Scientists studying social stress in Syrian hamsters found that subordinates eat more and gain weight after being defeated by a dominant hamster. This model can help researchers understand human stress-induced obesity.
Researchers found that isolated female rats subjected to a 30-minute stressor recover more quickly and mount a stronger immune response than male counterparts. This difference may be related to the demands of motherhood, which has evolved to provide females with protection against trauma.
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.
A study published in Health Psychology found that individuals who experience larger increases in cholesterol levels due to stress are more likely to have high 'bad' cholesterol later on. The researchers identified a significant association between acute lipid stress responses and fasting lipid levels three years later.
A new study found that female rats experienced markedly increased levels of the stress hormone corticosterone compared to male rats. Chronic stress has been linked to various diseases in humans, including mental illness and autoimmune disorders, which are more prevalent among women.
Research finds that individuals with a family history of alcoholism exhibit a dysfunctional stress response prior to developing alcohol dependence, while those without a family history experience a decline after developing alcohol dependence. Low-dose alcohol consumption blocks the response to stress in both high- and low-risk groups.
A Carnegie Mellon study found that individuals displaying anger and disgust in response to stressors had lower biological responses to stress than those who displayed fear. This challenges the assumption that all negative emotions provoke the same psychological and biological reactions.
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified a messenger RNA molecule that switches from non-protein coding status to protein coding status in response to cellular stress. This 'cut and run' mechanism likely controls the expression of many genes, providing a rapid response to viral infection or other stresses.
The study reveals that proteins RPL26 and nucleolin control p53 production in response to DNA damage. Increasing p53 function may boost radiation therapy effectiveness, while reducing it could protect normal cells from oxidative stress.
Research teams from Tulane, LSU, and University of Edinburgh found that endocannabinoids play a role in regulating the neuroendocrine stress response and influencing social behavior. Endocannabinoids may have potential therapeutic applications in diseases such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.
Researchers at Public University of Navarra study the response of four grape varieties to hydric stress, finding that recovery of photosynthetic activity varies by variety. The study aims to inform suitable land irrigation policies for each variety, improving wine production.
Research found that stress before vaccination led to better immune responses and greater protection nine months later. Stress may prime the immune system for oncoming trauma, enhancing its long-term memory for antigens.
Researchers have identified a common intermediate to activate ATR in response to various forms of genotoxic stress, including UV-induced cross-links and oxidative damage. This discovery highlights the importance of proper DNA detection and response to prevent genome instability and cancer.
A study by Emory University researchers found that a sex hormone metabolite, allopregnanolone, reduces stress and anxiety in female rats. The findings suggest that progesterone may inhibit the effect of CRF on the acoustic startle response.
A Medical College of Georgia study found that individuals with higher lean body mass can better regulate their blood pressure in response to stress. This is because fitness allows the body to efficiently excrete sodium, which helps lower blood pressure back to normal.
A UCSD research team found that a specific transcription factor plays a crucial role in cells' ability to adapt to osmotic stress, which can lead to immune system dysfunction and cancer progression. The study's findings offer new possibilities for developing drugs to treat autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, and cancer.
A meta-analysis of 293 studies found that stress affects immunity in distinct ways, with short-term stress boosting natural immunity but chronic stress weakening it. Chronic stress is particularly damaging, especially for older or sick individuals, while acute time-limited stressors enhance quick energy-efficient responses.
Researchers have found that genetic variations in the GABRA6 gene contribute to individual differences in stress response. The study suggests a link between this gene polymorphism and an attenuated stress response.
Researchers found that repeated pregnancies in rats increased blood pressure response to stress and phenylephrine infusion, due to enhanced total peripheral resistance. Vascular sensitivity was also altered, with reduced compliance and sensitivity to phenylephrine.
Research reveals that stress triggers a hormonal response that modifies immune system function, leading to increased vulnerability to mental and physical diseases. Stress can create long-term damage by initiating an inflammatory state in the body, which can lead to chronic diseases such as depression and coronary artery disease.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding a natural mechanism cells use to protect themselves from stress, with potential applications for preventing motor nerve cell death. Up to 50% of nerve cell death could be prevented in mice with sciatic nerve injury using this approach.
Research at Ohio State University found that acute stress can significantly boost the immune system's response, with stressed animals showing a two-to-four times higher reaction to chemical or protein antigens. This effect was observed even after several weeks to months of re-exposure without further restraint.
