Psychology & Psychiatry

Nurses cut stress 40 percent with relaxation steps at work

A study by researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that a workplace mindfulness-based intervention reduced stress levels of employees exposed to a highly stressful occupational environment.

Genetics

Saliva provides a new trail in obesity genetics

Salivary amylase is a gene present in humans. Yet its number of copies can vary from one to 20, depending on the individual. Having a low copy number of the gene, which digests complex sugars (starches), favors obesity, according ...

Autism spectrum disorders

Saliva, pupil size differences in autism show system in overdrive

(Medical Xpress) -- University of Kansas researchers have found larger resting pupil size and lower levels of a salivary enzyme associated with the neurotransmitter norepinephrine in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Medical research

Enzyme in saliva helps regulate blood glucose

Scientists from the Monell Center report that blood glucose levels following starch ingestion are influenced by genetically-determined differences in salivary amylase, an enzyme that breaks down dietary starches. Specifically, ...