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First on genetics: One of the most homogeneous (i.e. ethnically non-diverse) civilizations on the earth is the nation of Iceland. This homogeneity allows researchers opportunities to do some unique genetic research that can lead to some interesting discoveries.
Icelandic Genes Offer Wealth of Disease Clues
Fri Oct 18, 5:34 PM ET
By Maggie Fox
Fri Oct 18, 5:34 PM ET
By Maggie Fox
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Using a unique database of genetic information from Iceland's small and inbred population, researchers said on Friday they had discovered genetic clues about schizophrenia, asthma, and even stroke and anxiety.
"I believe the majority of human destinies have a genetic component," Dr. Kari Stefansson, chief executive officer of DeCODE genetics, said. His research is revealing that people have built-in tendencies even for diseases thought to be brought on by lifestyle and environment--such as anxiety and stroke.
"Anxiety--that was one I was a little bit skeptical of in the beginning," Stefansson said. The researchers looked at the DNA of 26 extended families, each with at least one member diagnosed with panic disorder, and found common genetic changes on chromosome 9.
Stefansson's team also found a gene associated with stroke, which they have named STRK 1. It controls an enzyme found in the artery walls and may help predispose some people to the build-up of material in blood vessels that can break off and cause a stroke or heart attack. Many teams have also found genes associated with schizophrenia. Stefansson said his team found a gene called neuregulin 1 that was associated with schizophrenia in every Icelandic patient.
Several teams of researchers also told the meeting they had found genes associated with asthma and were looking at ways to find out which asthma patients will respond better to a variety of asthma drugs.
And now a newly described condition, not due to your genes ... but to your jeans. (A subtle variation of the great "nature versus nurture" debate.)
Thursday, 9 January, 2003, 16:31 GMT
Hip-hugging trousers 'are health risk'
Hip-hugging trousers 'are health risk'
Young women like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera are putting their health at risk by wearing hip-hugging jeans, doctors warn. The tight, low-rise trousers favoured by the pop stars can squeeze a sensory nerve under the hipbone and cause a tingling sensation in the thighs called paresthesia. The feeling is not permanent, but Canadian doctors warn it may last if the jeans are worn regularly.
Now that hip-huggers are back in fashion, physicians can expect to see more patients with tingly thighs. Paresthesia has also been linked to obesity, car seat belts, sitting with crossed legs for extended periods of time and wearing tight corsets or heavy tool belts. Constantly squeezing fat wallets into trouser pockets has also led to pain for some patients.
Dr Malvinder Parmar, medical director at the hospital, wrote: "Now that hip-huggers are back in fashion, physicians can expect to see more patients with tingly thighs."
Best wishes. Dr. Rehert
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