Researchers discover the structure of the WRN exonuclease domain, revealing its role in repairing DNA damage and maintaining genomic integrity. The study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying Werner's syndrome, a rare inherited disease that accelerates aging.
The University of Utah is working on a bionic arm that can move naturally in response to thoughts and allow users to feel sensations, with the goal of restoring the capability of amputees. Researchers will develop a peripheral nerve interface device that relays signals from nerves to the artificial limb.
A study found that both alcoholism and chronic smoking alter gene expression in the human prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, fear, and emotion. This suggests a common underlying mechanism for addiction and may lead to therapeutic solutions or pharmaceuticals.
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disease caused by a mutation in the ACVR1 gene, leading to an armament of bone that locks movement impossible. The discovery provides a highly specific target for future drug development and holds promise for altering symptoms and the disease itself.
Researchers found that groups of three, four, and five members perform better than the best individual on complex problems requiring verbal, quantitative, or logical conceptual skills. This suggests that group work may be beneficial for students in school and for scientific research teams.
A study by the Veterans Affairs Medical Center found that individuals with a family history of alcoholism who exhibit behavioral disinhibition are at higher risk of developing alcoholism. This group shows working-memory deficits and an attraction to reward-taking challenges.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers identifies specific neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex that assign values to different goods. This discovery sheds light on choice deficit disorders such as eating disorders and compulsive gambling.
Scientists found that certain artificial sweeteners like sodium saccharin and acesulfame-K paradoxically inhibit sweetness at high concentrations. When rinsed with water, the sweetness returns, revealing potential applications in medicine and food industry.
Researchers have found cancer cells suppress entire chromosome bands through epigenetic changes, silencing genes that prevent tumor growth. The discovery could lead to new treatments targeting DNA demethylation.
Research suggests that prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to long-lasting alterations in the ability to synchronize circadian rhythms with environmental cues. This can result in behavioral problems, such as sleep disorders, attention issues, and mood regulation difficulties. The study's findings have implications for understanding the ...
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that beta cells can develop and grow normally even when both insulin and IGF-I receptors are missing. This discovery suggests the presence of independent growth factors and pathways necessary for beta cell development, which may lead to new treatments for people with diabetes.
A polyvalent inhibitor has been developed that recognizes multiple sites on the anthrax toxin molecular structure, making it four orders of magnitude more potent. The inhibitor was tested in rats and protected them from anthrax toxin, showing promise as a potential therapeutic for anthrax exposure.
Researchers identified an intrinsic pathway involving PTEN that regulates stem cell transitions between quiescence and activity. Disrupting PTEN leads to increased active cycling and loss of quiescent stem cells, hindering long-term maintenance.