Harrisons Principle Of Internal Medicine

Our noses do more than just smell. They are, in many ways, the literal doorway to the brain. In fact, one Baylor College of Medicine specialist is now working on removing certain types of brain tumors through the nasal passageways. Dr. Mas Takashima, assistant professor of otolaryngology at BCM, is using new special cameras and tools to remove brain tumors called pituitary adenomas and meningiomas through the nose. These types of tumors are typically located near the base of the skull, just above the nose. "In the past, removing these tumors involved splitting the skull and actually moving the brain to get to them," Takashima said. "Technology is allowing us to find minimally invasive alternatives, and since a portion of the brain sits along the roof of the nose, the nose may be the easiest route to certain tumors." The procedure involves an endoscope, a thin, tube-like camera that is fed through the nose and sinuses. Endoscopic tools are …

The National Space Biomedical Research Institute's Education and Outreach Team received a Stellar Award from the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation April 20. William A. Thomson, Ph.D., NSBRI Education Program Leader, and Director of BCM's Center for Educational Outreach, accepted the award on behalf of the team. NSBRI, headquartered at BCM, is a NASA-funded consortium of institutions studying the health risks related to long-duration space flight. The Institute's science, technology and education projects take place at more than 70 institutions across the United States. The Stellar Award recognized the team's "performance as a nationally recognized, top-tier program that is pioneering new models for exemplary teaching, training and public outreach in support of the Vision for Space Exploration." The NSBRI group was the only education team to receive the award. NSBRI's education program spans from the elementary grades to …

Volunteers are being recruited for a study at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston to test the potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The study, part of a national initiative supported by the National Institute on Aging, will test whether omega-3 fatty acids, found in the oil of certain fish, algae and breast milk, benefit the brain by lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Prospective study participants can call the BCM study site at 713-798-7431 or the NIA's Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center at 800-438-4380.

It is important to learn not only about the variety of essentials oils and their benefits, but also the way to properly combine them with a carrier oil before applying to the skin. Essential oils are concentrated and alone are very potent. Carrier oils carry essential oils to the skin safely. If essential oils are applied directly to the skin they can irritate it and have a negative effect instead of fulfilling their helpful, healing purpose.

Carrier Oils

Alzheimer's disease patients are needed to participate in a study on genetic susceptibility at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. BCM is recruiting 125 people with Alzheimer's disease to participate in state-funded research undertaken by the Texas Alzheimer's Research Consortium to explore how genetics and inflammatory changes in the blood affect onset of this disease. Research conducted by the consortium will help develop new treatment approaches, including lifestyle changes, drugs, and immunizations. Prospective study participants can call 713-798-2230.