The Northwestern Memorial Hospital is testing a stomach 'pacemaker' system that reduces hunger and helps obese patients lose weight. The system, manufactured by Transneuronix, uses electrical stimulation to induce feelings of fullness.
Research suggests that sloths expel larger particles more efficiently than expected, potentially due to unique digestive adaptations. This study challenges the conventional wisdom on sloth behavior and highlights the importance of considering the interplay between resting posture, digestive anatomy, and ingesta characteristics.
This April 2004 journal from the American Academy of Ophthalmology presents numerous studies on eye conditions such as Mohs surgery, glaucoma intervention, cataract surgery outcomes, and more. The research findings cover a range of topics including diabetic macular edema diagnosis, retinal detachment, and keratoconic corneas.
A 365-million-year-old fossil discovery in Pennsylvania provides insight into the evolution of limbs from fins. The humerus specimen shares features with both primitive fish fins and true limb bones.
A novel method of three-dimensional mathematical analysis has been developed to quantify bone characteristics of humans and great apes. The results agree with genetic analyses, providing a clear family tree that defines ancestral relationships down to the subspecies level.
Researchers use computer methods and electron microscopy to understand how molecular machines interact and work together in cells. By building assembly plans for individual machines, they can connect them to form a network, providing insights into cellular structures and functions.
Researchers discovered a myosin gene mutation that correlates with anatomical changes in early hominid fossil record, including smaller jaw muscles and larger brain size. The mutation, estimated at 2.5 million years ago, may have lifted an evolutionary constraint on brain growth in early humans.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding a natural mechanism cells use to protect themselves from stress, with potential applications for preventing motor nerve cell death. Up to 50% of nerve cell death could be prevented in mice with sciatic nerve injury using this approach.
A UCI study reveals that newborn neurons in the adult brain mature by growing neural signaling appendages similar to those found in developing brains. This finding may aid in understanding how stem cells can be used to treat neurological diseases.
Dr. Yoshiro Takano has been recognized for his contributions to biological mineralization, including work on calcium transport in the enamel organ.
Researchers at McGill University have identified 209 proteins involved in the cellular uptake process, shedding light on protein interactions and disease mechanisms. The study provides a comprehensive molecular inventory of clathrin-coated vesicles, with broad implications for various fields in biology and medicine.
Researchers found an irregularly shaped cluster of nerve cells in the hypothalamus of the sheep brain associated with female mate preference. The study provides clues to the processes involved in development and regulation of heterosexual and homosexual behavior.
A University of Iowa study suggests that blocking the action of a certain protein involved in inflammation might be beneficial for organ transplantation, heart attacks, and possibly stroke. The study found that selective inhibition of this protein can prevent tissue damage caused by ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Researchers are developing an intervention to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in a rat model. They will examine the effects of ergonomic and pharmaceutical interventions to stop the condition from becoming chronic. The five-year study aims to refine treatment and save people from further pain and disability.
Researchers mapped rat brain activity, finding that cells in sensory borders share information from multiple senses. The discovery may explain how individuals adapt to sensory loss and improve their remaining senses.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have found that DHEA significantly increases the division of human neural stem cells, leading to increased neurogenesis. The study's findings provide direct evidence of DHEA's effects on critical human cells, shedding light on the hormone's potential benefits and risks.
A study from UCI reveals that individuals with hostile personalities exhibit significant brain activity in response to nicotine, leading to a predisposition for cigarette addiction. Non-hostile individuals show no such reaction.
The study reveals N-WASP activity in unexpected cellular compartments, including ruffles on the cell membrane and the nucleus. The team's new technique allows for visualization of protein activation and its integration with cellular signaling processes.
Researchers have discovered a brain receptor, GABA-A, that can be manipulated to control the switch between addicted and non-addicted states in the brain. By controlling this switch pharmacologically, it may be possible to take drug addicts back to a non-addicted state in a relatively short period of time.
A study led by Bruce Lahn found that the Abnormal Spindle-Like Microcephaly Associated (ASPM) gene shows strong evidence of accelerated evolutionary changes in the primate lineage leading to humans. These changes are most prominent after humans parted ways from chimpanzees, suggesting a possible key role for ASPM in human brain evolution.
