New research reveals a link between the immune system and neuropathic pain, suggesting potential approaches to treating chronic pain. Investigators discovered that cytokines play a key role in producing pain-associated behaviors.
A recent study published in Circulation found that consuming garlic supplements can lower the stiffness of the aorta by up to 15% in healthy individuals. The study suggests that eating garlic may be beneficial for cardiovascular health, particularly as people age.
The research reveals the structure of T7 DNA polymerase, a protein crucial for DNA replication, showcasing its high accuracy and speed. The study provides insights into how this enzyme achieves its accuracy and could guide the development of better reagents for DNA sequencing.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers found that a 'transporter molecule' called P-glyco protein may prevent protease inhibitors from reaching the virus, raising hope for boosting treatment effectiveness and reducing costs. The discovery could provide new strategies for treating HIV by targeting the protein's action.
Researchers found that rats receiving ginkgo biloba extract learned quicker and made fewer errors in learning tasks, with an average lifespan of five months longer than control animals. The study suggests that the extract may have a positive effect on longevity beyond its purported benefits on brain function.
Researchers at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine are studying the causes of cancer using ACS grants. The studies focus on understanding growth-factor signaling pathways and retroviral viruses that cause skin tumors in fish.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have constructed a novel delivery system for gene therapy of liver disorders, using a reconstituted chylomicron remnant (RCR) that can safely transport genes to target cells. The system has resulted in extended production of therapeutic proteins in animal models.
Researchers have crystallized the active form of adenylyl cyclase, revealing how Gs-alpha binds to and activates it. This discovery helps understand the regulation of these enzymes, which are crucial for various biochemical processes.
Researchers used a novel test to measure damaging activity of free radicals in body tissues, finding high levels in atherosclerotic plaque tissue. The technique provides a real handle on oxidant processes in atherogenesis and could lead to clinical studies testing efficacy of drugs limiting free-radical damage.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine found that NF-kappa B, a natural protein, teams up with a cancer gene to prevent cell death in tumor cells. The team suggests using new drugs or therapies to turn off or neutralize NF-kappa B to control certain tumors.
The study reveals a family of selenium-based compounds that can lower blood pressure without toxic side effects. These compounds could lead to the development of new therapeutic agents, expanding knowledge on selenium's role in human health.
A US research team, led by Dr. Barton Kamen, has made significant progress in treating stubborn cancers with aminopterin, a drug that was previously shelved due to toxicity concerns. The FDA has granted $447,534 for further studies on the drug, which shows promise in treating patients with leukemia and other cancers.
Engineered Salmonella bacteria, stripped of pathogenicity, target solid tumors in laboratory animals while having little or no adverse effects. The safe versions can significantly prolong the life of mice with melanoma.
University of Washington scientists investigate how estrogen replacement therapy protects against Alzheimer's disease by promoting neuron survival and protecting against toxic substances. They found that estrogen may activate an enzyme to increase the expression of neurotransmitter genes, facilitating learning and memory.
A new test developed by Johns Hopkins researchers uses white blood cells to predict which medications are most effective for each patient with kidney disease. The study found a wide range of responses among patients, suggesting that such tests might assist physicians in developing personalized treatment strategies.
Researchers have identified a new source of sulforaphane, a compound that helps mobilize the body's natural cancer-fighting resources and reduces cancer risk. Studies show that consuming broccoli sprouts daily may provide similar chemoprotection as eating large amounts of mature broccoli weekly.
Chernobyl wildlife exhibits genetic change but no apparent defects, suggesting less severe environmental damage than feared. The area's abundant species thrive in a largely abandoned landscape.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have found a biological switch that drives the growth of lung cells in ex-smokers, leading to an increased risk of lung cancer. The 'switch' is triggered by gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptors, which capture circulating hormones and spur lung cell division.
Scientists at Yale University School of Medicine have discovered a link between the drug phencyclidine (PCP) and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. The study found that PCP induces similar cognitive dysfunction as that found in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, but also suggests potential for reversal using clozapine.
Researchers studied 93 gay men with HIV who showed no symptoms when they entered the trial. Stress levels were found to be significantly associated with disease progression, with higher severe life stress increasing the odds nearly fourfold over two years.
