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Sour research, sweet results

Researchers at USC College have made a groundbreaking discovery about sour flavors, revealing that protons from acids directly activate taste cells. This finding has important implications for understanding how different tastes interact and may lead to practical applications in cooking and food industry.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2010

Scorpion has welcome sting for heart bypass patients

Researchers have discovered a potent toxin in scorpion venom that can prevent neointimal hyperplasia, a leading cause of heart bypass graft failure. The compound, margatoxin, is up to 100 times more effective than other known inhibitors, offering new hope for patients undergoing bypass surgery.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCardiovascular Research·DateOct 22, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: December 21, 2009

Researchers discover CD20's nonredundant role in generating optimal B cell immune responses. Gene therapy approach targets alpha-1 antitrypsin to alleviate emphysema symptoms. Inhibiting fatty acid oxidation sensitizes leukemic cells to death-inducing compounds.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 21, 2009

What is the function of the protein CD20?

Researchers have found that CD20 protein is essential for generating optimal B cell immune responses, particularly to T-independent antigens. The discovery was made by analyzing a patient with a mutation in the CD20 gene, who had impaired B cell responses and recurrent infections.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 21, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 9, 2009

Research suggests that NSAIDs can prevent the early appearance of neuronal cell cycle events in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. However, treatment with NSAIDs does not reverse existing neuronal CCEs. Additionally, interstitial macrophages may play a role in preventing asthma by inhibiting LPS-induced immune responses.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 9, 2009

Brain mechanisms for behavioral flexibility

The study suggests that neural pathways governing sensory and motor associations accomplish task switching through learning and communication of distinct populations of MT neurons into a downstream decision system. This finding is important for understanding both normal cognition and psychiatric disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateApr 15, 2009

Distinguishing single cells with nothing but light

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a novel optical technique called IRAM that enables rapid analysis of single human immune cells using only light. This technique allows for clear differences between two types of immune cells to be seen, providing new insights into cell activation and development.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalApplied Optics·DateApr 1, 2009

Scans show immune cells intercepting parasites

Researchers identified a key role for dendritic cells in responding to Leishmania parasites, which cause illness in developing nations and have been detected in US soldiers. The study provides insights into the early stages of the immune response and has implications for vaccine development.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 10, 2008

Rheumatoid arthritis breakthrough

Researchers have created a new strategy for controlling autoimmune responses in rheumatoid arthritis by genetically engineering Foxp3 regulatory cells. These cells can be activated to suppress the immune response, potentially reversing or inhibiting the disease process.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 11, 2008

Bioengineers at University of Pennsylvania devise nanoscale system to measure cellular forces

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania devise nanoscale system to observe how individual cells react to external forces. The study shows that cells respond to outside forces and demonstrate a remote response from the cell’s internal forces., The findings prove useful for understanding tissue growth, function, and disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2007

News tips from ACS Chemical Biology

The journal reviews new techniques and tools for chemical biologists to study biomolecules in action, including advances in fluorescence that allow precise observation of cells. Researchers can use these tools to probe the internal workings of cells and develop new therapies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateJan 29, 2007

Anthrax attack posed greater potential threat than thought

A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found that more people were at risk of anthrax infection after the 2001 attack on Sen. Tom Daschle's office than previously known. Prompt intervention with antibiotics and vaccination appeared to be highly effective against the disease, with no deaths resulting from the act.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 4, 2007

Genetic mutation alters response to heart failure drugs

A genetic mutation in a single amino acid change in the beta1-adrenergic receptor affects its response to certain beta blockers. The Arg389 variant of the receptor is more sensitive to carvedilol, leading to reduced cAMP signaling and potentially poorer treatment outcomes for black patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 2007