Scientists identified a previously unknown mechanism for massive endocytosis (MEND) in cells, where up to 75% of the cell plasma membrane can be reversibly engulfed. MEND preferentially targets low-ordered, cholesterol-containing membrane domains.
A Texas A&M study shows that genes are activated in fruit flies when they interact with the opposite sex, affecting physiology and behavior. This discovery may lead to insights into disorders such as autism and has significant implications for understanding human social interactions.
A University of Colorado team found that the metabolic cost of an adult missing one night of sleep is roughly equivalent to walking two miles. The study showed a 7% increase in energy expenditure during sleep deprivation, while recovery sleep resulted in a 5% decrease.
A new breathing therapy, CART, has been shown to be more effective than traditional cognitive therapy in reducing panic symptoms by reversing hyperventilation. The treatment program teaches patients to breathe normally, reducing chronic and acute hyperventilation and associated physical symptoms.
Mutations in RYR1 lead to calcium release channel dysfunction, causing dominant-negative effect that reduces muscle force generation. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the consequences of this mutation in muscle fibers.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center San Antonio have found that increasing a protein called CBP can restore learning and memory in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. This breakthrough provides a novel therapeutic target for the development of Alzheimer's medications.
A study of medical students' professor evaluations found that scores and comments remained consistent, with only 3% of evaluations revised. The study highlights the importance of making a good first impression in the classroom.
Researchers at Tufts University discovered bioactive peptides that stimulate the healing process by promoting angiogenesis and epithelialization. The peptides, synthesized from collagenase treatment of extracellular matrix, show promise in treating acute and chronic wound healing.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists identifies Sirt3 as a crucial enzyme in the aging process, which helps to slow down aging by reducing free radicals produced by mitochondria. The findings provide a rational basis for devising interventions to retard aging and improve health in old age.
A new study published in Molecular Pain found that a single injection of morphine can strongly reduce testosterone levels in the brain and plasma of male rats. The study's findings are particularly important as testosterone is essential for various bodily functions, including cognitive functions and bone structure remodeling.
Researchers at UIC are investigating both acquired and familial causes of heart failure with a focus on identifying markers for diagnosis and targets for cures. The five-year funding supports an ongoing program-project grant led by R. John Solaro, which looks at the underlying maladaptive changes that lead to heart failure.
Researchers found that heat acclimation provided significant benefits for athletes competing in cool weather, including improved aerobic performance. The study's findings suggest that heat acclimation could be a practical and effective approach to improve athletic performance in cooler conditions.
Researchers have discovered that different odorant receptors in mammals exhibit varying degrees of basal activity, driving receptor current fluctuations and firing patterns. This study suggests new information is used by the olfactory system for categorizing odorants, challenging previous understanding of odor coding complexity.
A high-fat Western diet has been found to exacerbate the inflammatory response to sepsis, a condition of systemic bacterial infection. This increased inflammation can lead to severe outcomes, including higher mortality rates and more morbidity in obese patients.
New research published in Experimental Physiology found that men are more effective sweaters during exercise than women. Women need to get hotter before they start sweating, while men can sweat more efficiently with regular physical training.
Penn researchers found retinal ganglion cells responding to darkness are more numerous and clustered than those seeing light, reflecting the natural world's darker spots. This suggests brain separation of retinal circuitry into off and on mosaics, allowing for structural adaptation to natural scenes.
Speech-language pathology researchers at the University of Missouri are studying Hindustani and classical singing styles to develop a treatment for laryngeal tremors. By understanding the physiology behind voluntary and involuntary pitch fluctuation, they aim to find a cure for this vocal disorder associated with neurological disorders.
Bonn researchers have developed a method to trigger arrhythmia in mice using light stimulation, allowing them to study the condition with unprecedented precision. By selectively targeting specific areas of the heart muscle, scientists can induce ventricular fibrillation, a common cause of death after a heart attack.
Research at the University of East Anglia reveals that adding histidine to salmon diets prevents cataract formation. The nutrient was found to be deficient in post-1990s fish feed due to BSE concerns, leading to a significant increase in cataracts.
The FASEB MARC Program has announced travel award recipients for the 2010 IPE Meeting, promoting diversity in biomedical research. The program conferred 12 awards totaling $22,200 to support underrepresented minority students and scientists.
