about this author here, http://www.keishaburton.com/ YA
Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) introduces its CardioTeach™ iPad® app, an industry-first, free educational resource to help healthcare professionals better educate patients and caregivers about therapy options related to cardiovascular and peripheral diseases, specifically atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart rhythm disorders and peripheral vascular disease.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/43509-boston-scientific-cardioteach-ipad-app
EMD Serono, Inc., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, today announced the opening of a state-of-the-art research center in Billerica, MA, establishing it as a “hub” within the Merck KGaA research organization. Representing a $65 million investment, the Billerica research facility supports the company’s commitment to developing and discovering innovative treatments in oncology, neurodegenerative diseases and infertility. Nearly 100 new jobs will be added in Massachusetts as a result of the building expansion.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to
http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/emdserono/48166/
Today, politicians, patients and health and work experts of the Fit for Work Europe Coalition added their voices to national advocates from across Europe for their countries to take bold steps to reduce the staggering €240 billion economic burden of chronic musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) to European society.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/fitforwork/52154/
Today the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), announced their support for children and families suffering from Sudden Onset Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. They are releasing two new PSAs created to bring awareness and engender change surrounding the disorder PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome).
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54781-ocd-foundation-pandas-psa-obsessive-compulsive-disorder
Under the leadership of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), the primary organization in the U.S. representing people with rare diseases, millions of Americans will gather tomorrow to observe the 5th annual Rare Disease Day. This international observance unites people around the globe to focus attention on the estimated 300 to 350 million patients worldwide afflicted with rare diseases and to recognize that their needs are a global public health concern. In the U.S., a rare disease is one that affects fewer than 200,000 Americans.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60507-nord-rare-disease-day
Approximately one-third of teens may be missing annual checkups according to data from the US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Census. Teens often encounter social, emotional, and physical issues that may include eating disorders and obesity, substance abuse, and sexually transmitted infections. While experts agree that teens should get annual medical checkups to be screened for health risks and discuss important health-related matters, perceptions exist that may contribute to millions of teens missing out on yearly visits. To better understand perceptions about teen health, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), in collaboration with, and with support from Pfizer Inc, conducted a national survey, fielded by Harris Interactive, of more than 2,000 parents of teens, teens, and healthcare professionals.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/60287-nfid-myteenhealth-survey/
Extending its award-winning “Learn the Signs” campaign, Autism Speaks – the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization – today joined the Ad Council, along with partner agencies BBDO New York and LatinWorks, to announce the launch of a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to reach African American and Hispanic parents. According to research, children in these communities are often diagnosed later than the average. The PSAs, which are being distributed to media outlets nationwide this week, show some of the early signs of autism and encourage parents to take immediate action if their child is not meeting standard developmental milestones.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/61698-ad-council-and-autism-speaks-launch-psa-campaign
Some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry celebrated the 80th birthday of Quincy Jones and Sir Michael Caine Saturday, April 13 at the 17th annual Keep Memory Alive Power of Love Gala at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The star-studded event raised funds for Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and its fight against neurodegenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s diseases, multiple sclerosis, ALS and memory disorders of all kinds.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60778-cleveland-clinic-keep-memory-alive-17th-annual-power-of-love-gala
