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BMC (BioMed Central)


Pride, prejudice and the 'Darcin effect'

A team of researchers from the University of Liverpool identified a male pheromone called darcin, which attracts females and is responsible for learned preference for specific males in mice. Darcin consistently doubled the time spent near a male's scent and was shown to stimulate female memory and attraction.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateJun 2, 2010

Running a marathon halts cellular suicide

Researchers found that strenuous exercise like running a marathon shifts the balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic genes, potentially halting cellular suicide. The study suggests that sirtuin proteins may play a key role in this process, offering new insights into the effects of exercise on cell death.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Physiology·DateMay 10, 2010

Users believe electronic cigarettes can help you quit

A recent survey of e-cigarette users found that the devices are helpful in quitting smoking for most people. However, respondents expressed concerns about potential health risks and the lack of regulation surrounding e-cigarettes. The study highlights the need for further research on the efficacy and safety of e-cigarettes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMay 3, 2010

Curcumin nanoparticles 'open up' resistant cancers

Researchers found that curcumin nanoparticles, delivered via nanoparticles, increased the sensitivity of resistant ovarian cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiation. The treatment enables lower doses of cisplatin and radiation, improving therapeutic outcomes without increasing toxicity.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Ovarian Research·DateApr 28, 2010

Useful stroke trials left unpublished

A recent investigation found that 125 out of 940 completed clinical trials for acute ischemic stroke were not published in full, with some trials involving fewer than 10 patients. The study highlights the importance of publishing trial results to ensure patient safety and inform clinical practice.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalTrials·DateApr 22, 2010

Rainfall linked to skewed sex ratios

Researchers found that rainfall affects sex ratios in African buffalo, with more males born during rainy seasons. The study suggests the presence of sex ratio genes influencing semen quality and female-biased sex ratios during dry periods.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateApr 22, 2010

Disabled UK children more likely to live in poverty

Research finds disabled children in the UK face higher levels of poverty and personal and social disadvantage compared to their non-disabled peers. The study, published in BMC Pediatrics, found that households with disabled children are more likely to rely on social security benefits and experience additional financial costs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Pediatrics·DateApr 15, 2010

ADHD linked to interaction of genetics and psychology

A study found that children with ADHD exhibit more symptoms when they experience high levels of self-blame during inter-parental conflict, which is associated with genetic variations related to serotonin activity. The study suggests a synergistic effect between genetic and environmental factors in the development of ADHD.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBehavioral and Brain Functions·DateApr 15, 2010

Work pressures lower nicotine dependence

A study published in Tobacco Induced Diseases found that work pressures can actually lower a smoker's nicotine dependence. Employees who experience stress at work are likely to smoke less than they otherwise would, suggesting that heavy workload may drive employees to smoke only in their spare time.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalTobacco Induced Diseases·DateApr 12, 2010

Honest deer every year

A study published in BMC Biology found that male fallow deer vocalizations contain accurate information about their competitive abilities, which change dynamically with age. The researchers also discovered that the deer's vocal identity changes substantially from one year to the next.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateApr 9, 2010

First animals to live without oxygen discovered

Researchers have discovered small animals in the Mediterranean Sea that live their entire lives without oxygen and reproduce despite a complete absence of oxygen. These multicellular organisms possess organelles resembling hydrogenosomes found in anaerobic environments, challenging our current understanding of life on Earth.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateApr 7, 2010

Supplement your stem cells

Researchers discover a commercially available supplement stimulates production of hematopoietic stem cells, repairing the body. The supplement increases levels of these cells in the blood over a two-week period, showing potential for treating conditions associated with low cell counts.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateApr 7, 2010

New tool for RNA silencing

Researchers have created the first class of reagents to potently and selectively inhibit miRNAs in C. elegans, a widely used model organism. The new reagents efficiently and specifically inhibited targeted miRNA in different tissues, including the hypodermis, vulva, and nervous system.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalSilence·DateApr 1, 2010

Fibromyalgia symptoms improved by lifestyle adjustments

A new study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that lifestyle physical activity can help people with fibromyalgia improve their symptoms. Participants who engaged in short bursts of physical activity took 54% more steps per day, experienced reduced perceived functional deficits, and reported less pain compared to those in ...

