Articles tagged with Hormones
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 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 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 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.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that low levels of adiponectin, a hormone produced by fat cells, are linked to elevated albumin protein in the urine and increased inflammation in the kidney. The study suggests that supplementing with adiponectin or other therapies may help protect kidney function in obese patients.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario discovered that abdominal fat tissue produces a hormone called Neuropeptide Y (NPY), which stimulates fat cell production. This novel finding may lead to new therapeutic targets for combating obesity, including the development of a simple blood test to detect increased levels of NPY.
Research at Yale University reveals a link between grhelin, the hunger hormone, and decreased fertility. Grhelin's impact on reproductive health is seen in mice bred with low ghrelin levels, producing smaller litter sizes and altered uterine development.
A new technique developed at Yale School of Medicine promotes rapid bone formation by removing bone marrow and injecting a hormone, offering a promising alternative to current treatments for weakened or fractured bones. The study, conducted in mice, shows that this procedure creates new bone tissue with improved biomechanical properties.
Research identifies genetic variations that shield adults from depression caused by childhood trauma. The study discovered that certain gene variations help regulate the response to stress, protecting against moderate to severe depression in adulthood.
A recent study found that adults who were abused in childhood and carried a specific gene variant showed lower measures of depression. The gene variant, corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor one (CRHR1), appears to protect against depression in adults who experienced moderate to severe child abuse.
Researchers have developed a method to measure the reproductive value of female side-blotched lizards, revealing that large clutches are associated with increased survival rates. Male lizards also exhibit improved survival with small clutch sizes due to hormonal changes, highlighting an 'ontogenetic conflict' between the sexes.
Researchers at Cornell University have identified a hormone in human urine that can safely reduce sodium levels and treat hypertension. The discovery was made possible by a new technique developed by Frank Schroeder, which allows for the analysis of complex mixtures of small molecules.
Birds with higher stress levels adopt bolder behaviour than their peers, taking more risks in stressful situations. The 'stressed' birds explored more objects and returned to feeders quickly after being startled.
A new study reveals that the CRF2 hormone receptor system is involved in both feeding behavior and stress responses, suggesting it may not be an ideal target for obesity treatments. The researchers found that stimulating this receptor increased stress-like behaviors and reduced food intake, but not without inducing anxiety-like effects.
A new study reveals that Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract, lowers ADHD symptoms in children by reducing stress hormones. The findings suggest a significant stress hormone-lowering effect for a nutritional supplement, providing hope for parents seeking alternative treatments.
Research suggests that ghrelin improves thymic mass and T cell output with increased diversity of the TCR repertoire in mice, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic approach to boost immune function in elderly or immunocompromised individuals.
Researchers recreated a 450-million-year-old protein using X-ray crystallography and mapped its structure. They found that only seven mutations were needed to evolve the ancient receptor into its modern form, with some 'permissive' changes paving the way for more significant transformations.
Researchers at Rutgers University are studying the connection between thyroid hormones and sleep. The study aims to identify how thyroid hormones affect brain structures during sleep and wakefulness.
Research by the University of Illinois found that elevated CO2 levels increase the susceptibility of soybeans to Japanese beetles and enhance their invasive abilities. This study highlights the potential risks of climate change on crop defenses, particularly for highly usable crops like soybeans.
Researchers found that female side-blotched lizards induce different color patterns in their offspring based on social cues, which helps ensure survival. The mother's influence determines whether her progeny have stripes or bars on their backs, adapting to the environment they will encounter as adults.
Researchers have identified a molecular link between spontaneous physical activity and food intake in mice, which could help explain individual variations in weight gain. The discovery of Bsx, a molecule regulating NPY and AgRP hormones, may lead to new ways to prevent obesity and related diseases.
Researchers found that cortisol production is cyclic in nature, involving rhythmic binding and unbinding of a protein essential to its production. This process starts with a signal from the hypothalamus, causing adrenal cells to increase cAMP production.
Researchers find that stress hormone THP increases anxiety in adolescents by reversing its calming effect, contributing to pubertal angst. The discovery sheds new light on the causes of mood swings during puberty.
Drinking spearmint tea can reduce androgen levels in women with hirsutism. A recent study found that consuming two cups of spearmint tea daily for five days lowered androgen levels in women with mild symptoms.
Researchers found kisspeptin levels decrease in male Siberian hamsters as winter approaches, indicating a decline in libido and reproduction. Kisspeptin is believed to play an integral role in coordinating seasonal reproduction in animals.
A study by Northwestern University found that older adults who go to bed feeling lonely, sad, or overwhelmed have elevated levels of cortisol the next morning. This morning cortisol boost can help regulate hormone levels and facilitate positive social experiences, potentially mitigating health problems associated with chronic stress.
