Dr. Philipp Scherer, Director of UT Southwestern's Touchstone Center for Diabetes Research, receives the prestigious Banting Medal for his significant contributions to understanding and treating diabetes. His research focuses on adipocytes and has demonstrated an initially protective role for obesity in regulating metabolism.
A study published in The Journal of General Physiology reveals the distinct roles of calcium channels in controlling arterial tone and blood flow to the brain. Researchers found that blocking L-type and T-type channels has opposite effects on blood flow, with one promoting vasodilation and the other constricting arteries.
Researchers aim to understand why diabetic patients lack cardioprotection during surgery, a condition that poses serious health issues. They will assess the role of cellular and environmental factors in protecting against ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Researchers at UC Davis may have discovered a new way to regenerate beta cells in the pancreas, which could potentially lead to a cure for juvenile diabetes. The study's findings suggest that immature beta cells can arise from alpha cells, offering a new paradigm shift in the treatment of the disease.
A new study has found that the colour of light impacts how the brain clock measures time of day and regulates animals' physiology and behavior. By analyzing changes in light color around dawn and dusk, scientists discovered that blue light is reliably detected during twilight hours, unlike during the day.
Researchers examined muscle physiology in deer mice from high and low-altitude habitats, revealing heritable differences in energy metabolism and muscle plasticity. Genetic changes associated with increased oxidative capacity and blood supply enabled improved fitness under hypoxic conditions.
A new laboratory study by the University of Michigan Medical School reveals that near-death brain activity can destabilize heart function and accelerate cardiac demise. The study suggests that blocking brain-heart connections during cardiac arrest may improve survival chances for patients.
A new human respiratory tissue model, MucilAir, has been shown to maintain normal biochemical processes for at least six months. The model is suitable for testing the impact of repeated exposures over a prolonged period, making it a valuable tool for assessing the toxicological effects of inhaled chemicals and safety of medicines.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine developed a nanoparticle therapy that reduces fidgetin-like 2 enzyme levels to promote wound healing. The treatment accelerated healing in mice with skin excisions or burns by over twice as much as untreated controls, showing promise for faster recovery from various types of wounds.
Researchers have found that people with cystic fibrosis have limited ability to uptake and use oxygen in their muscles, leading to exercise intolerance. The study uses Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to evaluate skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in patients with CF, providing a non-invasive method for measuring muscle function.
The common squid has 60% of its RNA transcripts edited, creating vast protein diversity and potential role in brain physiology
A recent study by the University of Illinois has identified specific nutritional needs for soybeans to improve yield and seasonal nutrient supply. The researchers found that nutrients such as phosphate, potassium, nitrogen, sulfur, and copper are critical for high-yielding success.
Courtney Passow, a Kansas State University doctoral student, will interact with Nobel laureates in physics, physiology, medicine and chemistry at the 65th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. The meeting provides an opportunity for her to explore potential collaborations.
A new study by researchers at San Diego State University found that limiting fruit flies' eating hours can prevent aging- and diet-related heart problems. Flies on a time-restricted feeding schedule slept better, didn't gain as much weight and had healthier hearts than those that ate anytime.
Researchers use RNA interference to target essential genes in the beetle, resulting in a 100% mortality rate after five days of feeding. This technology offers precise protection without chemicals and foreign proteins production, making it a promising strategy for pest control.
Karen Lloyd, a University of Tennessee professor, has been selected as a 2015 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow in Ocean Sciences for her groundbreaking research on marine microbial life and geochemical cycles. Her work holds promise for understanding the physiology and ecology of marine microbial life.
Researchers at the University of Vermont have discovered that myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C) is essential for maintaining precise tuning in the heart's muscle cells. The protein plays a crucial role in controlling the interaction between myosin and actin, allowing for synchronized contraction and efficient pumping of blood.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have identified a critical protein called C protein that enables heart muscle fibers to contract synchronously. This discovery could lead to new treatments for severe arrhythmias that cause sudden death, affecting millions worldwide.
Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans have discovered a psychedelic drug that prevents the development of allergic asthma in mice. The study identified a potent anti-inflammatory mechanism for treating asthma, which could one day be administered via an inhaler or daily pill.
