Researchers found that elevated homocysteine can be lethal to certain nerve cells, leading to cell death and strokes. A drug blocking NMDA receptor activation may have major benefits in treating hyperhomocysteinemia-related strokes in people under 50.
A recent study comparing US and Canadian heart attack patient care found small but statistically significant short-term edges for American cardiac care. However, overall data suggest conservative Canadian practices may favor better long-term outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a novel protein, Vera, that plays a crucial role in RNA localization in oocytes. This process is essential for the development of embryogenesis and has broad implications for biology, as it occurs in many adult cell types.
Researchers have discovered that different strains of HIV may exploit distinct immune cells through chemokine coreceptors, potentially explaining the sudden collapse of the immune system in full-blown AIDS patients. The findings could lead to new treatments by targeting these receptors.
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 study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that publicly released performance reports on quality have a neutral impact on referrals, but may discourage cardiac surgeons from taking on high-risk cases. The report's authors argue that closing the credibility gap between clinicians and public data is vital for improving quality.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation in the TIE-2 gene responsible for venous malformations, the most common type of birthmark. The mutation disrupts the normal molecular dialog between endothelial cells and their environment, leading to abnormal blood vessel formation.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a novel group of compounds without nitrogen that recognize the same molecular targets as common drugs, including Prozac and Ritalin. These experimental compounds appear to be as powerful as their traditional counterparts.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have visualized the first image of a membrane-spanning molecule thought to transport proteins across cell membranes. The study reveals a dynamic structure that appears and disappears on demand, with the channel opening in two dimensions for different protein types.
Researchers successfully engineer a protein-based vaccine that primes killer T cells to respond against infection, providing protection against a model pathogen. The approach shows promise for developing new vaccines against viruses, bacteria, and parasites, as well as cancer vaccines and therapies.
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFb) uses a simple signaling pathway to convey distinct functions in different tissues, despite its multifaceted role. Researchers have identified the key steps involved in translating TGFb signals into individual patterns of gene expression.
Kristen Kroll's innovative technique enables the mass production of genetically modified frogs, allowing researchers to study embryonic development in unprecedented detail. By disabling specific signaling pathways, scientists can pinpoint precise stages of tissue and organ formation.
Researchers discovered a specific molecule, ELF-1, that guides retinal axons to their proper destinations in the tectum. The molecule creates a concentration gradient that repels axons from incorrect regions, forming a topographic map of the visual world.
A new vehicle has been found to carry therapeutic proteins into living cells, overcoming a major hurdle in the delivery of protein-based drugs. The discovery uses small peptides to substitute for bulky components of bacterial toxins and deliver therapeutic proteins into cells.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health have discovered the role of Stat 4 in determining T helper cell differentiation. The study found that Stat 4 is the master switch controlling the differentiation of T helper cells, which plays a critical role in dictating the outcome of immune responses.
Researchers have discovered a gene that drives T lymphocytes to mature into specialized subtypes, playing a crucial role in different immune system disorders. The discovery offers a molecular handle on manipulating specialized groups of T cells, potentially leading to gene therapy for autoimmune diseases.
Researchers found that the cholera pathogen acquired its deadly factors by picking up genes from a virus, CTX phage. The virus instructs the bacterium to introduce the cholera toxin gene, allowing it to become a pathogen.
Scientists discover mutant mice lacking a gene fail to form distinct layers in the cerebral cortex, leading to fatal seizures and neurological disorders. The study provides new insights into neuronal migration and signaling pathways, potentially leading to breakthroughs in understanding human brain conditions.