Why do some not become deathly ill from Ebola?

Genetic factors behind surviving or dying from Ebola shown in mouse study

Date:

October 30, 2014

Source:

University of Washington Health Sciences/UW Medicine

Summary:

A newly developed mouse model suggests that genetic factors are behind the mild-to-deadly range of responses to the Ebola virus. The frequency of different manifestations of the disease across the lines of these mice are similar in variety and proportion to the spectrum of clinical disease observed in the 2014 West African outbreak. The new mouse model might be useful in testing candidate therapeutics and vaccines for Ebola, and in finding genetic markers for susceptibility and resistance to the disease.

How is your sleep?

Severity of sleep apnea impacts risk of resistant high blood pressure

Date:

August 14, 2014

Source:

American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Summary:

A strong association between severe, untreated obstructive sleep apnea and the risk of elevated blood pressure despite the use of high blood pressure medications has been made by researchers. "High blood pressure that is resistant to treatment with medications is a strong warning sign for the presence of obstructive sleep apnea, a chronic disease that increases the risk for heart disease and stroke," said one expert.