Trisomy 18 is a genetic disorder caused by a chromosomel defect. This is not due to inherent defect in any chromosome, rather the affected individuals have an additional copy of chromosome 18. Trisomy 18 is also called Edwards syndrome, named after John H. Edwards, who first described the syndrome in 1960.

According to a new study an invasive heart test called left ventriculogram used to measure ejection fraction and which is used routinely to measure heart function is being overused, especially among patients who recently underwent similar, more effective tests. The overuse of left ventriculogram is described by the author as "shockingly high."

More than 1 percent, or 1 in every 88 children, is diagnosed with autism today, including 1 in 54 boys, according a new report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This is a 78% percent increase of autism in children in 6 years (2002-2008) and a staggering 10-fold (1000%) increase in reported prevalence over the last 40 years.

In a remarkable 36-hour operation transplant surgeons at the University of Maryland performed the most extensive full face transplant.  The face transplant included both jaws, teeth and tongue.  This marks the first time in the world that a full face transplant was performed by a team of plastic and reconstructive surgeons with specialized training and expertise in craniofacial surger

According to a new study, a monoclonal antibody (REGN727) to the protein PCSK9 can significantly reduce bad cholesterol.  PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9) is a serine protease.  LDL cholesterol levels in the blood increases when its receptors (LDL receptor) are degraded by binding to PCSK9.

A petition to increase NIH budget to $33 billion dollars in 2012-2013 fiscal year is under way. According to the petition being promoted on the White House website, a flat $30.7 billion funding for the year will kill jobs and hurt research.

Researchers have identified the intracellular mechanisms regulated by vitamin D3 that may help the body clear the brain of amyloid beta. Amyloid beta is the main component of plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid beta, also called Abeta, is a peptide of 36–43 amino acids long that is cleaved from the parent peptide,  Amyloid precursor protein.