Articles tagged with Hormones
Scientists found that birds' hormone levels, particularly corticosterone and prolactin, play a crucial role in determining their reproductive success. Birds with low corticosterone values before breeding raised the most offspring, while those with high prolactin levels started laying eggs earlier and produced more offspring.
Researchers have isolated a key hormone that allows the Phytophthora fungi to reproduce and developed a synthetic version of this hormone. This breakthrough could lead to an effective method to combat this ancient scourge, which has caused devastating potato crop failures and food shortages globally.
Scientists have developed a technique to freeze the adrenaline receptor in one position, allowing them to determine its structure and develop new or better drugs. This breakthrough has significant prospects for medicine, particularly for treating asthma and heart disease, as well as understanding other GPCRs.
Scientists at Virginia Tech have identified a critical step in juvenile hormone signaling, which could lead to more targeted mosquito controls. The discovery of a protein partner for the juvenile hormone receptor has significant implications for understanding insect development and reproductive maturation.
A University of Michigan-led study found that depressed mothers' bodies may play a role in the development of their unborn children's brains. Babies born to depressed moms had higher levels of stress hormones and decreased muscle tone, but also showed signs of neurological maturity.
Researchers have isolated a key hormone, alpha-1, that allows Phytophthora to reproduce, leading to extensive damage to food crops and ornamental plants. The synthesis of a synthetic version of the hormone offers a promising basis for developing an effective method to control the fungus.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that the adrenal gland hormone aldosterone increases activity in the nervous system that raises blood pressure. The research suggests that treating hypertension requires targeting not just the kidneys but also the sympathetic nervous system.
A new study reveals that the protein T-cadherin is necessary for adiponectin's cardioprotective functions. Adiponectin activates AMPK, which regulates energy usage in the cell. The absence of T-cadherin leads to impaired AMPK activity and increased cardiac damage.
A Manchester-based research team has been awarded a £1.24M Wellcome Trust grant to investigate the control of genes in response to hormonal changes and inflammation. The five-year study aims to understand how tissues regulate their own functions and develop new treatments for pituitary tumours.
A study of Caribbean families found that genetic factors influence aldosterone production and blood pressure in individuals of African descent. Genetic data revealed a strong association between aldosterone levels and diastolic blood pressure readings.
A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that high levels of the stress hormone cortisol are strongly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death among both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. The study, which evaluated ov...
Researchers found that hormonal changes play a significant role in enabling the crabs to make their journey. The Crustacean Hyperglycaemic Hormone (CHH) enables the efficient use of stored energy and its conversion to glucose to fuel the migration.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a link between anti-TPO antibodies and placental abruption in pregnant women. The study of over 17,000 women found that antibody-positive women were three times as likely to experience placental separation during labor.
Researchers at Michigan State University have identified a stress hormone in the sea lamprey, which is believed to be one of the earliest forms of cortisol. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of the endocrine system in vertebrates and has implications for understanding human physiology.
New research finds that obese men are less sensitive to fat taste and have impaired gut hormone release, leading to overeating. The study suggests a possible link between high-fat diets and reduced physiological responses to fat, paving the way for further investigation.
Researchers at UH are studying 'wireless connections' in the brain to prevent diseases like epilepsy and schizophrenia. They found that liver X receptor β and thyroid hormone receptor α play key roles in brain development and regulation.
A study found that ghrelin hormone increases the appeal of high-calorie foods over low-calorie foods, suggesting a potential mechanism for weight loss. Ghrelin levels may help regulate calorie intake by altering food preferences during fasting periods.
Research suggests that female brains are more responsive to low levels of a key stress hormone and less able to adapt to high levels compared to male brains. This may help explain the higher incidence of depression, PTSD, and other anxiety disorders among women.
Researchers used systems biology approaches to study how hematopoietic cells react to high levels of erythropoietin. They found that the cells rapidly take up and break down the hormone, replenishing their receptors in a continuous process. This understanding may lead to developing more effective anemia treatments.
A study on preschoolers in licensed day care homes found that children's cortisol levels increase when they are in care, exceeding home levels. Cortisol increases are larger in day care homes where providers are overcontrolling.
