Researchers at WashU Medicine have created germ-free zebrafish, allowing them to study the molecular details of how symbionts affect animal development and physiology. The study revealed 212 genes with different levels of expression in germ-free fish compared to conventionally raised groups.
Researchers found that a single bout of strenuous exercise 24 hours before a simulated dive significantly reduced bubble formation. This non-pharmacological procedure may form the basis for preventing serious decompression sickness.
Dr. Soskolne has made significant contributions to scientific literature in the fields of oral pathology, bone physiology, and the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. He developed an organ-culture model for studying bone remodeling, which has been used extensively to study bone physiology.
Professor Ekström received the IADR Salivary Research Award for his pioneering work on non-conventional transmitters in salivary glandular function. His research has significantly advanced our understanding of autonomic neurotransmission mechanisms and their effects on salivary secretion.
Researchers investigated the effects of caffeine (SRC) and melatonin (Mlt) on jet lag symptoms. The study found that Mlt decreased subjective sleepiness but not objective sleep quality, while SRC reduced sleepiness for a few days with negative effects on recovery sleep. Additional studies are needed to evaluate their full effects.
Researchers at Northwestern University have made a breakthrough in treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting the gene that causes memory loss. The study found that inhibiting an enzyme called BACE1 can prevent memory deficits and brain cell functional abnormalities in laboratory models of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at OHSU discovered a novel compound called STX that activates a rapid signaling pathway in nerve cells, providing an alternative to estrogen replacement therapy. The new compound shows promise in alleviating menopause symptoms and may be more effective than existing treatments.
A Virginia Tech researcher has been awarded $1.8 million to investigate the Arabidopsis genome, a key plant model organism. The project aims to understand the function of SABATH faculty of methyltransferase genes in plants, which could lead to breakthroughs in plant physiology and reproduction.
A new study found that exercise mode, rather than volume, influences hormone levels and changes in testosterone, DHEAS, and cortisol. Resistance-trained males had higher basal testosterone levels, while endurance-trained males had lower testosterone levels compared to sedentary subjects.
Dr. Mangelsdorf's work on lipid-sensing proteins and cholesterol metabolism has contributed to the understanding of how the body restores balance following an increase in cholesterol levels. He joins a legacy of renowned UT Southwestern scientists who have also received the Wieland Prize for their groundbreaking research.
Heme flooding can shut down cell membrane channels, killing neurons and constricting blood vessels. Researchers found a chemical called NS1619 restores channel function and may lead to a new treatment.
A new study has found that intense gymnastics training during childhood and adolescence does not have significant effects on resting testosterone or sexual maturation in male gymnasts. The research, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, recruited 21 elite gymnasts and 24 age-matched boys to compare their physical and pubertal...
Scientists have discovered two key proteins, XCAP-E and XCAP-D2, that remain apart at a critical time before condensation occurs in frog oocytes. These findings may help study chromosome physiology, particularly the functional aspects of these proteins.
Neurons in the striatum, responsible for emotions and movement, are selectively killed in Huntington's disease due to abnormally high calcium levels caused by mutant huntingtin protein. This discovery opens new areas for treatment of the disease.
Scientists investigated how day length affects soybean flowering, finding early flowering is more active and controlled by small developing leaves or buds. The study's results could help develop cultivars adapted to short growing seasons for northern Canadian soybean producers.
A study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism found that fatty-acid oxidation is essential for the placenta to function efficiently and support fetal growth. The research could lead to new treatments for low-birth-weight or small babies.
A recent study by Dr. Wieslaw E. Kozak found that nitric oxide has a distinct role in fever regulation, involving three different enzymes: neuronal nitric oxide synthase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase. The researchers used knockout mice to study the impact of these enzymes on fever response.
Researchers at UW-Madison have successfully created the world's first knockout rats using a novel combination of techniques, enabling further study of breast cancer and potential treatments. The development restores the rat as a key model for biomedical research, leveraging its genetic flexibility to gain insights into various diseases.
Researchers created miniaturized fluid drive devices that control flow and fluidic memory using polymer liquids. These findings could lead to implantable devices monitoring human physiology and delivering drugs accordingly.
Researchers Ronald M. Evans and Pierre Chambon received the prize for their discovery of nuclear hormone receptors and its impact on human physiology and disease prevention. The award highlights the significance of their work in developing new treatments for cancer, diabetes, and other diseases.