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateMar 29, 2010

Hyenas' laughter signals deciphered

Researchers found that variations in the giggles' pitch and timbre can encode information about a hyena's age, dominance status, and individual signature. This allows hyenas to establish feeding rights and organize their food-gathering activities.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateMar 29, 2010

Autism susceptibility genes identified

Researchers have identified two genes, LRRN3 and LRRTM3, associated with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), providing valuable insights into the genetic basis of the condition. Variations in these genes were found to be significantly associated with susceptibility to ASD.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMolecular Autism·DateMar 25, 2010

Guinea pigs not 'dumbed down' by domestication

Researchers found that domestic guinea pigs excelled in a water maze test due to their improved ability to decipher guidance symbols, while wild cavies were stronger swimmers. The study suggests an adaptation in domesticated animals for efficient problem-solving in human-made environments.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateMar 24, 2010

Dietary supplement speeds silver cyclists

Researchers found that arginine supplements improved the cycling ability of older cyclists by increasing their anaerobic threshold. The study, published in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, showed a significant increase in exercise capacity after just one week of supplementation.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateMar 23, 2010

Fearless fish forget their phobias

Researchers taught goldfish to associate a light flash with a shock, inducing fear. However, fish injected with lidocaine in the cerebellum showed no fear and returned to normal behavior after the anesthesia wore off. This study suggests that understanding brain processes related to fear may lead to human phobia cures.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBehavioral and Brain Functions·DateMar 22, 2010

How strong is your booze?

A new portable device can determine the strength of alcoholic drinks rapidly and easily, using a simple infrared sensor. The technique has been shown to be just as accurate as traditional lab-based methods and can be used in developing countries.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalChemistry Central Journal·DateMar 22, 2010

Digging for data with Chemlist and ChemSpider

The study compared two chemical name dictionaries and found that automatic curation with Chemlist outperformed manual curation with ChemSpider. The Chemlist dictionary achieved a higher recall and better F-score, while ChemSpider's precision was higher after filtering and disambiguation.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Cheminformatics·DateMar 22, 2010

Selenium protects men against diabetes

Researchers followed 1162 healthy French men and women for nine years, monitoring plasma selenium concentrations and incidence of dysglycemia. High selenium levels in men were associated with a lower risk of developing dysglycemia, while no such association was found in women.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalNutrition and Metabolism·DateMar 17, 2010

Robot teaches stroke survivors

Researchers developed a 'Braccio di Ferro' robot to assist patients in learning arm movements again. The interactive robot helps patients perform correct movements, promoting motor system learning and improving movement ability.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·DateMar 15, 2010

Thiopurine therapy improves quality of life

A study published in BMC Gastroenterology found that thiopurine therapy significantly improved the health-related quality of life of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients. The clinical trial, conducted by Guillermo Bastida and his team, reported a substantial improvement in quality of life after one year of treatment.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Gastroenterology·DateMar 1, 2010

Small dogs originated in the Middle East

Researchers found that the IGF1 gene variant responsible for small size in dogs is closely related to that found in Middle Eastern wolves, supporting an ancient origin. The study also suggests that smaller body size may have been desirable in densely populated agricultural societies where dogs lived indoors or in confined spaces.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateFeb 23, 2010

Walking linked to eased osteoarthritis

Researchers found that patients who walked at least two bouts of 1500 steps each on three days a week reported significantly less arthritis pain and improved physical function. Glucosamine sulphate supplementation also showed benefits, with both groups achieving significant improvement in symptoms.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateFeb 15, 2010

Cows: More freedom may mean less milk

Researchers investigated Norwegian Red cattle's performance and health in free-stall and tie-stall systems. Free-stall cows in small herds produced significantly less milk due to increased fighting time, while larger herds offset this loss.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalActa Veterinaria Scandinavica·DateFeb 15, 2010

Self-control impaired in type 2 diabetics

Researchers found that patients with type-2 diabetes struggled with impulse control, particularly resisting high-fat food cues. Cognitive impairment of impulsivity control was the primary explanation for this inability, contributing to chronic lifestyle-related diseases.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBioPsychoSocial Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2010

Chocoholic mice fear no pain

A study found that stressed mice seek chocolate despite painful consequences, mirroring human compulsive eating behavior. Researchers trained mice with a history of hunger to overcome their fear of certain foods.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateFeb 8, 2010

Depressed people feel more gray than blue

Researchers developed a color chart called The Manchester Color Wheel to study people's emotions. Depressed individuals tend to prefer gray, while anxious ones choose between positive and negative colors more frequently than healthy participants.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medical Research Methodology·DateFeb 8, 2010

Gadgets not related to teenagers' brain pain

A study published in BMC Neurology found no association between teenagers' use of computer games, mobile phones, or television and headaches. However, daily music consumption was significantly associated with suffering from any type of headache. The researchers suggested that music might be a self-therapy by relaxation.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neurology·DateFeb 8, 2010