A team of researchers from Oregon Health & Science University has identified three gene regions in mice that are linked to an increased risk of physical dependence on alcohol. The study's findings could lead to a better understanding of alcoholism and the development of new treatments.
Duke researchers found an existing class of drugs, cyclosporin and FK506, effectively stops the growth of the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. The compounds are now being tested in animals with fungal infections.
Researchers successfully cloned the first mammalian clock gene, identified as 'Clock', which regulates biological clocks and sleep patterns. The discovery provides new insights into the genetic basis of individual differences in human sleep-wake behavior and may lead to the development of new drugs to regulate circadian rhythms.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation in people with Alport syndrome prevents normal transformation process in collagen proteins, leading to gradual loss of membrane integrity. The mutation affects production of alpha-5 collagen, resulting in breakdown of critical glomerular basement membrane.
A study by Penn researchers found that minor depression in elderly populations is linked to differences in brain structure, specifically smaller prefrontal lobe volume. This finding has important neurobiologic implications for minor depression and may inform the development of new treatments.
Brown University scientists have successfully used a magnetic field to levitate frog embryos, reducing forces and stresses by a factor of 10. This technique, known as magnetic field gradient levitation, could enable researchers to study living organisms in simulated low-gravity environments at a fraction of the cost of space missions.
Astronomers have detected radio emission from a cosmic gamma-ray burst using the National Science Foundation's Very Large Array (VLA) radio telescope. The detection may help resolve one of the biggest mysteries in astrophysics, providing unprecedented knowledge about gamma-ray bursts and their parent objects.
Microbes in soil have been found to degrade certain toxic chemicals, including pentachlorophenol and benzoate. Researchers are developing procedures for using these hungry bugs in environmental cleanup efforts, which could be more effective and cost-efficient than traditional methods.
Research reveals grapefruit juice increases CYP3A4 enzyme levels, affecting drug metabolism; this finding narrows the search for responsible substance, enabling safer medications. Consistency is key: individuals taking affected drugs should consult physicians if adding grapefruit juice to their diet.
Researchers find that centrosymmetric materials can exhibit triboluminescence when containing impurities or structural anomalies, challenging traditional understanding of the phenomenon. The study synthesized various esters to investigate the relationship between material structure and triboluminescent activity.
A first-ever restocking project will release up to 20 captive-bred black and white ruffed lemurs into the ancestral island nation's rain forests. The project aims to help the animals adjust to their new environment through a 'soft release' approach, while also stimulating conservation-mindedness in local citizens.