Researchers at Washington State University have found that heavy cannabis use during pregnancy can affect the cognitive development of offspring. The study used a new model of exposure to recreate human-like cannabis use and found that rats exposed to high amounts of cannabis had trouble adjusting their strategy to get rewards.
New research presents promising results from preclinical studies using gene therapy to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders. Gene therapy has been successfully used to slow disease progression and improve symptoms in mouse models.
A clinical trial found that eating fish twice a week as part of a Mediterranean diet can significantly decrease lung inflammation in children with mild asthma. The study involved 64 children from Greece and showed improved lung function after six months.
The HiLo trial found no significant difference in recurrence rates between patients given a low radiation dose compared to the standard higher dose. This means patients with low-risk thyroid cancer can benefit from fewer side effects, long-term complications, and more convenient treatment options.
A study found that men with prostate cancer value quality of life and will trade off survival odds for fewer side effects, including urinary incontinence and impotence. The research suggests that patients may prefer less invasive treatments like focal therapy or active surveillance to reduce harm.
Research highlights long-lasting effects of early life stress on the genome, gut, and brain, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder. Novel strategies, such as inhibiting stress hormone production or resetting immune cells, may help combat these effects.
Researchers at Griffith University have developed a procedure for making precise measurements of speed, acceleration and material properties possible. Using photons and entanglement, they achieved sensitivity approaching the Heisenberg limit, outperforming previous experiments.
Studies in mice and marmosets reveal mechanisms underlying social learning and behavior, including neural circuits controlling vocalizations and aggression. The findings provide a clearer picture of the brain's social processing, paving the way for potential treatments for disorders such as autism spectrum disorder.
Melanoma death rates are increasing globally in men, while stabilizing or decreasing in some countries for women. The study analyzed data from 33 countries and found that melanoma is a significant health issue, with men being more likely to die from the disease.
The practice of solitary confinement has been shown to alter brain structures and behaviors, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. As social isolation becomes a growing problem in the US, scientists and experts are exploring ways to mitigate its effects.
Researchers found three genetic variations linked to increased liver fat, which could lead to new treatment options for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study, led by Westmead Institute for Medical Research, identified the mechanisms behind hepatic steatosis, a major risk factor for NAFLD.