The Biophysical Society has recognized eight individuals with its 2011 awards for their significant contributions to the field of biophysics. The awardees include researchers who have made pioneering discoveries using NMR methods, membrane protein biochemistry, and single molecule fluorescence microscopy.
A study published by the American Physiological Society suggests that as body mass index (BMI) increases, so do platelet reactivity and thrombogenic microvesicles, contributing to cardiovascular disease. Higher BMI groups also showed increased traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and triglycerides.
A team of K-state researchers is conducting a three-year study funded by a $1.2 million NASA grant to understand the impact of microgravity on human physiology. They aim to develop simple tests that astronauts can use in space to assess their physical conditioning and determine if they have the capacity to perform lunar tasks.
A new study has uncovered the genetic mechanisms controlling the growth of collateral circulation, which can provide oxygen to starved tissues in the event of a heart attack or stroke. The researchers identified a section of DNA involved in variation in collateral vessel density and diameter.
Research published in the Journal of Physiology found that astronaut muscles deteriorate to that of an 80-year-old after just 180 days in space. The study highlights the need for effective exercise countermeasures to protect muscle and bone on long-duration space missions.
A new study published in The Journal of General Physiology reveals that HCN channels play a crucial role in regulating heart rate during stress. The research provides insight into the mechanisms behind the 'flight-or-fight' response, offering new understanding of this complex physiological process.
By comparing different species and environments, researchers can identify environmental optima and tolerance limits for predicting climate change effects. Tropical porcelain crabs, despite being heat-tolerant, live near their thermal tolerance range and have limited ability to adapt to warmer temperatures.
A UCLA study suggests that a simple approach can cultivate female leadership in medicine and other fields. Subtle encouragement from teachers can increase female students' willingness to identify themselves as leaders, leading to a more balanced distribution of leaders in the classroom.
Researchers developed a new mathematical model to predict ventricular function during the cardiac cycle, offering a simpler alternative to existing models. The model, comprising five parameters, may improve treatment options for patients with heart disease and integrate into multi-scale models of working hearts.
Recent advancements in microscopy and buffering have enabled researchers to investigate the speed and termination of calcium signaling in muscle and nerve cells. The new tools allow for a deeper understanding of how these signals initiate and spread.
Researchers at Loyola Medicine have discovered protein acetylation, a common molecular reaction in bacteria that affects protein function and gene regulation. This finding has significant implications for understanding bacterial physiology and developing new drugs to combat harmful bacteria.
A study published in the Journal of Neurophysiology found that rejection by a romantic partner activates brain areas associated with motivation, reward, and addiction. This can lead to extreme behaviors like stalking, homicide, and suicide during break-ups.
A study using fMRI found that looking at photos of a former partner stimulated key brain areas involved in motivation, reward and addiction. The brain's attachment system showed signs of recovery over time, suggesting hope for those coping with rejection.
Researchers found that raising juvenile salmon at 16°C causes skeletal deformities. Fast growth temperatures disrupt bone and cartilage production, leading to increased deformity rates. The study suggests temperature-induced growth is severely affecting osteoblasts and chondrocyte cells.
A new study found that ultrafine particles from vehicular emissions can boost allergic inflammation in the lungs, exacerbating asthma. The researchers used a real-time testing method to isolate the effects of ultrafine particles on the immune response in mice, and found significant enhancement of allergic airway inflammation with expos...
Researchers gathered to discuss novel muscle processes and clinical implications of complex macromolecular machines controlling muscle contraction. Key findings include insights into the DHPR–RYR1, actin–myosin interactions, and the multifunctional role of the dystrophin–glycoprotein complex in skeletal muscle.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine successfully treated acute kidney injury in laboratory experiments using genetically reprogrammed cells producing a protein that aids kidney development. The treatment, administered intravenously, showed significant improvements in kidney function and reduced physical damage.
Resveratrol supplementation has been shown to decrease energy intake by 13% and increase resting metabolic rate by 29% in mouse lemurs. The study demonstrates the compound's potential effects on obesity therapies, providing novel information on its impact on energy metabolism.
A new study by The Endocrine Society reveals that chemicals remaining in Boulder Creek after wastewater treatment change the gender of fish. Native male fish were found to be feminized, with intersex individuals also present downstream of the wastewater treatment plant.
