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NIH scientists link genetics to risk of high blood pressure among blacks

Researchers found 17 variants of the ARMC5 gene linked to high blood pressure among blacks, including one 'protective' variant associated with lower blood pressure. The study suggests ARMC5 may play a role in regulating blood pressure in blacks and could be related to primary aldosteronism.

Growing embryonic tissues on a chip

Scientists have developed a method to grow human embryonic stem cells in culture, mimicking the dynamic range of morphogen concentrations that tell stem cells what type of specialized cell and tissue to become. This breakthrough has potential applications in regenerative medicine, drug testing, and understanding developmental biology.

FEFU scientists likely found way to grow new teeth for patients

Researchers at Far Eastern Federal University have discovered chromophobe cells that contribute to human tooth development. The findings provide a basis for developing bioengineering therapies in dentistry and gastroenterology, potentially leading to more effective treatments with longer-lasting implants.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalInternational Journal of Applied and Fundamental Research (Международный журнал прикладных и фундаментальных исследований)·DateJun 27, 2019

Life-threatening birth complication rate increasing across US racial, ethnic groups

A recent NIH-funded analysis of California hospital records found a significant increase in severe maternal morbidity among US women from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. The study revealed substantial disparities in life-threatening birth complications, with non-Hispanic black women facing the highest rates.

Probiotics are not always 'good bacteria'

Researchers used human organ-on-a-chip technology to investigate the mechanism of disease development and found that probiotics can cause more harm than good when the gut barrier is compromised. The study confirms that intestinal barrier disruption is the onset initiator of gut inflammation, a key factor in many diseases.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2018

Want to help your child succeed in school? Add language to the math, reading mix

A University of Washington-led study reveals that children's language skills are the strongest predictor of their future academic success, including better performance in math, reading and social areas. The study found that language skills, such as vocabulary and grammar, can provide a foundation for social interaction, executive funct...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateMay 17, 2018

Like babies, eggs send signals when 'hungry'

Researchers at McGill University Health Centre found that the egg sends signals to surrounding cells to construct and multiply feeding tubes, a dynamic process essential for growth. This discovery highlights the egg's sophisticated communication skills and its active role in creating the microenvironment it needs to develop.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 9, 2018

A third of young adults have ridden with an impaired driver, NIH analysis suggests

A third of recent high school graduates have ridden in a motor vehicle with a substance-impaired driver, according to a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health. The study found that 23% of young adults had ridden with marijuana-impaired drivers, while 20% had ridden with alcohol-impaired drivers.

Bullying based on stigma has especially damaging effects

A recent study by University of Delaware professors found that while interventions for stigma-based bullying have increased, their implementation and evaluation need improvement. The researchers suggest increasing the capacity of school health professionals to address LGBTQ bullying and developing strategies to reduce stereotypes and p...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalDevelopmental Review·DateMar 8, 2018

Moms who co-sleep beyond six months may feel more depressed, judged

Research finds that mothers who continue to co-sleep with their babies past six months are more likely to feel depressed, criticized, and anxious about their baby's sleep. Despite the trend to discourage co-sleeping, experts emphasize the importance of finding a sleep arrangement that works for everyone in the family.

SourcePenn State·JournalInfant and Child Development·DateFeb 28, 2018

Alexa, how do word senses evolve?

A team of researchers identified an algorithm called 'nearest-neighbor chaining' that describes how word senses accumulate over time. The study analyzed 1,000 years of English development and found that new word senses emerge through an efficient mechanism that expresses new ideas via a compact set of words.

SourceLehigh University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2018