Finding clues to the underlying mechanisms of autism would seem easier than finding a lost fish in the ocean at times. It turns out that one clue arises from cellular train tracks laid down early in development. These subcellular microtubular proteins serve as tracks on which the developing brain sends cells to differentiate into different…
Where can we find the metabolic fountain of youth? Centuries are filled with an endless variety of magicians and now scientists searching for that magic potion to help us live forever. While I ultimately know that only heaven will be forever, present world research into the process of aging can lead to very beneficial therapies…
Proverbs 2:6-15 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+2&version=ESV Gold Mine Alert Yes, I am serious, this Proverb is a gold mine, a treasure trove for those able and willing to dig into it. Proverbs repeats for those of us who are hard of hearing two timeless truths: wisdom is more valuable than treasure and wisdom begins with God. A third…
Anyone found to be unaware of the tight connection between inflammation and dementias like Alzheimer’s and Fronto-Temporal Dementia needs remedial neurology classes if they intend to practice medicine in the 21st century. Countless studies underscore the correlations between higher inflammatory states and dementia, but we need more studies like today’s spot-light on the role of…
We live in an age of heart disease and strokes where medicine often focuses solely on a patient’s LDL cholesterol number as the most important factor to prevent these deadly diseases. A functional MD like myself hopes to see that perspective shift as more research like this article comes to light. The researchers from Ohio…
Proverbs 2: 1-5 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+2&version=ESV Yes, wisdom is that valuable. I remind myself and my children regularly, that wisdom is a treasure worth more than precious metals. Foolishness can lead to the loss of a fortune while wisdom can turn meager resources into an abundance. As we care for Sanctuary patients, we strive to share our…
Autism research has developed into a multidimensional scavenger hunt with every research tool possible being thrown at the growing epidemic. It benefits from new discoveries and new tools in other fields, particularly lab methods such as single cell transcriptomics. In this study, researchers evaluated single cells for genetic expression changes in different areas of autistic…
Broccoli protects some kidneys better than others apparently. Recent research out of the American Society of Nephrology compared the effects of broccoli intake in those with and without the GSTM1 enzyme. In 2 human cohorts and mice models the GSTM1 – glutathione S transferase M1 – enzyme correlated with increased kidney disease progression. Researchers obviously…
Proverbs 1:24-33 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+1&version=ESV True or False: Following God will guarantee health, wealth and success. Of course, we know this to be false. Following God involves sacrifice and suffering with no guarantee that storms won’t come. True or False: Suffering is a sure sign of disobeying God. Also, obviously false. However, the verses above do suggest…
We don’t need scientific studies to tell us that our brains just don’t function as well when we are sick. Viruses, bacteria, and other inflammation triggers undoubtedly slow our thinking organs down and some call this a “brain fog”. What science can help us with is the “why”. Other studies have uncovered how long-term inflammatory…