(April 29, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Washington - According to the American Lung Association, 60% of Americans live in areas where air pollution has the potential to cause serious negative health effects. The cities with the most particle pollution were found to be Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Bakersfield, California, while Los Angeles topped the chart for ozone concentration, potentially making it the smoggiest city in America.

From Philadelphia - According to research in the journal Nature, scientists have identified gene mutations that are associated with the risk for autism. In a study of over 10,000 participants, researchers found gene variants that were present in about 65% of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. It was noted that these gene variants are involved in facilitating communication between brain cells.

And finally, from Texas - According to the CDC, the U.S. has suffered its first fatality due to swine flu. The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed that a toddler has died from the H1N1 virus. So far, there have been 314 laboratory confirmed cases and over 3,300 suspected cases of swine flu reported worldwide.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.