Scientists have discovered that rapidly evolving genes can reveal more historical signals than slowly evolving genes, providing a new perspective on plant classification. This approach has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of plant evolution, ecology, genetics, and biodiversity.
Researchers found that a sugar called ribose can be formed from interstellar dust clouds using borate minerals like colemanite. This discovery sheds light on the 3-billion-year-old mystery of how life on Earth began and could have implications for disease diagnostics and therapy.
Researchers have discovered a link between the ratio of two energy-compounds and increased blood flow in brain cells. By modulating this ratio, scientists can better understand how blood circulation is activated in the brain, potentially leading to new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and diabetes.
Research reveals that children with narrow retropalatal air spaces have more severe SDB due to significantly larger tonsil and soft palate CSAs. The study found a significant correlation between OAHI and oropharyngeal volume, indicating the importance of pharyngeal geometry and soft tissue anatomy in determining SDB severity.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have successfully created a human-shaped articular condyle using adult stem cells. The tissue-engineered structure retained both bone-like tissue underneath and cartilage-like tissue on top, similar to a natural articular condyle.
A team of researchers has identified an enzyme, protein kinase C, that may play a crucial role in turning fleeting experiences into lasting memories. The study found that this enzyme helps to activate genes that express proteins involved in forming long-term memories.
Researchers discovered that low levels of lead exposure can significantly impact the proliferation and development of neural stem cells. Dr. Jay Schneider's team found that lead inhibited the differentiation of stem cells into neurons or oligodendrocytes, but increased their ability to become astrocytes.
Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center found that diabetics with non-emergency PCI procedures have similar angina-specific quality of life to non-diabetics. However, those who experienced a NQWMI had greater physical limitation, indicating worsening symptoms prior to the acute event.
Researchers found that people with dyslexia integrate visual and auditory information differently than good readers, suggesting a sensory integration deficit underlying reading difficulties. This discovery could lead to a simple test for early diagnosis and more effective teaching approaches.
Research by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center reveals that hearing can significantly improve the ability of individuals with mildly impaired eyesight to locate objects in space. The study found that when sound was added, participants with nearsightedness were able to perform as well as those with normal vision.
Researchers used fMRI to compare brain activity in children, adolescents and adults while reading simple words aloud, revealing differences in brain function across the lifespan. The study suggests that brain function during language tasks changes with development, potentially shedding light on language disorders.
The Gene Expression Nervous System Atlas (GENSAT) project has mapped gene activity in the mouse nervous system, providing insights into brain development and function. The data will facilitate investigations into neurological and psychiatric drugs, as well as advance our understanding of human development and disease.
Researchers have created a ring of muscle from the patient's own body and transplanted it to the bladder as a replacement sphincter. The new treatment uses an implanted electrical stimulator for a reliable method of passing urine only when needed, offering hope for millions suffering from severe stress incontinence.
A UCLA study found 54 genes produced differently in male and female mouse brains prior to hormonal influence, suggesting genetic influences on sexual differences. The research may help explain why people feel male or female and inform the development of treatments for intersex infants.
Dawn Wooley, a WSU researcher, is working with a team of universities to develop diagnostic tools, therapeutics, and vaccines for deadly agents and viruses. The Midwest Center of Excellence aims to create solutions to counter biological threats, with a focus on airborne agents.
The new Bay Area Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Center aims to study the impact of prenatal-to-adult environmental exposures on breast cancer risk. The center will focus on two counties: Marin County, with high reported rates of breast cancer, and Alameda County.
New research demonstrates abnormal serotonin signaling in IBS, with key elements of serotonin signaling changed in patients. The study found decreased serotonin content and higher endocrine cell populations in IBS patients, leading to increased serotonin availability.
Researchers found that a mutated fruit fly gene controlling hearing produces similar consequences in humans, including hearing loss and limb deformities. The study suggests that hearing may have evolved earlier than previously thought, linking human genetics to those of fruit flies.
Researchers at the University of Chicago found that sleep improves retention of word learning by consolidating memories and strengthening relevant associations. The study suggests that sleep plays a critical role in retaining what we learn, contradicting previous theories that focused solely on memory consolidation during wakefulness.
Researchers used computer simulations to study explosions in high-energy materials, predicting primary chemical reactions and mechanical stresses. Meanwhile, new models accurately predict lung crackle sounds, potentially aiding diagnosis of pulmonary dysfunctions.
