A study by Ohio State University researchers found three genes associated with regulating thyroid hormones in the hypothalamus, which controls the hamster's reproductive cycle. The genes were active in hamsters kept in both long and short days, enabling them to respond to seasonal changes.
Scientists identified the arcuate nucleus in the hypothalamus as a key regulator of body weight, using a new method pioneered by OHSU researchers. Introducing peripheral hormone PYY 3-36 led to a significant reduction in food intake in both mice and humans, with participants feeling less hungry and eating fewer calories.
A UC Davis study found that fiber curbs appetite in women by triggering the release of cholecystokinin, a hormone associated with satiety. The researchers discovered that high-fiber meals resulted in greater feelings of fullness and higher levels of cholecystokinin compared to low-fiber meals.
A new hormone called PYY3-36 has been found to reduce food intake by a third in volunteers, providing potential relief for those struggling with weight problems. The discovery could lead to natural and safe treatments for obesity, potentially identifying specific foods that trigger hunger or developing a tablet with a similar effect.
A new needle-free device called J-Tip has been successfully used to administer hormones to women undergoing IVF treatment. The device enabled the retrieval of eggs from 16 out of 20 women, resulting in four pregnancies. Patient acceptance was high, with diaries indicating a clear preference for the needle-free approach.
Researchers discovered a molecular switch that guides cell communication before a message reaches the nucleus, adding complexity to understanding cellular signals. This switch determines which signal - calcium or cAMP - will be used, leading to different responses in target proteins and potential therapies for serious disorders.
A stress detector has been developed to continuously monitor hydrocortisone levels in saliva, allowing for real-time stress evaluation. The device could aid military troops, pilots, and emergency personnel in maintaining combat readiness and making informed decisions.
Researchers at the University of Rhode Island have developed a novel treatment using thiourea and thyroxine to synchronize the settlement and growth of summer flounder. This method reduces cannibalism and increases the profitability of flounder aquaculture, saving culturists time and effort in fish grouping.
A recent study has found that low-calorie dieting raises ghrelin levels, while gastric bypass surgery sharply reduces them, making it a potential key to unlocking the secrets of successful weight loss. The research also suggests that this mechanism may be why gastric bypass surgery is often more effective than dieting.
Tucson chemist Ralph Hruby has received a national award for his research on peptides that affect human behavior and addictions. His work on alpha-MSH has shown that small changes in the hormone's structure can lead to significant effects on behavior, including appetite regulation.
A USGS survey found 82 organic wastewater contaminants in at least one stream across the US, including medications, caffeine and antimicrobial soaps. The presence of mixtures was a surprising finding, with some streams containing up to 38 chemicals.
The NIH panel recommends surgically removing tumors over 6cm in size, while those between 4-6cm may be removed based on hormone production. Minimally invasive surgery is suitable for smaller, non-cancerous tumors.
Researchers tested BNP levels in 325 patients with dyspnea, finding those with high levels had a 51% chance of developing congestive heart failure or dying within six months. The study supports the use of BNP testing as a tool for diagnosing patients at risk of congestive heart failure.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have identified GNAS1 as the gene responsible for progressive osseus heteroplasia (POH), a disease causing rice-size bone fragments to form under the skin and inside organs. The discovery may lead to new treatments blocking problem-causing bone fragments and potentially treating other bone problems like oste...
Researchers found significant susceptibility for thyroid autoimmune disorders and Type 1 diabetes mellitus associated with DQ2 alleles, primarily transmitted from fathers to affected daughters. Hormonal factors may also regulate this interaction, as observed in the transmission of disease to pre- and postpubertal individuals.
Researchers found that brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are better at predicting adverse outcomes compared to traditional methods. Elevated BNP levels identified patients at high risk of dying or developing heart failure, even in those with no detectable heart damage.
A recent study by Dr. Laura C. Klein found that adolescent nicotine exposure directly affects stress hormone levels in adults, leading to increased risk of anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments. The research suggests a possible biochemical explanation for the effects observed in human studies.
Scientists created a new mouse strain with a genetic deletion that affects stress hormones and behavior. The mice exhibit anxiety-like behavior consistently, not just in response to external stimuli, offering insights into the role of CRH-binding protein in depression and anxiety disorders.
A Penn State-led study found lower concentrations of a stress hormone in pregnant teens are linked to greater numbers of depression and conduct disorder symptoms. The hormone, corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), is associated with emotions and behavior during pregnancy.
A study by Duke University Medical Center scientists found that habitual coffee drinkers experienced increased adrenaline, noradrenaline, and blood pressure when consuming caffeine. This heightened response can lead to damage in the heart over time.
Measuring the levels of inhibin-a and inhibin-b in older women shows a more sensitive test for reproductive potential compared to FSH. The research found that inhibin levels drop as women approach menopause, indicating a direct measure of ovarian function.
Elevated levels of corticipotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) may predict preterm delivery and shorter gestation lengths in pregnant women. The study found that higher CRH levels at 28-30 weeks gestation were associated with earlier deliveries and increased risk of preterm birth.
Cornell University researchers discovered how chronic stress intensifies the adrenaline response by controlling the structure of donut-shaped protein channels on adrenal cells. This 'molecular memory' can be influenced by lifestyle factors, paving the way for gene therapy and potential treatments for hypertension and heart attacks.
A team of researchers at Northwestern University and the Mayo Clinic have identified two new proteins, Cyp-40 and p23, that act as molecular chaperones to fold proteins into an intermediate state. This discovery expands our understanding of what molecular chaperones are and their role in enhancing hormone sensitivity in cells.