Prevention may be essential to reducing racial disparities in stroke

Washington, DC - Blacks between the ages of 45 and 54 die of strokes at a rate that is three times greater than their white counterparts, according to the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, which looked at stroke incidence and mortality of nearly 30,000 participants over the age of 45 from an ethnically and demographically diverse sample of the U.S. population. The findings suggest that the higher risk of death from strokes in blacks is due mostly to the higher incidence in this population, and not to worse outcomes following stroke. 

Study shows Zika virus directly infects brain cells and evades immune system detection

Dallas, Texas - The mosquito-borne Zika virus linked to microcephaly and other neurological problems in newborns of affected mothers directly infects the brain progenitor cells destined to become neurons, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers report in a study published online today in Cell Reports.

Your Hearing At Risk? Protect Your Ears

Yuma, Arizona - Hearing loss is a natural part of the aging process. But, noise-induced hearing loss is on the rise, leading to May being recognized as Better Hearing Month.

Researchers Find What Could Be Brain’s Trigger for Binge Behavior

Baltimore, Maryland - Rats that responded to cues for sugar with the speed and excitement of binge-eaters were less motivated for the treat when certain neurons were suppressed, researchers discovered.

Reasons to Care About Your Core

Scottsdale, Arizona - Whether you enjoy going to the gym five days a week or doing a few sit-ups occasionally, chances are you may not place enough emphasis on your core. Because of the tendency to neglect this group of muscles, it’s important to know the benefits your body receives from core muscle exercise.