New understanding about mechanism for cell death after stroke leads to possible therapy
Scientists at the Brain Research Centre, a partnership of the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, have uncovered new information about the mechanism by which brain cells die following a stroke, as well as a possible way to mitigate that damage. view more (2009-11-23)
Spotting evidence of directed percolation
A team of physicists has, for the first time, seen convincing experimental evidence for directed percolation, a phenomenon that turns up in computer models of the ways diseases spread through a population or how water soaks through loose soil. view more (2009-11-18)
Research reveals lipids' unexpected role in triggering death of brain cells
The lipid that accumulates in brain cells of individuals with an inherited enzyme disorder also drives the cell death that is a hallmark of the disease, according to new research led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital investigators. view more (2009-11-13)
New finding suggests prostate biopsy is not always necessary
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered that some elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in men may be caused by a hormone normally occurring in the body, and are not necessarily a predictor of the need for a prostate biopsy. view more (2009-11-09)
Lactose intolerance rates may be significantly lower than previously believed
Prevalence of lactose intolerance may be far lower than previously estimated, according to a study in the latest issue of Nutrition Today. view more (2009-11-06)
Exposure to alkaline substances can result in damaged teeth
It has long been known that acids can erode tooth enamel but a new Swedish study from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg shows that strong alkaline substances can damage teeth too - substances with high pH values can destroy parts of the organic content of the tooth, leaving the enamel more vulnerable. view more (2009-10-28)
General anesthetics lead to learning disabilities in animal models
Studies by researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have shown that blocking the NMDA receptor in immature rats leads to profound, rapid brain injury and disruption of auditory function as the animals mature. view more (2009-10-23)
Penn team uses self-assembly to make molecule-sized particles with patches of charge
Physicists, chemists and engineers at the University of Pennsylvania have demonstrated a novel method for the controlled formation of patchy particles, using charged, self-assembling molecules that may one day serve as drug-delivery vehicles to combat disease and perhaps be used in small batteries that store and release charge. view more (2009-10-21)
Study examines complications of thyroid surgery in older patients
In a study of patients undergoing thyroid surgery performed by a single surgeon, older adults did not appear to have more complications than younger patients. view more (2009-10-20)
Thyroid surgery safe for older patients, study finds
Thyroid surgery is safe for older patients, say physicians who found only slight differences in rates of complications and hospital readmissions in a multi-year study. view more (2009-10-20)
A new understanding of why seizures occur with alcohol withdrawal
Epileptic seizures are the most dramatic and prominent aspect of the "alcohol withdrawal syndrome" that occurs when a person abruptly stops a long-term or chronic drinking habit. Researchers have shown that the flow of calcium ions into brain cells via voltage-gated calcium channels plays an important role in the generation of alcohol... view more... (2009-10-19)
New approach for growing bone comes from Duke preclinical research
The natural cycle of building bone to maintain skeletal strength and then breaking it down for the body's calcium needs is delicately balanced, but diseases like osteoporosis break down too much bone without adequate bone replacement, leading to bone fractures. view more (2009-10-08)
New link found between osteoporosis and coeliac disease
People with coeliac disease may develop osteoporosis because their immune system attacks their bone tissue, a new study has shown. view more (2009-10-08)
Calcium scans may be effective screening tool for heart disease
A simple, non-invasive test appears to be an effective screening tool for identifying patients with silent heart disease who are at risk for a heart attack or sudden death. view more (2009-09-30)
Prolonged stress sparks ER to release calcium stores and induce cell death in aging-related diseases
Study shows prolonged stress sparks ER to release calcium stores and induce cell death in aging-related diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and neurodegeneration. view more (2009-09-14)
Cement's basic molecular structure finally decoded
In the 2,000 or so years since the Roman Empire employed a naturally occurring form of cement to build a vast system of concrete aqueducts and other large edifices, researchers have analyzed the molecular structure of natural materials and created entirely new building materials such as steel, which has a well-documented crystalline structure at... view more... (2009-09-10)
Researchers Pinpoint Neural Nanoblockers in Carbon Nanotubes
A team of Brown University scientists has pinpointed why carbon nanotubes tend to block a critical signaling pathway in neurons. view more (2009-08-28)
A plant's arsenal of crystalline darts and sand
Pet owners have heard the warnings to keep certain poisonous houseplants away from their pets, such as Dieffenbachia (dumbcane), Philodendron, peace lily, and pothos. For houseplants like these and others, the problem may not just be a poison, but the presence of tiny crystals throughout the plant. view more (2009-08-07)
Mutation responsible for cystic fibrosis also involved in muscle atrophy
Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) usually experience significant muscle loss, a symptom traditionally considered to be a secondary complication of the devastating genetic disease. view more (2009-07-31)
High calcium level in arteries may signal serious heart attack risk
Researchers may be able to predict future severe cardiac events in patients with known, stable coronary artery disease (CAD) using coronary calcium scoring, according to a study published in the online edition of Radiology. view more (2009-07-28)
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