Scientists found obese individuals have fewer dopamine receptors than normal-weight subjects, with the number decreasing as body mass index increases. Exercise has been shown to increase dopamine release and raise dopamine receptors in animal studies, suggesting it may help stimulate dopamine pleasure circuits.
Researchers found a correlation between lower dopamine receptor availability and higher BMI in severely obese individuals compared to control subjects. Exercise is recommended as the most practical application for improving dopamine receptors and reducing pathological overeating.
A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that patients with heart failure can tolerate higher doses of ACE inhibitors without severe side effects. The research found that nearly all patients experienced only slight decreases in blood pressure and kidney function, which can be managed by adjusting the dose.
Scientists have discovered Wnt as an inhibitory factor in vertebrate heart development, with low activity leading to cardiogenesis. The research reveals a crucial mechanism in determining heart position.
A team of biologists led by Mark Springer at the University of California, Riverside and including Ronald DeBry of the University of Cincinnati report in Nature that an intensive analysis of DNA sequences provides strong support for a grouping dubbed Afrotheria.
Researchers at UCSD Cancer Center develop a two-drug combination that tricks leukemia-causing gene Bcr-Abl into committing suicide, achieving complete eradication of CML cells. The treatment uses STI571 and Leptomycin B to mobilize and trap the oncogene in the nucleus.
Researchers have found that leukemia cells resist apoptosis due to constitutive activation of STAT3 and/or STAT1. AG-490, a JAK inhibitor, promotes apoptosis in these cells by blocking STAT3 function.
A recent study published in Science found that tallgrass prairies have more variable plant growth than deserts, despite having less rainfall variability. This suggests that these ecosystems can respond to changes in precipitation patterns and may serve as an early warning system for climate change.
Research suggests that personality's role in high blood pressure may be less clear-cut than previously thought. The study found no evidence supporting the 'hypertensive personality hypothesis', contradicting previous findings that linked specific personality traits to hypertension. However, researchers speculate that personality may pl...
A study found that nearly one-third of primary care physicians do not discuss cancer screenings with their patients, citing lack of time and language barriers. The survey also revealed that many doctors would make decisions independently of patient preference, and some were less likely to discuss controversial tests like PSA measurements.
A new partial voice box resection procedure shows excellent local control and significant improvement in quality of life for patients with intermediate to advanced stage larynx cancers. This approach can provide a less drastic treatment option, reducing hardship on patients.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that the human myelocytomatosis (MYC) gene can induce spontaneous mutations in other genes, such as Nras or Kras2, leading to more tumor growth even after the MYC gene is shut off. This has implications for the search for therapeutics in cases of MYC-induced breast cancer.
A Wake Forest University School of Medicine professor is evaluating the impact of managed care patient protection laws on patient attitudes, behaviors, and access to care. The study will assess six states reflecting a range of legal and market conditions through extensive interviews and quantitative research techniques.
A new report by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill indicates a slight decrease in primary-care physicians in North Carolina, while showing significant growth in other healthcare professions. The number of primary-care specialists decreased by 16 doctors between 1998 and 1999, despite an overall positive trend.
A long-term study by Lehigh University researchers finds a strong link between severe physical discipline in preschool and later aggression. Children from low-socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to develop aggressive behavior due to inadequate nurturing and stressful environments.
Scientists successfully used frozen human nerve cells to repair damaged spinal cords in an animal model of multiple sclerosis. The method may one day allow patients to use their own cells to treat demyelinating diseases.
Researchers at the University of Florida have found a new heat-based therapy that kills inoperable liver tumors without initiating an onslaught of harmful hormones. The technique, known as radiofrequency ablation, is less risky and cheaper than surgery or cold-based therapies.
A study by UW researchers found that genetic taste markers do not affect the enjoyment of chocolate, and that sweetness and fat can mask bitter flavors. The study showed that women who were more sensitive to bitter tastes preferred lattes over straight espresso coffee.
Researchers discovered that beneficial bacteria in the gut influence the expression of genes important to intestinal development and function. The study found that these microbes activate genes involved in sugar and fat absorption, cellular barrier integrity, and blood vessel formation.
A new study found that damage to the right prefrontal cortex, a small area in the brain's frontal lobes, is linked to impaired mentalizing, or understanding others' mental states. This deficit can affect empathy, sympathy, and social interactions.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute found key gene FLO11 required for fungal biofilm formation, which can cause serious infections in hip replacements. The discovery offers hope for preventing such infections in the future by understanding how fungi stick to plastic surfaces.
Researchers have found that dual electrical discharges associated with sprite creation can be separated by long intervals due to persistent cloud-to-ground currents. These currents, which can last up to 200 milliseconds, provide enough energy flow for the second burst to trigger the sprite.