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New discovery explains antihypertensive properties of green and black tea

A new study from the University of California, Irvine shows that compounds in both green and black tea relax blood vessels by activating ion channel proteins in the blood vessel wall. The discovery helps explain the antihypertensive properties of tea and could lead to the design of new blood pressure-lowering medications.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCellular Physiology and Biochemistry·DateMar 8, 2021

Cells are collective thinkers

Researchers discovered that cells use active perception to coordinate action when creating new tissue. They found that filopodia movement helps inform a decision by detecting signals in the environment.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 8, 2021

New insight into neovessel formation shows promise in future treatment of cardiovascular diseases

A new study by researchers at the University of Eastern Finland provides novel insight into the previously unknown effects of factors regulating blood vessel formation. Bone morphogenetic factor 6, BMP6, is shown to regulate blood vessel formation via vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and Hippo signalling pathway.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAngiogenesis·DateOct 14, 2020

Discovery of an essential protein controlling brain blood vessel development and functions

Researchers at National University of Singapore discovered a critical protein, MFSD7c, in blood vessel cells that controls brain growth and development. The study found that loss of this protein causes microcephaly and neuronal cell death, highlighting the need for better understanding of essential nutrients required for brain health.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 5, 2020

Scientists identify cause of leakiness in eye diseases

Researchers discovered a key mechanism behind eye vessel leakiness in diseases like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. By targeting this specific step, they hope to develop new treatments that can selectively block leak-inducing effects without harming nerve and blood-vessel cells.

SourceeLife·DateApr 21, 2020

Ear's inner secrets revealed with new technology

Scientists have developed a new technology to study the inner ear using synchrotron X-rays, providing insights into cochlear implant success. The method allows for three-dimensional mapping of blood vessels in the inner ear, which may lead to improved electrode design and better hearing results.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 9, 2020

NIH researchers successfully stop blood vessel, tumor growth in mice

Researchers at the NIH have successfully stopped tumor growth and blood vessel formation in mice by targeting enzymes that recycle phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate. By blocking these enzymes, tumors were unable to replenish the molecule needed for new blood vessel growth, ultimately reducing tumor size and growth.

Building a better breast

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new method for mapping out blood vessels before surgery to minimize the risk of complications in single breast reconstruction. The team found that this approach reduced fat necrosis by 2.7% compared to traditional methods, resulting in improved outcomes and breast shapes.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Reconstructive Microsurgery·DateFeb 4, 2020

JUUL delivers substantially more nicotine than previous generation e-cigs and cigarettes

A new study by UCSF researchers found that JUUL delivers significantly higher levels of nicotine to the bloodstream compared to previous-generation e-cigarettes and cigarettes. The study also revealed that JUUL impairs blood vessel function similarly to cigarette smoke, which can have severe cardiovascular consequences.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalTobacco Regulatory Science·DateJan 6, 2020

Using a chip to find better cancer fighting drugs

Kyoto University researchers have developed a new 'tumor-on-a-chip' device that can better mimic the environment inside the body. The device allows for the growth of tumor cells and blood vessels in three dimensions, enabling scientists to test potential cancer fighting drugs more effectively.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBiomaterials·DateDec 20, 2019

Inhibiting a protease could improve the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine suggests that blocking the protease MT1-MMP could protect the vasculature in the inflamed gut and reduce severity of colitis. The research found that inhibiting this protease could have potential clinical implications, including identifying biomarkers for mild IBD.

Here's something that will raise your blood pressure

Researchers found that activating the apelin receptor led to increased blood pressure due to vasoconstriction, a process also affected by the α1A-adrenergic receptor. The study suggests a coordinated mechanism controlling blood vessel contraction and may support therapy development for vascular stenosis and vasospasm.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalThe Journal of Biochemistry·DateNov 1, 2019