A study by Medical College of Georgia researchers found a chain of events linking excess fat to increased sodium retention and higher blood pressure. The team identified prostasin, a protease that activates the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), which regulates salt excretion in the kidneys.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide discovered how insects judge speed and motion in a natural setting, revealing additional brain mechanisms. Insects use visual motion analysis and adapt to different light conditions, similar to humans.
The Journal of General Physiology presents Perspectives on computational biology methods, including ab initio simulations and all-atom molecular dynamics. These approaches provide insights into membrane proteins and ion channels, highlighting the importance of multi-scale analysis in understanding physiological processes.
Researchers found that anti-inflammatory drugs can preserve kidney function in hypertensive rats by regulating blood pressure on tiny filters called glomeruli. The study aims to understand how kidneys autoregulate pressure and explore the role of inflammatory factors in arteriole dysregulation.
Scientists aim to prevent insects from spreading deadly diseases like Chagas' by manipulating physiology to stop the transmission of the illness. Researchers have identified genes controlling diuresis in kissing bugs and hope to create a peptide agonist to prevent waste and parasites from being left on wounds.
Thomas Miller, UCR entomologist, to advise State Department on biotechnology and pest management globally. He will also engage with non-specialists and travel to embassies to share expertise.
Researchers found that microbes become less efficient in converting carbon into CO2, leading to decreased carbon dioxide emissions from soils. As warmer temperatures persist, microbes decrease in number and eventually result in fewer emissions.
Researchers found that microbes become less efficient at converting carbon in soil into atmospheric CO2 as global temperatures rise, leading to reduced emissions. The study suggests that microbial efficiency decline may mitigate climate warming effects.
The study provides strong evidence that the NBD dimer does not fully dissociate in each gating cycle, proposing a new gating model for CFTR with two distinct cycles. This advancement sheds light on the chloride channel's behavior and may lead to improved treatments for cystic fibrosis patients.
Researchers found that the subaleurone layer of brown rice inhibits angiotensin II, a protein linked to high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. This discovery suggests that consuming half-milled or brown rice may offer cardiovascular protection.
Professor Kathleen Keef is awarded a four-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Institute of Health to investigate the control of motility in the internal anal sphincter. This research has significant implications for fecal incontinence, affecting millions of Americans and leading to various quality-of-life issues.
Researchers identified carbon dioxide as an odorant that alters physiology and affects aging in fruit flies. Flies incapable of smelling CO2 live longer and are resistant to stress. This finding suggests a potential link between sensory perception and aging, with implications for human health.
A new study by University of Michigan scientists suggests that evolutionary genetic mechanisms underlying changes in form and function are distinct. Researchers found that genes affecting morphology (form) evolved faster than those affecting physiology (function), supporting the idea that morphological changes result from gene expressi...
A chemical called a molecular band-aid has been discovered to protect the hearts of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients by preventing heart injury and remodeling. The treatment, which requires repeated injections, showed significant promise in a canine model, paving the way for potential human trials.
Researchers found glycolytic oscillations increase damage to heart during anoxia and ischemia. The study used a technique to image heart muscle cells with fluorescent dyes during severe anoxia.
Research suggests that maternal signals associated with overweight mothers can permanently alter a child's ability to regulate their weight. Studies found that offspring of overweight dams gained more weight and fat mass when given unlimited high-fat rations, indicating increased susceptibility to obesity.
A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that short-term high-intensity interval training (HIT) can be an effective alternative to traditional long-term exercise. By incorporating brief bursts of intense exercise, individuals can improve muscle function and burn fat without needing extensive exercise time.
Researchers at Cornell University have identified a protein involved in mosquito urination, which can help control the spread of diseases like dengue fever. By blocking this protein's function, mosquitoes may be limited in their ability to survive after feeding on blood.
Recent biologging studies reveal surprising behaviors, such as Atlantic bluefin tuna's 5,000-foot dives and elephant seals' annual 40,000-mile migrations. The research also provides insights into ocean animals' physiological parameters, environmental preferences and conservation status.
Researchers at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have unveiled the downstream processes of ion channel inactivation. Two studies show that Cav1.3 channels undergo distinct molecular endpoints during Ca2+-dependent and voltage-dependent inactivation, with a 'shield' mechanism repelling lid closure.
A team of LMU researchers has created a genetically modified strain of pigs that consistently develop the essential symptoms of type 2 diabetes. The pigs' physiology is similar to humans', making them an ideal model system for studying the disease, testing new treatments and diagnostic methods.