Researchers have directly observed the brain mechanisms involved in predictive associations, a key process in associative learning. The study found that changes in neural activity in the amygdala support changes in the orbitofrontal cortex, highlighting the importance of this brain system.
Researchers found prolonged fever-induced seizures increase brain's production of endocannabinoids, leading to long-term modifications in neural receptors linked to them. This can result in an increased susceptibility to seizures until adulthood.
Researchers found that specific cells in the bird's brain become 'tuned' to what the bird is learning, responding strongly to familiar songs and motifs. The study suggests that experience modifies the brain to highlight important motifs, allowing birds to recognize individual songs.
Researchers identify key genes and cellular pathways contributing to schizophrenia, providing new insights into the disorder's complex biology. The study's findings hold promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
A study found that Alzheimer's disease alters a protein called calbindin in brain cells, leading to cognitive deficits. Calbindin levels in granule cells were strongly correlated with cognitive decline in genetically engineered mice and human patients.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have developed a new technique using ultrafast lasers to obtain high-quality images of brain tissue. This technique enables scientists to automate and modernize histology, mapping neurotransmitter production and normal cell function.
Researchers found that signals from the basal ganglia may be preventing intact visual areas from functioning properly. Disrupting basal ganglia activity could restore balance and treat visual neglect, a condition where patients perceive only half of their surroundings.
Researchers compared MPI and CCTA scans to determine a more comprehensive assessment of coronary artery disease. Combining functional SPECT MPI and anatomic CT scans provided valuable information on severe myocardial perfusion defects and calcium deposits.
Researchers used MRI to assess brain function while participants experienced heat stimuli. People who reported higher pain levels showed increased activation in key brain areas, such as the primary somatosensory cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. This confirms the importance of self-reports in guiding pain treatment.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine discovered a possible explanation for restless leg syndrome, finding that brain cells lacking enough iron may cause misfiring of neural signals. This discovery establishes RLS as a sensory motor disorder rather than a psychological one, offering hope for future treatments.
Scientists measured over 1,800 genes in sensory cells from the chicken inner ear, revealing significant differences between the cochlea and utricle. The study provides new insights into the causes of aging-related hearing loss and may lead to therapy that replaces lost sensory hair cells.
Researchers at Saint Louis University found that injecting human umbilical cord blood cells into rats after a stroke improved sensorimotor function. The treatment may provide a potential source for restoring neuronal function after a stroke.
A study of 14 adults with persistent developmental stuttering found that DAF was more effective for those with atypical auditory anatomy. The research also identified two subgroups: one with rightward planum temporale asymmetry who showed improved fluency, and another with leftward planum temporale asymmetry who did not respond to DAF.
Fossil teeth from Egypt's Fayum desert have provided evidence of the earliest known ancestors of bushbabies and lorises, dating back to the Eocene epoch. The finds confirm earlier genetic studies suggesting that these primates diverged much earlier than previously thought.
Scientists discover five new species of salamanders from Asian sites, including Chunerpeton tianyiensis, which closely resembles the North American hellbender. The newly found species offer unique features such as unicapitate ribs, with implications for understanding the evolution of salamander families.
A new study led by Queen's University aims to increase the sensitivity of prostate cancers to anti-cancer drugs using nitroglycerine. Researchers hope to develop a better understanding of how prostate cancer cells become resistant to chemotherapy, with potential applications for other cancers such as breast cancer.
Researchers have identified the matchmaker protein SYG-1, which guides nerve cells to form synapses during embryonic development. This discovery may lead to new treatments for disorders such as chronic epilepsy and chronic pain, where synapse formation goes awry.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have localized the original mineral deposit site for most common stone formers and determined the composition of calcium phosphate crystals. This discovery refutes current theories on kidney stone formation, shedding new light on the disease's complex physiology.
Researchers have rediscovered a World War II era antidote for Lewisite, a chemical warfare agent that causes immediate pain and blistering. The treatment, BAL, can remove heavy metals such as arsenic, copper, and lead from the human body.
Research analyzed DNA differences among 50 squirrel genera to deduce their interrelationships and evolutionary history. The study found that climate change and geological events played a significant role in shaping the squirrel family tree, with major branches diverging around 5 million years ago.