Scientists have discovered a common mechanism underlying neurodegenerative diseases, where mutant proteins accumulate in nuclear spaces, recruiting normal proteins and disrupting cellular processes. This finding suggests a single disease mechanism may be responsible for several afflictions.
A study examining brain tissue from suicides and controls reveals higher serotonin receptor binding in certain areas, particularly those associated with violent deaths. The findings suggest a potential link between altered serotonin function and suicidal behavior.
Researchers found that people with high ACE levels immediately after a heart attack are at risk for heart enlargement one year later. The study suggests measuring ACE levels directly after a heart attack and treating patients with high ACE levels with an ACE-inhibitor to prevent complications.
University of Pennsylvania researchers discover three-dimensional atomic structure of vancomycin using X-ray diffraction analysis. The advance provides detailed knowledge about the vancomycin molecule to help design new antibiotics effective against vancomycin-resistant bacteria.
Researchers at White River Junction Veterans Administration Medical Center and Dartmouth Medical School have found that more than one protein plays a major role in making acetaminophen toxic to the liver of rats administered alcohol. The study identified CYP3A as another culprit that may cause even more liver damage in individuals who ...
Scientists found that both drugs stimulate release of glutamate, triggering brain cell activity to control mood swings in bipolar disorder. This additive effect may explain the clinical observation that using two drugs together produces better results.
Researchers found that ketoconazole slowed disease progression by 66% in patients with glomerular disease and 77% in those with diabetic nephropathy. However, the treatment accelerated disease rate in patients with polycystic kidney disease. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers found that HIV-infected immune cells take in more vitamin C and glucose than healthy counterparts, but extremely high levels are toxic. This study provides a foundation to understand the relationship between vitamin C, HIV infection, and cell metabolism.
The study provides a three-dimensional view of molecular switch Src, assisting in the development of new drugs. The researchers discovered that Src has four lobes with interconnected linkers, which keep it idle until stimulation arrives, turning it on.
A team of researchers has solved a centuries-old puzzle in eye development by discovering that the embryo has a single eye field that normally separates into two. The study found that an inhibitory signal shuts off gene expression in the middle of the eye field, leading to cyclopia if this fails to happen.
Researchers at Ohio University found evidence that memory loss with aging may be connected to malfunctioning genes controlling spatial memory. The study identified unique DNA sequences in old mice brains, which could lead to the development of therapies targeting age-related cognitive decline.
A Northwestern University study reveals a biochemical connection between alcoholism and nicotine addiction, suggesting that low concentrations of alcohol may interact with the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The researchers propose that this interaction may contribute to the high correlation between alcoholism and smoking.
Researchers discovered that gut bacteria communicate with intestinal cells, influencing the production of carbohydrates and creating a niche for beneficial microbes. The study sheds light on how humans adapt to a microbial world and may lead to new treatments for infectious diseases.
A very low protein diet with amino acid supplements has been shown to cure severe kidney disease in some individuals. The study suggests that this dietary therapy should be tried before drug treatment for nephrotic syndrome, which often leads to kidney failure.
Researchers at Eli Lilly have discovered a new pathway through which estrogen affects various organs, including the bones and cardiovascular system. The study provides a potential explanation for how estrogen regulates body functions in different tissues.
A new study found that steroid receptors are not mere on-off switches but rather complex molecular control panels. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted therapies for various diseases such as breast and prostate cancer, inflammation, osteoporosis, and endometriosis.
Researchers at the University of Washington have created a genetic mutation in mice that prevents them from storing fat even on a high-fat diet. The study suggests a potential new approach for treating obesity by targeting the cells' internal signaling pathways.
The FDA has approved fexofenadine, a new antihistamine that effectively relieves seasonal allergy symptoms without the risk of fatal heart conditions. Developed by Georgetown pharmacologist Raymond Woosley, fexofenadine was discovered through research on Seldane's cardiac side effects.
Researchers at UC Davis found that diets deficient in amino acids can increase seizure severity, shorten time before seizures occur and reduce chemical stimulant needed. The study suggests specific brain regions are influenced by diet components, with implications for treating epilepsy, particularly in underdeveloped countries.
Researchers identify a molecular 'safety key' that normally regulates cell growth, and discovering how it can be disrupted to trigger cancer. The team found a protein called Abi-2 that fits into the normal enzyme cABL, keeping it turned off, and proposes a new way to treat cancers by targeting this molecular pathway.