A new study has discovered genetic variations in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that disrupt dopamine signaling, leading to behavioral changes. The findings provide a potential target for developing more effective treatments for ASD.
A recent study published in The Journal of Physiology found that increased stress hormone levels in pregnant mice can lead to overeating and reduced fetal growth. However, this effect is not seen when the hormone is administered earlier in pregnancy or when the diet is restricted. The researchers believe that maternal glucocorticoid le...
A study published in The Journal of Physiology found that high stress levels in pregnant mice led to increased cortisol levels, causing mothers to eat more but reducing placental glucose transport. This can result in decreased fetal weight and long-term metabolic health implications for children.
Researchers studied bar-headed geese's migratory biology during high-altitude flights across the Tibetan Plateau, revealing a unique 'roller coaster' flight strategy. The birds employ this strategy to track underlying terrain and minimize energy expenditure due to decreasing air density and oxygen availability at high altitudes.
The Endocrine Society has selected 14 accomplished endocrinologists as winners of the organization's prestigious Laureate Awards. The award recipients include renowned researchers and clinicians recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to the field of endocrinology.
A new clinical study found that tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) supplementation can dial back excessive sympathetic nervous system activation, leading to positive effects on arterial stiffness. BH4 is a cofactor for nitric oxide synthesis and has been shown to have beneficial effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers found a significant link between daily physical activity and vascular health. Inactivity for just five days can decrease the function of inner blood vessel linings, causing vascular dysfunction with prolonged effects.
A $10 million project will improve cassava's biomass and starch yield using metabolic engineering and genomics. The goal is to secure food supply for a growing world population, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A new, physiologically realistic in vitro model of the pediatric blood-brain barrier has been developed and successfully tested. The model, called B3C, mimics the human BBB's structure and function, and has shown promise for studying neurological diseases and testing novel therapies.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology reveals that elite Kenyan runners maintain stable cerebral oxygenation during maximum physical effort, contributing to their success in long-distance races. This stable oxygenation is linked to early lifestyle factors such as prenatal exposure to high altitudes and regular c...
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that the chemotherapy drug topotecan suppresses a gene essential for normal brain function, leading to neurological side effects like memory loss and confusion. The effects are reversible upon removal of the drug, suggesting a potential link to autism.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology studied the three-dimensional structure of the ryanodine receptor using electron cryo-microscopy and a new technique for detecting electrons. The high-resolution structure reveals how the protein changes its shape upon binding calcium ions.
A study published in The Journal of General Physiology has found that commonly used anesthetics affect ion channel proteins, impairing cell-to-cell communication. This discovery could lead to the development of improved anesthetics with fewer side effects.
Researchers found that African Americans have impaired blood flow regulation in the brain, contributing to a greater risk of stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases. The study suggests underlying mechanisms of blood vessel dysfunction occur in relatively young and healthy African Americans.
Researchers at UT Arlington's Biophysics and Physiology Lab developed new methods for optogenetic stimulation of brain neurons, guiding axons to form loops in the lab. The advancements aim to map neural circuitry and potentially treat conditions like chronic pain and drug addiction.
Researchers found a new strategy and potential drug to target faulty Ras protein, which causes cancer by producing excess signals. This breakthrough offers opportunities for developing new treatments that exploit the discovery without harming healthy cells.
Scientists discovered a link between the body's circadian clock and bladder function, finding that disruptions to the daily cycle can cause overactive bladder. The study suggests that altering peripheral clock genes through receptor activators can regulate bladder contractions.
A study on epaulette sharks reveals they are tolerant to elevated CO2 levels, which could help them survive ocean acidification. The findings suggest these sharks make physiological adjustments to cope with the changes, maintaining oxygen transport and energy without apparent harm.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have identified a new pathway that connects the brain to increased blood pressure, involving the unusual steroid ouabain. This discovery offers potential new approaches for treating high blood pressure and heart failure.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and the University of Maryland School of Medicine have identified a new pathway linking the brain to high blood pressure. The study suggests new approaches for treating hypertension and heart failure, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine are developing a state-of-the-art 3D liver model to better predict organ physiology, assess drug toxicity and build disease models. The project aims to improve ways of predicting drug safety and effectiveness through collaboration with researchers from 11 institutions.
