Scientists at Rockefeller University have found that persistent activation of Stat3 protein can cause normal cells to behave like cancer cells. This discovery presents a promising new target in the fight against cancer and suggests that drugs inhibiting Stat3 activation may be effective.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center created mice with narcolepsy by removing the neuropeptide orexin. The mice exhibited rapid eye movement (REM) sleep at the beginning of a sleep period, unlike normal mice, indicating a potential link to treatments for the disorder.
Researchers found that children gave better information during video interviews than face-to-face interactions, with reduced incorrect responses and improved cooperation. The use of video links also led to longer smiles and more frequent smiling among the children, indicating higher levels of comfort and relaxation.
Researchers discovered a connection between a brain hormone called orexin and narcolepsy, a severe sleep disorder. The study found that mice lacking the orexin gene exhibited abnormal sleep patterns and behaviors similar to those of humans with narcolepsy.
A Penn State study found that restructuring public schools can be detrimental to student performance, particularly in low-income communities. The researchers argue that complex educational technologies and instructional practices require skilled teachers and substantial resources, which may not be available in disadvantaged schools.
The research report highlights the emotional impact of organ donations on both recipients and donor families. Recipients often view their transplanted organs as mechanical objects, while donor families perceive them as a personal connection to the donor.
The NSF award establishes a Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, focusing on complex social behaviors and emotions. The center will study brain mechanisms and develop powerful new technologies.