(January 19, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From London - According to research in the journal Nature Genetics, newly found genetic variants may help predict obesity. In a study of nearly 2,800 people, researchers discovered three genetic mutations that were significantly linked to obesity. The researchers suggest that these variants could account for up to 50% of cases of severe obesity. Further research could lead to new screening techniques to find out who is at highest risk of becoming obese.

From Baltimore - According to research in the Archives of Ophthalmology, Lucentis outperformed photodynamic therapy for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. In a study of over 400 patients, researchers found that those treated monthly with 0.5 mg of Lucentis reported an improvement of 8.1 points on a visual function questionnaire, compared to those who underwent photodynamic therapy, who reported an improvement of only 2.2 points.

And finally, from Los Angeles - According to research in the American Journal of Epidemiology, light to moderate alcohol consumption may provide benefits for healthy older adults. In a study of over 4,200 people aged 50 and older, those who were healthy and drank fewer than 15 drinks per week had a 17% chance of becoming disabled or dying in 5 years, compared with 26% among those who did not drink. This benefit was not seen in those who rated their health as fair or poor.

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