Mac's Illness Spotlights Sarcoidosis

Excessive immune reaction may be at fault in Mexican deaths

(NEWSER) - The swine flu sweeping through Mexico is wreaking havoc among young adults in particular, reports the Washington Post, with the entire death toll as of yesterday comprised of those between 25 and 50. Some believe the trouble for young adults is an overpowering immune reaction that ravages throat and lung tissue, but epidemiologists speculate that young people are contracting the illness because they gather together more. More»

Lung disease, immune-suppressing meds were factors

(NEWSER) - Suffering from a rare lung disease, Bernie Mac was on medication to suppress his immune system—and that that made him vulnerable to the pneumonia that ended his life, his sister-in-law told People. He was hospitalized 8 days earlier than reported with a fever and trouble breathing, and “was in intensive care the whole time,” she said. At the hospital, Mac became infected with a second strain of pneumonia. More»

Friends lament comedian's loss

(NEWSER) - Hollywood has woken up to a world without Bernie Mac, who died early today from complications of pneumonia. Here’s what the stars who knew him are saying, reports E!:

• George Clooney: “The world just got a little less funny. He will be missed dearly.”
• Chris Rock: “Losing him is like losing 12 people because he absolutely filled up any room he was in. I'm gonna miss the Mac Man.”

Findings represent stunning medical breakthrough

(NEWSER) - Scientists have pinpointed two genes that may be linked to MS, signaling a breakthrough in the fight against the debilitating disease 20 years in the making. In separate studies published today by two medical journals, researchers revealed one specific gene receptor may trigger cells to inhibit the body's autoimmune reaction, the first ever genetic culprit in the crippling disorder. More»