Researchers at Harvard Medical School found a genetic protein that influences the brain's body map, contradicting previous thinking that neural input from the body's periphery shapes it. The discovery raises questions about individual differences in sensory function and potential genetic basis for variations in brain organization.
Researchers have created a fly model of Parkinson's disease, replicating the dense protein inclusions and symptoms of the disease. The flies exhibit loss of dopamine-producing neurons and motor deficits, similar to those found in humans, making them an ideal model for testing new drugs and therapeutic approaches.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have coaxed high-level neurons in adult zebra finches to be replaced by their own endogenous precursor cells, demonstrating the potential for brain repair and regeneration.
Researchers suggest a genetic expansion in the development of limbs, allowing early vertebrates to develop toes and fingers. The discovery sheds light on how nature has reused existing genes to create new adaptations for life on land.
Researchers have produced the first 3-D structures of poliovirus in the moments after it attaches to and enters a host cell. The structures reveal tiny adjustments in the virus's protein shell that allow it to grab onto its host receptor more tightly.
Harvard Medical School scientists identify protein p25 as a possible trigger for Alzheimer's disease by turning brain enzyme cdk5 into a menace. The study supports one of two major hypotheses explaining the complex condition, offering a new handle on underlying molecular pathways.
A Harvard study finds that racial differences in kidney transplant access cannot be explained by patient preferences, with black patients being less likely to be referred for evaluation or receive a transplant. The disparity remains even after controlling for coexisting illnesses and socioeconomic factors.
Scientists create mouse model to track immature T cells' transformation into specialized killer T cells capable of destroying infected or cancerous cells. The research aims to understand how the immune system thwarts T cell functionality in diseases like HIV and cancer.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a new class of mitosis inhibitors, including the molecule monastrol, which disrupts the mitotic spindle apparatus and arrests cell division. This discovery offers a promising lead for developing more specific and effective chemotherapies.
Harvard researchers have created the first atomic-resolution image of a donut-shaped enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix for replication. The structure reveals how six individual polypeptide lobes arrange themselves to look like a ring of bread buns, providing new insights into the molecular motor's mechanism.
Researchers advocate for standardized examination techniques to improve physicians' precision and accuracy in screening for breast cancer. The study found that spending adequate time on the clinical breast examination (CBE) and using proper techniques can increase early detection of lumps in the breast.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) covered by non-profit health maintenance organizations (HMOs) received higher use of lifesaving therapy and emergency transportation compared to those with fee-for-service insurance. HMOs improved access to timely urgent care, particula...
Researchers have shown how the fat hormone leptin works in the brain to trigger nerve cells that control eating. Leptin activates 'anorectic' nerve cells releasing appetite-suppressing neuropeptides, while inhibiting 'orexigenic' cells that release appetite-regulatory neuropeptides.
A Harvard Medical School study reveals that physician guidelines for estrogen replacement therapy fail to address women's concerns and needs. Researchers found that patients value healthcare provider opinions, media influences, and friend opinions when making decisions about hormone replacement therapy.
A study from Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma found that 25.5% of Bosnian adults who fled the war were functionally disabled due to psychiatric disorders, with those experiencing PTSD and depression being five times more likely to report a disability.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have made a breakthrough in treating multi-site brain cancers by combining tumor-attacking viruses with an approved chemotherapeutic drug. The treatment works by suppressing the immune system's antiviral response, allowing the virus to selectively kill malignant cells.
Researchers identified Pin1, an enzyme that may restore tau protein function, and found it depleted in Alzheimer's brains. This could lead to new treatments for the disease by preventing tau protein misfolding.
Clathrin-coated vesicles are responsible for transporting proteins from the outside of the cell inside. The new insights into their formation help build a picture of the overall process and suggest possible targets for future therapeutic intervention.
The study identifies a mechanism by which the immune system eliminates dysfunctional T cells, which can lead to autoimmune diseases and cancer. The research suggests that continuous contact with class I MHC proteins is essential for maintaining the balance between cell survival and death.
A study published in Nature Genetics reveals that the transferrin cycle plays a limited role in iron transport, instead focusing on concentrating iron in red blood cells. The research may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of iron metabolism disorders.
Scientists have identified a gene called Pitx1 that can partially transform the upper limb of a vertebrate into a structure resembling its lower limb. The study found that Pitx1 is one of three genes thought to play a role in giving upper and lower extremities their identity.
Linda Buck and colleagues found that the olfactory system uses a combination of odorant receptors to recognize different odors. The nose can discriminate a vast number of diverse odorants by recognizing distinct combinations of receptors.
Mice lacking a gene for making telomeres displayed symptoms of aging, including graying hair and increased tumor incidence. However, the study reveals that telomere loss is not solely responsible for aging, suggesting other mechanisms at play.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a key pathway linking the growth cone's membrane receptor to actin, the final agent of change. The study reveals an uninterrupted chain of signaling events that enables neurons to transmit information from the membrane to the cytoskeleton.
