From Boston- A new genetic link has been found to autism. Scanning the DNA of a database of patients and family members of those with varying degrees of the autism spectrum disorder, researchers were able to identify novel mutations in chromosome 16. These mutations involved both deletions and duplications on the chromosome. The mutation, which was seen in 1% of those with the condition was not seen in family members, suggesting it arised de novo.

From Los Angeles- Anxiety may raise the risk of having a heart attack. Evaluating over 700 men, and following them for a 12 year period, researchers determined that those who were anxious or who had social introversion were 40% more likely to have a heart attack over the study period. The association was present even after controlling for age, BMI, cholesterol and blood pressure.

And finally from Berlin- Chewing large amounts of gum may cause both diarrhea and be associated with weight loss because of the osmotic effects of sweeteners. Researchers are reporting on the cases of 2 patients who had significant diarrhea and weight loss. After significant investigations falied to reveal an obvious cause, the researchers determined that both were chewing significant amounts of gum or eating sweets, which resulted in the ingestion of approximately 20-30 grams of the artificial sweetener sorbitol, a known laxative. After stopping ingestion, their symptoms improved.