A study demonstrated the transfer of maternal thyroid hormones to the fetus in vivo, critical for fetal development. This finding clarifies indirect evidence of maternal thyroid hormone passage to the fetus during pregnancy, with significant implications for the development of the nervous system and overall quality of life.
Researchers at U-M have solved a long-standing mystery about how insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) work on muscle cells. IGFs promote either muscle cell differentiation or division, depending on oxygen availability.
A small study shows eprotirome decreases LDL cholesterol as much as doubling statin dose without harmful side effects. The researchers found that eprotirome lowered blood lipids such as triglycerides and Lp(a), which are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that brain function slows in individuals with type-2 diabetes and high stress hormone cortisol levels. Higher cortisol levels have been associated with cognitive decline in this population.
A UCLA study of U.S. Civil War veterans reveals that strong unit cohesion provides a protective effect against stress-related illnesses, with men from cohesive companies living up to six years longer than those from uncohesive ones.
A recent study found that early life stress can predict an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Researchers used a proven model of chronic behavioral stress on rat pups and found that animals with early life stress had increased blood pressure and inflammation in their blood vessel walls upon reaching adulthood.
Researchers found that prolactin reduces levels of BCL6, an oncogene linked to poorly differentiated breast cancer. Prolactin's role is mediated by Stat5a, which may lead to better diagnostic tests and new treatment options for aggressive breast cancers.
Researchers found a solid statistical link between higher concentrations of PFOA in blood and thyroid disease in adults. Individuals with the highest PFOA concentrations were more than twice as likely to report current thyroid disease.
A new research at Rhode Island Hospital has identified a treatment for glioblastomas, a deadly brain tumor that offers a poor prognosis and relatively short life expectancy. Using a synthetic form of a naturally-occurring hormone combined with chemotherapy, researchers achieved a 25 percent cure rate in animal models.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered how a brain hormone controls insect metamorphosis, allowing scientists to develop new and more environmentally safe ways to control agricultural pests. The study sheds light on human development as well, as both puberty and metamorphosis involve similar biological processes.
Researchers have found a way to control male fertility using testicular hormone levels, offering hope for those with low sperm counts. The discovery provides a promising avenue for developing new treatments for male infertility and potentially new male contraceptives.
A clinical trial found that eating about an ounce and a half of dark chocolate daily for two weeks reduced stress hormone levels and corrected other stress-related biochemical imbalances. This study provides strong evidence for the potential benefits of dark chocolate in reducing emotional stress.
Researchers found that parathyroid hormone can elevate PSA levels in healthy men, leading to unnecessary biopsies and treatment. The study aims to refine the prostate cancer screening test to better differentiate between those who need a biopsy and those who may be spared.
Researchers found that trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) can survive in female mice livers without ovarian hormones, but not in male liver's even after castration. This study suggests a new approach for therapeutic cell transplantation using TSCs.
A new study connects abnormalities of cortisol with symptoms of depression in obese children, indicating a hormonal link between the two conditions. Cortisol levels in the afternoon and evening correlate positively with depressive symptoms, suggesting that obesity and depression may have a shared underlying cause.
A new animal study has identified a specific genetic cause of fetal alcohol-related developmental disorders, which may lead to targeted treatment. Fetal alcohol exposure can disrupt thyroid hormone levels, leading to neurodevelopmental disorders such as emotional behavioral disorders and deficits in learning, memory, and speech.
Research suggests that fatty acids from food, not body-produced fats, activate ghrelin in the stomach, informing the brain about available calories. This new model turns the current understanding of ghrelin on its head and points to a novel enzyme responsible for activation.
A new study by University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers suggests that the size of male crested auklets' crests may be an indicator of their quality as mates. Males with larger crests have been found to have lower levels of stress hormones, indicating they are better equipped to cope with the challenges of reproduction.
A study led by the University of Bath found that children with Asperger Syndrome do not experience a surge in cortisol levels after waking, which may contribute to their struggles with minor changes. The researchers believe this could help explain why individuals with AS have difficulties adapting to routine or environmental changes.
