Neurological disorders Archive for The Checkup

When the handwriting on the wall spells autism

A new and very small study shows that kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to have worse handwriting than their non-ASD peers. Of 14 kids with ASD and 14 without who were asked to complete a standardized handwriting test, those with ASD specifically had trouble forming letter shapes correctly....

H1N1 vaccine: One big confusing mess

There are plenty of reasons to get upset about the H1N1 influenza situation. Over-optimistic projections of vaccine supply have given way to acknowledgements that by the time the vaccine is widely available, this wave of H1N1 infection may well be over. There have been scary reports about otherwise-healthy kids and...

Does Routine Bilirubin Screening Make for Healthier Babies?

A government-sponsored task force has determined that there's not enough evidence to suggest that the benefits of routinely screening newborns for elevated levels of bilirubin outweigh the potential risks or that routine screening leads to better health for babies across the board. Bilirubin screening tests (evaluating skin or blood samples)...

A New Wind A-Blowin' for Medical Marijuana?

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder told reporters Wednesday that federal law-enforcement officials will no longer go after providers of marijuana that's used for medicinal purposes in the 13 states in which medical marijuana is legal unless that service is just a front for unlawful activities. That announcement will no doubt...

Can Cutting Calories Boost Memory?

Here's another reason to cut back on your calories--it may help you remember where you left your keys. A new study has found that elderly people who significantly reduced their caloric intake appeared to significantly improve their memory. Previous research has found the severe caloric restriction might extend longevity, though...

Does Vitamin B12 Protect Your Brain?