A research team from the Medical University of Vienna and the Medical University of Graz has discovered a previously unknown genetic cause of hereditary optic atrophy, a degenerative disease of the optic nerve associated with gradual loss of vision. The results, currently published in the journal Genetics in Medicine, open up new possibilities for the genetic diagnosis of this disease and provide important approaches for future research into the underlying disease mechanisms.

The lungs expand when we inhale and contract when we exhale. The tissue and the interface respond with resistance to this movement.  

 The fluid on the surface of the lungs reduces this resistance, especially after deep breaths.  

This is because the pronounced stretching and compression of the pulmonary fluid leads to an ideal disposition of components: a stiff interface layer overlying softer layers below. 

CtBP2 is a sensor molecule that responds to metabolism. It is known to be associated with obesity. Researchers at University of Tsukuba have discovered that CtBP2 is secreted extracellularly and its activation improves systemic metabolism (promoting health and exerting anti-aging effects). Furthermore, they have demonstrated that blood concentrations of CtBP2 can serve as an indicator with which to estimate general health and the degree of aging.

A new clinical trial co-led by researchers at FutureNeuro and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences is investigating how advanced brain monitoring could improve the diagnosis and management of epilepsy.