January 2006

Ataxia Gene
Jan. 24, 2006

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered the gene responsible for a type of ataxia, an incurable degenerative brain disease affecting movement and coordination. Laura Ranum, a geneticist in the Medical School, says the discovery will lead to improved patient diagnoses and give insight into the causes of ataxia.

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Ovarian Cancer Research
Jan. 20, 2006

The National Cancer Institute has issued new post-surgery treatment guidelines for women with advanced ovarian cancer. The new treatments extend the life of cancer victims, on average, by 16 months. Doctor Linda Carson, a physician and cancer researcher at the University of Minnesota, led local research that contributed to the new recommendations.

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Excessive Sweating
Jan. 13, 2006

About 1 percent of Americans suffer from hyperhydrosis, or excessive sweating of the palms, armpits, and soles of the feet. Unfortunately, January's sub-zero temperatures provide no relief to patients. But according to Dr. Rafael Andrade, a University of Minnesota surgery professor, treatments are available.

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Dry Skin
Jan. 11, 2006

Is your skin a little dry and flaky these days? If so, you’re not alone. It’s another consequence of living in a cold environment for several months a year. But it’s not the cold. It’s the low humidity, says Dr. Jeff Lander, a resident in the University of Minnesota’s Department of Dermatology. Who is most susceptible?

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Food Labeling
Jan. 9, 2006

It’s a new year, and food manufacturers must now list on product labels the amount of trans fatty acids contained in their products. This comes after years of research linking higher consumption of trans fatty acids to coronary heart disease, says University of Minnesota epidemiologist Lisa Harnack.

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Winter Pet Care
Jan. 4, 2006

Below-zero temperatures are hard on dogs and cats, but the cold is not the most dangerous part of winter for our pets. The #1 danger? Anti-freeze, says Dr. Justine Lee, an emergency-room veterinarian at the University of Minnesota.

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Exercise Programs
Jan. 3, 2006

The holidays are over, it's a new year, and if you're like most people, you've put on an extra couple of pounds. Now you want to start an exercise program, but how much exercise is enough? Mark Pereira, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota, provides some insight.

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