Genes from fireflies and jellyfish are used to light up cells expressing prolactin, a hormone linked to over 300 biological functions, including autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The technique helps scientists track prolactin production in real-time, shedding light on its role in the body.
New research suggests kisspeptin can activate release of sex hormones in women with infertility, leading to increased luteinising hormone production. The study found a 48-fold increase in LH and 16-fold increase in FSH in women treated with kisspeptin compared to controls.
A new four-year grant will support research on brain and pituitary hormones in sea lampreys to better understand their reproductive systems. The project aims to identify common functional features between these ancient vertebrates and later-evolved species.
A study found that higher placental corticotropin-releasing hormone (pCRH) levels during pregnancy are associated with a greater risk of postpartum depression. The predictive capability of pCRH levels increased when midpregnancy depressive symptoms were also assessed.
Researchers found that women with elevated levels of corticotrophin-releasing hormone in mid-pregnancy are at higher risk for postpartum depression. The study, conducted by UC Irvine researchers, suggests that identifying these women early could help prevent or treat the condition.
A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that cigarette smoking during pregnancy is associated with changes in maternal thyroid hormone levels. Smoking-related changes in thyroid function extend to the fetus, potentially leading to impaired neuropsychological development.
Researchers at University of Cambridge identify Neurokinin B as critical part of control system that switches on human puberty, offering new treatments for sex hormone dependent diseases and contraception. The discovery also has implications for understanding normal regulation of key bodily functions.
A new study found that children distressed by family fighting have higher cortisol levels, a stress hormone. This increase in cortisol may explain why children experiencing high levels of distress during parental conflicts are more likely to develop psychological problems.
Researchers have identified a new biomarker for heart failure, resistin, which can independently predict an individual's risk of developing the condition. Resistin levels were found to increase the risk of new-onset heart failure by 38% and were a stronger predictor than other inflammatory markers.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that declines in anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B concentrations predict the time to menopause, while changes in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stages identify different reproductive periods. This information can help women understand their biological clock and fertility.
A new Fox Chase Cancer Center study suggests men with early stage prostate cancer treated with radiation therapy should begin hormone therapy immediately if their PSA level rises quickly and doubles within six months at any time after treatment. The study also supports foregoing hormones if the PSA doesn't rise as quickly. These findin...
Johns Hopkins researchers have successfully suppressed levels of the 'hunger hormone' ghrelin in pigs using a minimally invasive procedure. The method, called GACE, produces an effect similar to bariatric surgery by lowering appetite and promoting significant weight loss.
Researchers discovered a gene linked to melon sex switching, which suggests evolutionary selection favoring the mutation. This finding provides insights into the molecular basis of sex determination and different sexual systems in plants.
Women with low or high thyrotropin hormone levels have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to a recent study. The research found that these hormone levels were associated with an increased risk of incident Alzheimer's disease in women, but not in men.
Researchers have discovered a potential new drug that 'opens the taps' for hormone release, potentially stimulating new bone growth. The approach involves stimulating parathyroids, tiny glands controlling PTH hormone, which could lead to increased calcium levels and bone formation.
A UCLA study identifies the mechanism behind the mind-body connection, finding that cortisol suppresses telomerase levels in immune cells. This leads to shorter telomeres and increased susceptibility to illness.
A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that breastfeeding for more than a year halves the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Women who breastfed for 13 months or more were 50% less likely to get the disease.
A new study reveals that ghrelin hormone enhances the brain's response to food-related cues, making food more attractive. The hormone targets regions involved in reward and motivation, similar to those affected by drug addiction.
A new study found that ghrelin increases the response to food pictures in brain regions involved in reward and motivation, suggesting a link between pleasure signals and metabolic drives. The findings may have implications for treating obesity and could inform policies aimed at reducing fast food consumption.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals that anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels can predict a woman's reproductive age and onset of menopause. AMH levels reflect the number of small follicles present in a woman's ovaries, enabling monthly ovulations.
Research published in PLOS Genetics found that hormone-dependent and independent breast cancers originate from distinct genetic variants, suggesting separate biological pathways. This discovery could guide future research into prevention and treatments for the different cancer types.