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BMC (BioMed Central)


Erythropoietin boosts brainpower

A study published in BMC Biology found that erythropoietin boosts brainpower in healthy young mice, improving sequential learning and memory components. The growth factor showed superior performance in associative, operant, and discriminant learning tasks.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateJul 7, 2009

Inbred bumblebees less successful

Researchers found that inbred bumblebee colonies suffer from decreased growth rates, lower offspring production, and reduced colony survival. The presence of diploid males, produced at the expense of female workers, has a detrimental effect on colony fitness.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJul 1, 2009

Gene map aims to combat blood flukes

Researchers created a genetic linkage map for S. mansoni, a blood fluke infecting 90 million people in Africa and the New World. The map will facilitate high-resolution population genetic studies and improve understanding of transmission patterns.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateJun 29, 2009

Birds with a nose for a difference

Researchers found that most pairs of black-legged kittiwakes avoid inbreeding more often than chance, suggesting they can detect relatives in large populations. Inbred pairs produced fewer hatching eggs and chicks with lower survival rates.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJun 29, 2009

Trial shows promise for arthritis drug

A clinical trial of masitinib has shown it to be well-tolerated and effective in reducing the severity of active rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment was found to significantly reduce inflammation and improve symptoms, with mild to moderate side effects.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateJun 26, 2009

Nematode courting caught on camera

Researchers have produced video footage of a male nematode worm preparing to mate with a hermaphrodite, showcasing the complex process. The study revealed that the male uses acetylcholine to regulate tail muscles for an exploratory embrace, and then searches for the vulva before mating commences.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateJun 25, 2009

Neurological differences support dyslexia subtypes

Researchers used MRI to compare brains of 38 people with dyslexia to a typical brain model, revealing differences in the right cerebellar declive and lentiform nucleus associated with varying language performance. These findings suggest different neuro-cognitive pathologies underlying dyslexia subtypes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateJun 24, 2009

New piece found in colorectal cancer puzzle

Researchers found increased mRNA levels of PN-1, a prostasin inhibitor, in colorectal tissue samples from patients with mild/moderate dysplasia and severe dysplasia before colorectal cancer. Elevated PN-1 levels coincide with the acquisition of malignant properties in colorectal tissue.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Cancer·DateJun 24, 2009

American elderly thrash English at 'brain training' test

A recent study found that American over-65s scored significantly better than their English counterparts in a memory and awareness test. Higher levels of education and lower levels of depressive symptoms in the US may have contributed to this difference, while aggressive cardiovascular disease treatment in England could be a factor.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Geriatrics·DateJun 24, 2009

Larvae shun the light

Research in Drosophila larvae reveals that 5-HT and corazonergic neurons regulate photobehavior, increasing aversion to light during foraging phase. The study provides new insights into the function of 5-HT neurons and mechanisms underlying regulation of larval response to light.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateJun 22, 2009

Fallopian tubes offer new stem cell source

Researchers have discovered that human fallopian tube mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into muscle, fat, cartilage, and bone cell lines, offering a new source for regenerative medicine. The study found that these cells are abundant in fertile women's reproductive years and can be easily isolated and expanded in vitro.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateJun 17, 2009

Calcium -- the secret to honeybees' memory

Researchers have discovered that calcium modulation affects long-term memory specifically while leaving learning and short-term memory intact. The study found that increased calcium levels during learning led to stronger responses to olfactory stimuli associated with food, indicating improved memory performance.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateJun 15, 2009

Study reveals publics' ignorance of anatomy

A study published in BMC Family Practice found that most people lack basic knowledge of human anatomy. Approximately half of the participants correctly identified the location of major organs, highlighting potential problems in doctor-patient communication and diagnosis.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Family Practice·DateJun 11, 2009

Cocaine and heroin harm placenta

Researchers found cocaine and heroin increase antipyrine transfer across human placental tissue, compromising barrier function. This may lead to harm from more toxic substances crossing the placenta and affecting fetal health.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalReproductive Biology and Endocrinology·DateJun 10, 2009

Enigmatic sea urchin structure catalogued

A comprehensive investigation into sea urchins' axial complex has shown that various internal organs are structurally linked. The study uses high-resolution imaging to analyze specimens from multiple orders, providing a re-evaluation of published studies spanning two centuries.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateJun 8, 2009

Mobile health clinics: Saving lives and money

Researchers found that mobile health clinics decrease both the incidence and economic burden of preventable diseases, saving $36 in combined emergency department costs for every $1 invested. The model also showed a net profit to the healthcare system due to reduced costs and increased value of life years saved.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJun 1, 2009

Closing the gaps in the human genome

Researchers have developed a simple and scalable method to finish non-structural gaps in genome assemblies using 454 sequencing. The technique enables the targeting of class III gaps that are difficult to close with traditional cloning methods, with potential applications for other genomes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateJun 1, 2009

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in fertilizer

Researchers have detected vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) in Swedish sewage sludge, highlighting the potential for antibiotic resistance genes to spread through the food chain. The study emphasizes the need for more efficient treatment of sewage sludge to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalActa Veterinaria Scandinavica·DateMay 28, 2009

Development of DNA drugs gives hope to lupus patients

Researchers have developed DNA-like compounds that effectively inhibit cells responsible for chronic autoimmune condition lupus. The compounds, known as class R inhibitory oligonucleotides (INH-ODNs), selectively reduce the activity of autoreactive B cells and dendritic cells, delaying death and reducing kidney damage in mice with lupus.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateMay 27, 2009

Breast cancer etiology may vary by subtype

Research suggests different invasive breast cancer subtypes have distinct etiologic pathways and prognoses. Patients with specific subtypes exhibit varying demographics, lifestyle traits, and risk factors, highlighting the need for refined tumor subtyping to elucidate development patterns.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateMay 21, 2009

HIV's march around Europe mapped

A recent study has mapped the spread of HIV-1 subtype B across Europe, revealing that popular tourist destinations like Greece, Portugal, and Spain are major sources of infection. The research found that viruses can be transmitted through travelers, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts beyond national borders.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalRetrovirology·DateMay 19, 2009

Cohesin jigsaw begins to fit

New research on cohesin binding patterns in fission yeast reveals that features thought to differentiate cohesin behaviour between organisms collectively define its overall behaviour. This suggests that cohesin's mechanisms of action might be more similar between organisms than previously thought.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateMay 18, 2009