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, ...

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.

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.

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 ...