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A new study published in the Annals of Neurology, led by Ellen Mowry, M.D., of Johns Hopkins University, found that lower levels of vitamin D may be linked to an increased risk of developing lesions associated with multiple sclerosis (MS).... Full Story

A recent study at the Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology Unit at the University of Manchester, which utilized DNA samples from more than 27,000 patients, has found 14 genes that may be the cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There have already been 32 other genes discovered that contribute to the development of the condition.

The research, which was published in Nature and Genetics, also found that the gene is specifically linked to the X-chromosome, which may explain why more women suffer from the ailment than men. The researchers noted that the recent discoveries have vast implications for potential arthritis treatment.

"This work will have a great impact on the clinical treatment of arthritis - we have already found three genes that are targets for drugs, leaving a further 43 genes with the potential for drug development, helping the third of patients who fail to respond well to current medications," said research author Stephen Eyre, M.D.

RA facts... Full Story