Researchers found 50% more sodium in malignant lesions than normal brain tissue, indicating increased tumor malignancy. The technique improves identification of cancer cells through noninvasive analysis of tumor metabolism and physiology.
Researchers found that cloned pig behavior is not identical to the original animal's behavior. Cloning increases variability associated with some traits, making it difficult to predict the behavior of cloned animals.
Research suggests that mother-infant bed sharing is associated with higher infant heart rates, particularly in non-REM sleep stages. The study found a significant increase in heart rate during bed sharing nights, with smaller increases seen during REM sleep.
The Center for Reproductive Research aims to improve understanding of hormones, receptors, and signaling molecules in female reproduction. Researchers will develop synthetic scaffolds and investigate molecular machines to address diseases associated with reproductive function.
Researchers at Columbia University have found that astrocytes can degrade beta-amyloid proteins, a key component of Alzheimer's plaques, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for the disease. The study suggests activating astrocyte activity may be beneficial in reducing plaque buildup and improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers from the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute and Duke University discovered the genetic defect in humans and mice linked to LQT4, which affects an important adaptor protein called ankyrin-B. The defect leads to inadequate calcium regulation, causing chaotic heartbeats and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.
Researchers have discovered that many insects, including crickets and wood beetles, breathe using a mechanism similar to human lungs. The study used x-ray imaging to reveal rapid breathing cycles, producing air exchange rates of nearly 50 percent.
The American Physiological Society recognized 12 prominent researchers with its 2003 Distinguished Lectureships, honoring their groundbreaking contributions to physiology. The awardees delivered lectures on April 11-14, 2003, at the Experimental Biology meeting.
Researchers discovered that fusiform cells in the cochlear nucleus integrate acoustic information with head and ear position information to pinpoint sound sources. The study found that synapses transmitting acoustic information are stable, while those carrying head and ear position information exhibit plasticity.
Cells utilize an enzyme called the proteasome to remove unnecessary proteins. The study found that the proteasome can independently degrade substrates involved in Parkinson's disease and some types of cancer, producing fragments reminiscent of pathological deposits in Parkinson's patients.
Researchers found that calcium channel blockers primarily affect small arteries called 'store-operated' channels, suggesting a new class of drugs with fewer side effects. This discovery could lead to improved treatment options for heart disease and high blood pressure.
A study by Dr. Ron Randel found that fall-born Brahman bulls take longer to reach sexual maturity than spring-born bulls, delaying breeding by up to 39 days. This delay has little impact on long-term reproductive efficiency, but affects commercial cattle producers who buy young bulls for early use.
The grant will fund research and development projects to create virtual exercise environments, adapt fitness equipment for individuals with disabilities, and promote tele-exercise. The goal is to overcome barriers and increase demand for accessible equipment and facilities.
Researchers have discovered a new drug that can prevent brain damage caused by strokes in the majority of patients. The drug, developed by University of Toronto researchers, works by blocking negative NMDA receptor stimulation, making it a potential practical stroke therapy.
Dr. Barbara Block, a MacArthur Award winner, will present the Scholander Award for outstanding research on comparative physiology. The award recognizes her work on tuna migration patterns using satellite-based tagging technology, which has implications for preserving tuna species and managing fisheries.
Researchers have discovered that hibernating ground squirrels can tolerate extreme cold and stress without damage, which could lead to breakthroughs in organ preservation for humans. Their intestines display reduced oxidative stress during hibernation, and their livers show improved viability when stored at low temperatures.
Research suggests that hammerheads' electrosensory function enhances their food-finding capabilities along the ocean floor. The study also found that the cephalofoil acts like a canard to increase maneuvering capabilities, enabling the sharks to turn more sharply and with greater velocity than comparable species.
Researchers from Penn State College of Medicine developed a new measurement technique to assess norepinephrine release in tissues adjacent to blood vessels. This improvement allows for more accurate data on the hormone's role in vasoconstriction and maintains adequate blood pressure when standing up.
The CEGS program supports interdisciplinary research in genomics and its applications in understanding human biology and disease. Two new grants will focus on vertebrate diversity and cell signaling, potentially leading to major insights into genome changes that underlie evolution and human biology.
Defects in enzymes responsible for processing dystroglycan protein cause several rare forms of muscular dystrophy. The discovery will help doctors diagnose and provide genetic counseling to patients. It also raises questions about links between muscle physiology and neurobiology, potentially improving understanding of learning and memory.
