(September 5, 2010 - Insidermedicine)

From Baltimore - The DASH eating plan reduces long term heart attack risk, according to a report published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. Researchers found that DASH--an eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, low fat dairy products,poultry and nuts while limiting fats, red meet and sugar--lowered bad cholesterol and blood pressure, and reduced 10 year heart attack risk by 18%.

From Bethesda - A new report published in The Lancet Neurology identifies a genetic factor associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Researchers compared over 400 ALS patients to nearly 500 controls and found two genetic variations occurring in 70% of ALS patients with a family history of the disease. 

And finally, from North Carolina - Research published in The Lancet questions the use of oxygen in end of life care. Researchers studied 239 patients randomized to receive either oxygen or room air through nasal tubes. They found that 50% of patients found no benefit from the intervention, and that, of those who did report improvements in breathing, it did not matter whether they were receiving oxygen or room air.