A Dartmouth-led study finds that tropical reptiles can adapt quickly to climate change through natural selection. Researchers measured the thermal physiology of brown anole lizards and found that those who ran fastest at warmer temperatures had a higher survival rate, suggesting they may be better equipped to cope with heat stress.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered how Period and Cryptochrome genes interact to control the circadian clock. The findings have implications for developing drugs for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Research in mice demonstrates that commensal bacteria enhance the immune system's ability to kill Klebsiella pneumoniae by boosting alveolar macrophage production of reactive oxygen molecules. The study suggests that signals from these beneficial bacteria play an active role in regulating immune function, even in the absence of infection.
The FASEB MARC Program has selected recipients for the 2014 APS Intersociety Meeting. The program aims to increase underrepresented groups in biomedical research. A total of $1,850 was awarded to 1 participant.
Dr. Richard Casaburi will receive the Distinguished Scientist Honor Lecturer award from CHEST, recognizing his pioneering work in developing rehabilitative treatments for COPD. He leads LA BioMed's pulmonary rehabilitation research and has received numerous awards for his contributions.
The FASEB MARC Program has awarded $7,400 to four recipients to promote underrepresented groups in the field. The awardees include students and postdoctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds who will present their work at the American College of Sports Medicine's Conference on Integrative Physiology of Exercise.
The Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology published a position stand on childhood physical activity, emphasizing the need for balance between benefits and risks. Key recommendations include assessing healthcare provider-prescribed restrictions before changing physical activity levels.
Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a new way internal body clocks are regulated by long non-coding RNA qrf. The discovery sheds light on how circadian clocks work and has implications for understanding human diseases such as sleep disorders and depression.
Research at the University of Basel reveals that aberrant mTOR signaling in the liver affects not only hepatic metabolism but also entire body physiology. The study found that activation of mTORC1 in the liver reduces locomotor activity, body temperature, and lipid metabolism.
The Tufts team created a modular design that replicated fundamental features relevant to the brain's tissue-level physiological functions. The model exhibits biochemical and electrophysiological responses, offering new options for studying brain function, disease, and trauma, and treatment.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute have successfully generated new plant species through grafting, allowing for the transfer of entire genetic material between two species. The resulting plants exhibit improved growth rates and increased fitness compared to their parent species.
Researchers found that bioelectrical signals from distant cells can control tumor formation, with a common fatty acid produced by bacteria playing a key role. This discovery opens up possibilities for preventing, detecting, and treating cancer.
Researchers discovered that neurons can mobilize calcium from large dense core vesicles to facilitate the release of neuropeptides. This process enables fine-tuning of communication between neurons and other cells.
A retrospective study found evidence of small airway obstruction and other pulmonary abnormalities in many deployed veterans. Rates of restrictive lung physiology were 2-5 times greater than a reference group, while non-reversible airway obstruction was significantly lower.
Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) promotes beneficial bacteria growth by blocking ATP's growth-inhibiting action. The study reveals IAP's role in maintaining intestinal microbial balance and its potential as a simple therapy for health problems caused by imbalance.
A new study by CU-Boulder reveals that an antioxidant called MitoQ can reverse the negative effects of aging on arteries, improving vascular function and reducing the risk of heart disease. MitoQ targets mitochondria, specific cell structures responsible for oxidative stress, and restores endothelial function in old mice.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that a soy-dairy protein blend prolongs amino acid delivery to muscles for an hour longer than whey alone. The blend also sustained a greater positive net amino acid balance, suggesting less muscle protein breakdown.
A study has found that genetic loss of Ron receptor and its growth factor HGFL leads to aggressive inflammation and damage to the colon in models with IBD. The research suggests these genes may reduce their function due to SNPs, leading to chronic intestinal inflammation.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have identified a key brain pathway linking emotional behavior to survival circuits, revealing potential therapeutic targets for anxiety and phobias. The study highlights the cerebellum's role in fear response and suggests its involvement in managing dysregulated emotional states.
Researchers developed a nanoscale matrix biomaterial assembly that maintains liver cell morphology and function in microfluidic devices. The technology enables the creation of stable liver microtissues for use in organ-on-a-chip devices to mimic healthy liver physiology and test drug toxicity.