A new study found that longer-lived rodents have significantly lower levels of a thyroid hormone that regulates metabolic rate. The study suggests an important regulatory role of thyroid hormone in longevity, with higher thyroid hormone levels correlating with shorter lifespans.
A study by University College London researchers found that black tea consumption reduced cortisol levels and blood platelet activation after stressful events. The study, published in Psychopharmacology, suggests that drinking black tea may speed up recovery from daily stresses.
Research from the University of North Carolina finds that low adrenomedullin hormone levels may cause preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications. Pregnant mice with reduced adrenomedullin levels had smaller litter sizes, overcrowded embryo spacing, and poor fetal growth.
A hormone called BNP detects pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell disease patients and predicts mortality. High BNP levels correlate with greater pressure in pulmonary arteries and increased risk of death.
Researchers discovered a link between phosphodiesterase 11A enzyme deficiency and the development of rare tumors in patients with adrenal disorders. The study found four patients with mutant copies of the PDE11A gene, leading to higher levels of cyclic nucleotides that may stimulate tumor growth.
A new study found that calorie restriction decreases tumor necrosis factor alpha and lowers T3 levels in humans, suggesting it may slow the aging process. The researchers also found no association between body fat levels and serum T3 concentrations.
Researchers found that a loose connection between hormone and GPCR allows for stronger signal activation, potentially leading to more effective drug therapies. The study used thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) as a model and suggests that a similar approach could be applied to other hormone-GPCR reactions.
Researchers received FDA approval for a nonhormonal contraceptive device that blocks sperm in the vas deferens, aiming to provide a long-term and reversible method. The Intra Vas Device has shown effectiveness in preliminary studies, with men citing benefits such as avoiding hormonal side effects.
A study by Michigan State University zoology professor Kay Holekamp found that high-ranking hyena mothers pass on high levels of androgens to their offspring, making them more aggressive and sexually vigorous. This unique trait helps females secure food resources and dominate their social group.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity discovered that oxyntomodulin, a hormone, can reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure in overweight volunteers. This finding holds promise for developing a new therapy to treat obesity, shifting focus from dieting alone to increasing spontaneous activity levels.
Researchers found that high-dose CRF injections triggered intense bursts of sugar craving in response to a cue, but low doses or no injection had minimal effect. The study suggests a potential link between stress and binge behavior.
Researchers identified a liver-derived protein complex as the first essential brain signal governing seasonal adaptation in hibernating animals. This discovery may pave the way toward clinical therapies that protect humans from lethal diseases like hypothermia and ischemia.
Scientists at the University of Oregon discovered that complexity evolved piecemeal through Molecular Exploitation. They found that old genes were recruited to participate in new interactions and functions, consistent with Darwinian evolution.
Joan A. Steitz and Thomas D. Pollard, two Yale biologists, have been awarded the 2006 Gairdner International Award for their groundbreaking discoveries in understanding autoimmune disease and cell motility. Their work has significant implications for improving human quality of life.
Researchers found that people with smaller anterior cingulate cortex had higher levels of stress hormones, suggesting a potential cause-and-effect relationship. The discovery deepens understanding of ageing, depression, and Alzheimer's diseases, and may lead to treatments targeting reduced stress hormone levels.
Researchers propose that social systems arose as a group defense mechanism against predators, citing studies on male muriqui networks and affiliative hormones in primate species. Positive behaviors like grooming and physical touch increase levels of social bonding hormones.
Researchers found a direct link between aldosterone levels and the ability to hear normally as people age. Lower blood levels of aldosterone are associated with severe hearing loss, suggesting that the hormone plays a role in maintaining good hearing.
Researchers identified an abnormal variant of β-MSH in five out of 538 obese children, which was more common in overweight or obese family members than in normal-weight relatives. The mutation altered the hormone's structure and ability to stimulate brain receptors, leading to increased obesity risk.
Duke University biologists evolved a complex polyphenic trait in tobacco hornworms by applying temperature shocks to create two distinct strains with different color responses. The researchers discovered that the level of juvenile hormone regulated the color change, and their experiments demonstrated genetic accommodation.
Researchers found that Magellanic Penguins in Argentina's largest colony can handle up to 70,000 annual visitors without significant stress or harm. However, the study highlights the challenges of quantifying long-term consequences of human disturbance on wildlife.
Scientists have discovered male water fleas in a lab, revealing that pesticides can induce sex change and affect populations of fish and other organisms. The finding highlights the importance of considering non-target species in environmental monitoring and management.
A study of 2,730 men and women aged 70 to 79 found that subclinical hypothyroidism was associated with a higher rate of incident and recurrent congestive heart failure. In contrast, no association was found between subclinical hypothyroidism and coronary heart disease or stroke.
Researchers discovered Klotho protein increases cell resistance to oxidative stress by detoxifying harmful reactive oxygen species. This finding may lead to the development of anti-aging drugs, potentially useful as medicines.