Researchers used bat hibernation physiology to predict climate change effects, finding that warmer winters will allow little brown bats to expand their northern ranges. The study's findings highlight the importance of basic physiological processes in understanding ecosystem changes.
A study finds that a lack of physical activity disrupts normal homeostatic mechanisms, leading to an increased risk of chronic conditions. The research highlights the importance of physical activity in preventing common chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders.
Researchers have discovered a gene, Ian5, that appears to affect the function of the thymus and is linked to the development of type 1 diabetes in rats. The identification of this gene may also contribute to human type 1 diabetes and help researchers understand the underlying mechanisms of the disease.
Researchers have identified 22 genes essential to the operations of the body's internal clock, which synchronize behavior and physiology with a near 24-hour cycle. The study found that these genes influence the expression of other genes throughout the body, controlling behaviors like sleep and wakefulness.
Albert Szent-Györgyi was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of vitamin C and its extraction from paprika. He pioneered studies on biological oxidation mechanisms, leading to significant advances in biochemical understanding.
Researchers found that chili peppers suppress sweetness, bitterness, and umami flavors, while leaving saltiness and sourness unaffected. Adding chili could be used to balance bitter flavors in foods.
The American Physiological Society hosts a series of briefings on the physiology and pathophysiology of obesity, featuring renowned experts who examine gene-environment interactions, neurobiology, endocrine/metabolic consequences, and cardiovascular regulation. The conference aims to advance understanding of human health and disease.
A new study suggests that vitamin C can increase resting metabolism in older adults by combating oxidative stress, potentially leading to a reduction in age-related weight gain and associated diseases. Higher resting metabolic rates have been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Researchers discovered that hibernating squirrels don't exhibit an immune response to bacteria when injected with lipopolysaccharide, but their temperature spikes when they awaken from hibernation to 'check' for infections. This suggests that animals may arouse from hibernation to monitor and combat pathogens in the body.
Hopkins scientists advance understanding of penile erection by showing how blood vessels continuously produce nitric oxide to maintain an erection over time. The discovery offers new insights into the complex physiology of erection and potential applications for treating erectile dysfunction.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that ultra-long-distance runners experience a decline in maximal voluntary force capacity due to central fatigue, but also exhibit strengthened twitch mechanical responses and unaltered M-wave characteristics.
The University of Illinois Chicago has received a five-year, $7 million NIH grant to study the mechanisms of fertility and infertility. Researchers will investigate hormone regulation, immune response, and other factors contributing to endometriosis and infertility.
Research with monkeys shows that low energy availability due to strenuous exercise training causes amenorrhea. Increasing food intake reverses the effect, suggesting a key role for energy balance in exercise-induced amenorrhea.
Scientists at Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Physiology develop a new concept for more efficient search of drug candidates. By employing biologically relevant natural products as starting point, the 'domain concept' aims to increase hit rate in compound libraries.
A new study by Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers suggests that bacterial overgrowth, rather than stomach acidity, may be a major cause of stomach ulcers. The study found that proton pump inhibitors can actually promote the growth of other types of bacteria, including Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus.
A brain protein linked to narcolepsy helps regulate bodily sensations and modulate sensory input from the body. Hypocretin-2 was found to inhibit activity of neurons associated with pain and temperature sensation, suggesting a potential mechanism connecting wakefulness and sensory modulation.
A NASA review highlights known and potential gender differences in physiological responses to spaceflight, including cardiovascular and exercise physiology, barophysiology, and pharmacotherapeutics. The review also addresses reproductive issues such as menstrual function and endometriosis in space.
John Seiler, a tree physiology specialist, has received the USDA teaching award for his exceptional teaching skills and innovative approaches to educating students about forestry. He is also a recipient of several prestigious awards for his academic achievements in forestry education.
This year, APS awarded several prestigious lectureships to outstanding researchers in physiology. The award winners include Allen Cowley, Pontus Persson, Adrian Morrison, and Albert Bennett, who will present their research on various topics including genomics, cardiovascular function, biomedical ethics, and more.
The American Physiological Society has awarded over $160,000 to nine minority students pursuing PhDs in physiology. The one-year Porter Physiology Fellowships aim to increase underrepresented minority participation in the physiological sciences.