Researchers identified a gene called Irx-4 that helps maintain the boundaries between heart chambers. The discovery opens up new avenues to understand heart chamber formation and may also shed light on the cause of certain heart defects.
A large study has identified a microscopic change in breast tissue that may double the risk of breast cancer in some women. Radial scars were found in nearly 100 out of 1,400 women with benign breast biopsies, doubling their risk of breast cancer independently of other tissue abnormalities.
Human neural stem cells have been cloned for the first time in a solid organ, validating decades of research on mouse cell biology. These cells hold potential for future therapies in conditions like Tay-Sachs disease and brain cancer.
Scientists are utilizing satellite remote sensing and mathematical modeling to predict and track climate variability and change related to infectious disease outbreaks. Improved forecasting models can help implement proactive programs to prevent or minimize weather-related health problems.
Researchers believe studying dreams from multiple perspectives can provide a more comprehensive understanding of their role in emotional adaptation. Integrating physiological and psychological findings may shed new light on therapeutic approaches to working with dreams.
A team of scientists has discovered a genetic mechanism controlling the inner workings of the biological clock, which also drives bodily rhythms such as temperature, blood pressure, hormones, and sleep-wake cycles. The findings may lead to more efficacious treatments for diseases like heart attacks and asthma.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have made a groundbreaking discovery that suggests the brain's development may rely on a DNA cutting and pasting process. The study, led by Fred Alt, found that specific proteins involved in recombination are also crucial during brain development, leading to cell death in mice with genetic mutations.
A new study by Harvard Medical School provides a reliable method to assess current donor potential and organ procurement performance in regional and national levels. The study shows that accurate estimates of donor potential can be generated based on five key hospital variables, helping OPOs and policymakers target areas for improvement.
Scientists at Harvard Medical School have discovered that a member of the MAP kinase family, ERK, may act as a molecular gatekeeper activating excitotoxic pathways. This finding could lead to new drug targets against stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have located a gene mutation responsible for nonsyndromic mental retardation (MRX), a condition affecting brain development and causing severe cognitive problems. The PAK-3 gene defect, discovered on the X chromosome, gives insight into how neurons interact in learning and memory.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have developed a new gene therapy technique that efficiently delivers genes to targeted cells by linking viruses with specific receptors. The technique, which uses a protein bridge made of growth factor EGF and ALV receptor proteins, allows for precise targeting of cell types, including cancer cells.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a new component of the circadian clock, BMAL1, which partners with CLOCK to regulate daily rhythms. The study shows how closely conserved genes are between different organisms and hopes to shed light on the negative feedback part of the circadian loop.
Researchers have discovered an imaging agent called Altropane that visualizes nerve loss in Parkinson's patients, providing a faster and cheaper alternative to existing methods. The study suggests that Altropane can help identify presymptomatic patients for experimental treatments and track disease progression.
A new study found that shrinking tumors can reduce blood vessel pore sizes, making it harder for chemotherapy agents to reach their targets. Researchers recommend designing smaller, more agile drugs to overcome this challenge.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have found that a mysterious protein in a nematode worm plays a pivotal role in cell division and differentiation. The study validates earlier cell culture experiments on viral cancer-causing proteins.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that a protein wireing the developing brain also prevents nerve cells from entering off-limits areas, and plays a role in blood vessel formation. This convergence of two processes may lead to new insights into cancer research and embryology.
Using advanced molecular methods, researchers at Harvard Medical School are identifying mysterious bacterial species that may be the cause of dental root caries and periodontitis. The team is also working on an integrated system for bacterial identification that can be used in various applications.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified four human genes critical to cell division, which could lead to more effective cancer treatments. The genes are part of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC) and play a crucial role in regulating mitosis.
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.
A Harvard Medical School study found that gambling disorders among adults in the US and Canada have increased to 1.29%, affecting 0.84% in the past decade. The research suggests that increased social acceptance and accessibility of gambling may contribute to this growth.
Harvard Medical School researchers have isolated a gene, Crx, that plays a key role in photoreceptor development. The findings suggest that Crx could help prevent blindness in people with retinal disease by regulating the expression of genes unique to photoreceptors.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that young people with early-onset mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety disorders, are more likely to have children in their teenage years. The study also suggests that expanding mental health coverage may be an economical step to take.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a novel gene called p73, which closely resembles the well-known tumor suppressor gene p53. The study found that p73 is deleted in at least one type of cancer and resides in an area of the genome suspected to contain other tumor suppressor genes.
Researchers have identified a multigene family of candidate pheromone receptors expressed by sensory neurons in the vomeronasal organ, which may recognize different classes of pheromones. The discovery could lead to understanding of innate behaviors and mating behaviors in mice.
A study by Harvard Medical School reveals that growth hormone blocks the formation of new retinal blood vessels, which can cause blindness. The findings suggest new treatments may prevent blindness related to this condition.
Researchers have identified a gene, CBFA1, essential for bone-forming cells to arise in the embryo. Disruption of this gene causes cleidocranial dysplasia, a developmental disorder that stunts bone growth.