This is a round-up of relevant news and media stories involving the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. We appreciate you relaying information which is relevant to faculty members in your respective areas.
TOP STORY
CBC National: Scientists recreate sense of feeling for amputees
Researchers at the University of Alberta and the University of New Brunswick were co-authors of a study led by Ohio's Cleveland Clinic, which found that strategically placed vibrating "robots" made study participants "feel" the movements of their prosthetic hands. Coverage also appears on CBC News, Global News, the Edmonton Journal, National Post and others.
RESEARCH
Science Daily: Discovery fills gap in search for better treatments for Ebola, other viruses
U of A researchers have found the Ebola polymerase (enzyme), which may lead to more effective research and better treatments for the often fatal infection, and other related viral diseases. Matthias Götte, professor and chair of the U of A's Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, led the study.
Phys.org: Discovery sheds light on ancient cell structure
New research by U of A cellular biologists is putting into question existing theories about what's responsible for organizing a central part of our cells, known as the Golgi apparatus. Joel Dacks, a U of A cellular biologist and Canada Research Chair in Evolutionary Cell Biology, led the study.
UPI: Study finds modified protein unique to cancerous cells
Researchers have discovered a modified protein that reflects a difference between cancer and non-cancer cells, which could lead to new ways to deal with the disease. Michael Overduin, a U of A professor of biochemistry, led the research which appeared in the journal Nature Communications. Coverage also appears on Health Thoroughfare.
New Atlas: MS treatment may center around a problematic protein
Although a cure for multiple sclerosis isn't necessarily right around the corner, we may at least be getting closer to one. Scientists at the U of A and McGill University have zeroed in on a protein that could be a target for treatment of the disease. Marek Michalak, professor of biochemistry at the U of A, led the research. Coverage also appears in Consumer Affairs, Futurity, Good News Network, Multiple Sclerosis News Today, Medical News Today and others.
Spectrum: Parents beat clinicians at detecting autism signs in infants
Parents who have one child with an autism diagnosis can more accurately spot signs of the condition in their younger child at 12 months of age than clinicians can, according to a new study. The advantage fades by 18 months of age, however. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, a professor of pediatrics at the U of A, led the study.
The Jakarta Post: Children born by C-section have higher risk of childhood obesity, says new study
Findings from a new study add to the growing body of research that suggests children who are delivered via a cesarean section are at a greater risk of obesity than those delivered vaginally, possibly due to differences in gut bacteria. Anita Kozyrskyj, a professor of pediatrics at the U of A who led the study, is interviewed. Coverage also appears in Healio.
Global News: Alberta primary care networks working
According to a new study from the U of A, primary care network patients are less likely to end up in emergency departments and they spend less time in hospital. Lee Green, chair of the U of A's Department of Family Medicine, is interviewed. The clip begins at 1:30 of the video. Coverage also appears on DOTmed.com.
Global News: Alberta researchers looking into baker's asthma
A new U of A study is looking at the health effects of inhaling flour. Nicola Cherry, an occupational epidemiologist and professor of medicine with the Division of Preventive Medicine, is leading the study.
UPI: Blood test takes guesswork out of assessing apparent heart attack
A new blood test has been developed that details the extent of cardiac damage from an apparent heart attack. The work was led by Peter Hwang, an assistant professor of medicine at the U of A. Coverage also appears on Global Edmonton (at 2:15 of the video), Global Calgary and Global Lethbridge along with News-Medical.net, Technology Networks and others.
EXPERT
The New York Times: Talking to Your Child's Doctor About Alternative Medicine
It seems every few months a story will cover a tragic case of a parent choosing an unconventional medical treatment that causes harm. More often, the alternative treatments parents choose pose little risk to their kids-anything from massage therapy to mind-body therapies. Sunita Vohra, a professor pediatrics at the U of A, co-authors this piece.
PEOPLE, PARTNERSHIPS AND EDUCATION
Mayerthorpe Freelancer: Rural Alberta staying informed on healthy aging
Healthy aging will be explored at an information session at the Mayerthorpe Diamond Centre on April 4. Adrian Wagg, a professor in Healthy Aging in Geriatric Medicine from the U of A and author of more than 200 peer-reviewed articles and papers involving seniors' health, will be leading the session and providing information regarding healthy aging, preventing poor health later in as well as providing the public with a chance to address any concerns they have.