A recent field study found that use of ethanol fuels leads to increased levels of toxins called aldehydes and peroxyacyl nitrates (PAN), which can last for many days in the air. PAN is highly toxic to plants and a powerful eye irritant, posing health and environmental risks.
A UT Southwestern researcher has re-examined reports of stress in Gulf War veterans, finding minimal support for the theory that symptoms are stress-related. The data suggests a very low prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Gulf War veterans.
University of Michigan scientists used insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) to stimulate growth of new myelin membranes around neurons in a culture dish. The results showed that IGF-I promotes myelination by triggering biochemical changes that help Schwann cells attach to nerve fibers.
A study by Cornell University Medical College researchers suggests that atherosclerosis and some forms of cancer may be linked to a single-cell mutation in the Type II TGF-beta receptor gene. This finding could provide new avenues for understanding cardiovascular disease progression and developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.