A study found that patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) who have reduced cardiac output and blood volume may exhibit decreased left ventricular function. The researchers used nuclear ventriculography to assess the heart's functioning in CFS patients and healthy controls during exercise and postural stress.
Researchers found that individuals with two copies of the met form of the COMT gene had a more pronounced response to pain, while those with two copies of the val form reported less pain and fewer negative emotions. The study used PET brain imaging and controlled jaw pain to investigate the role of genetic variation in pain tolerance.
Researchers studied rapamycin's molecular action and found it blocks tumor-cell growth by triggering stress responses, stopping cell proliferation. The study identified a new type of gene regulation involving the target of rapamycin (TOR) protein.
Researchers found that pet owners had lower stress responses and fewer errors when completing mental arithmetic challenges with their pets present. In contrast, participants without pets showed higher stress levels and made more mistakes when alone or with friends/spouses.
A study published in Brain, Behavior and Immunity found that individuals experiencing cardiac reactors showed a greater immunologic response to stress, as measured by lymphocyte redistribution. This response may play a role in inflammatory diseases and heart attack.
Researchers have identified HsfA1 as a master regulator of the tomato heat stress response, playing a crucial role in protecting plants from high temperatures. Transgenic tomatoes with over-expressed HsfA1 showed increased resistance to heat stress, while those deficient in HsfA1 were more susceptible.
Research reveals that family history of hypertension is associated with exaggerated physiological responses to stress and learned maladaptive behavioral patterns. Offspring of hypertensive parents exhibit higher resting heart rates, increased blood pressure, and more negative verbal and nonverbal behaviors during stressful tasks.
A German study on mice found that genetic variations in a key stress-response gene may contribute to excessive alcohol consumption under stressful conditions. The researchers identified a specific receptor, CRH1, which is associated with increased alcohol intake in stressed mice, suggesting potential targets for preventing relapse.
Researchers discovered that hamsters have higher levels of immune cells in their bloodstream during winter months and in response to acute stress. This enhanced immune response helps the animals prepare for potential injury or infection.
Researchers are recruiting women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) to participate in a study examining hormone levels and stress response. Participants will receive useful information about their illness and potentially contribute to more effective treatment for PMDD.
Researchers found that p53 and GR interact to balance cell survival and death in response to environmental stress. JIP1 protein is crucial for activating the JNK signaling pathway, which helps neurons respond to severe hypoxic stress.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that social stress makes specific immune cells resistant to corticosterone, a hormone regulating inflammation. This resistance can lead to uncontrolled inflammation, increasing the severity of infections and tissue damage.
A study found that socially stressed mice were twice as likely to die after infection with a compound than physically stressed mice. The researchers believe social stress intensified the immune response, leading to toxic shock and organ damage.
Researchers discovered a link between plant hormone auxin and stress response, mediated by the BIG protein. The study also found that IP3 acts as a second messenger in plant cell signaling.
Researchers found that short periods of stress can enhance the immune system's response to foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. The study showed that mice with normal gamma interferon function had a more robust immune response after being stressed.
Chronic stress can cause immune system dysfunction, brain cell damage and impaired learning. Long-term alcohol exposure blunts the body's ability to respond to stress, leading to a domino-like effect on hormone release and ultimately damaging the immune system.
A Cedars-Sinai Medical Center study has discovered a molecular mechanism behind hormonal responses to stress, involving leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and its regulation of the pituitary gland. This finding provides new insights into the body's response to stress and sepsis.
Young children who lose a parent or experience poor family relationships may be more likely to develop increases in blood pressure and disruptions in hormone release later in life. Research suggests that early loss or lack of good quality family relationships may have a 'permanently' increased overall cardiovascular activity among adults.
Traumatic stress triggers an intricate response in the body's biochemical equilibrium, affecting the brain, endocrine, and immune systems. Research aims to understand this process to create more effective treatments for related disorders.
A USC/Norris study reveals how genistein suppresses the mammalian stress response, preventing cancer growth in cell cultures and animal models. This mechanism may provide insight into soy's anti-cancer effects and its potential as an effective agent.
Researchers found that a brief genetic response to heat stress can increase fruit fly lifespan at normal temperatures. The study reveals hsp70's role in moderating stress and potentially regulating aging.
Emory University researchers found that newborn rat pups who received more infantile stimulation handled stress better in adulthood, both externally and internally. The study suggests that early experiences shape the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal response to stress, which can have implications for human health.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that boosting production of the molecule arginine can restore normal blood vessel responses in people with coronary artery disease. By increasing nitric oxide production, researchers were able to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of ischemia and heart attack.