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Some harmful effects of light at night can be reversed

A new study suggests that chronic exposure to artificial light at night can lead to depressive symptoms in rodents, which can be reversed by returning to a standard light-dark cycle. The study found that blocking the effects of tumor necrosis factor, a protein involved in depression, prevented the development of depressive-like symptoms.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 24, 2012

Cancer rate 4 times higher in children with juvenile arthritis

Research finds that children with JIA have a significantly increased cancer risk, with rates 3.9 times higher for methotrexate-only patients and 4.4 times higher overall compared to peers without the disease. The study suggests that treatment, including TNF inhibitors, may not be directly linked to this increased risk.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateFeb 13, 2012

Why many cells are better than one

Researchers from Johns Hopkins have quantified a cell's decision-making ability, finding it to be only two possible choices. Cells can overcome their individual limitations by forming multicellular organisms, which enables them to transfer information and make decisions together.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateOct 12, 2011

Plant compound resveratrol shown to suppresses inflammation, free radicals in humans

A study conducted by University at Buffalo researchers found that resveratrol suppressed the generation of free radicals and reduced inflammation in human blood samples. The compound also showed promise in reducing insulin resistance and related markers, potentially benefiting conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 29, 2010

TNF blockers may increase the risk of malignancy in children

A study by FDA researchers found a higher incidence of malignancy in children using TNF blockers like infliximab and etanercept. The reporting rate for U.S. cases of malignancy in children was 4-18 times the estimated background rate for the general pediatric population.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJul 29, 2010

The RANKL cytokine at 2.6 Å

The RANKL cytokine at 2.6 Å resolution provides detailed information on its structure and function in the body. Researchers used this high-resolution imaging technique to study RANKL's role in bone formation and immune system regulation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 26, 2001