(July 22, 2010 - Insidermedicine)

From Massachusetts – Scientists have discovered a gene associated with the development Alzheimer’s disease, according to a report published in Cell. Researchers found that when the SITR1 gene was overproduced in mice genetically engineered to have Alzheimer's, the rodent's learning and memory problems improved.

From Boston – High levels of good cholesterol may be irrelevant in certain patients, according to a report published in The Lancet. Studying patients participating in the JUPITER trial, researchers found that high HDL cholesterol levels did not appear to reduce risk of cardiovascular events in patients who had already had their LDL cholesterol lowered with rosuvastatin.

And finally, from Sweden – Torn ACLs do not need to be operated on immediately, according to a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers randomized over 120 adults  with a torn ACL to receive immediate surgery or rehab therapy and optional deferred surgery. Results showed that both groups fared equally well after two years, with 60% of the rehab group avoiding surgery altogether.