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Shifting the balance between good fat and bad fat

Sanford-Burnham researchers discover that protein p62 plays a crucial role in balancing metabolism in fat tissue. When p62 is missing, the body's metabolic balance shifts towards 'bad' white fat and away from 'good' brown fat. This finding indicates that p62 could be an attractive target for new therapies aimed at curbing obesity.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 4, 2013

Extra treatment during prolapse repair reduces incontinence rate

A study funded by the NIH found that surgery to support the urethra with a sling reduces incontinence rate, but carries risk of complications such as difficulty emptying bladder and urinary tract infection. The study suggests considering potential benefits and risks when deciding whether to have second procedure at same time as first.

Scientists turn patients' skin cells into heart muscle cells to repair their damaged hearts

Researchers have successfully reprogrammed skin cells from elderly heart failure patients into healthy, beating heart muscle cells that can integrate with existing heart tissue. The study uses human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to repair damaged hearts, offering a potential new treatment option for heart failure patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMay 22, 2012

Extreme cold good for exercise recovery

Whole-body cryotherapy outperforms far-infrared radiation and no treatment in enhancing post-exercise recovery for well-trained runners. Three cryotherapy sessions over 48 hours accelerated recovery more than other methods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 7, 2011

Diseased hearts to heal themselves in future

Researchers identify oncostatin M as a key player in the self-healing powers of the heart, allowing damaged heart muscle cells to reversion and produce new cells. This discovery holds promise for treating heart disease, but further research is needed to pinpoint the precise window of application.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 11, 2011

Race to nerve regeneration: faster is better

A team of researchers identified a way to speed up the growth of damaged nerves, restoring muscle function in injured mice. The study suggests that increasing nerve growth rates may enhance functional recovery in patients with peripheral nerve damage.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 3, 2011

A lab rat -- created in the lab

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have created lab-grown tissues from fat, skin, bone, and muscle cells, reducing the need for animal trials in pharmaceutical and medical research. This breakthrough technology has the potential to spare hundreds of animal lives and improve scientific efficiency.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalTissue Engineering·DateApr 13, 2010

Major improvements made in engineering heart repair patches from stem cells

University of Washington researchers have made significant improvements in engineering heart repair patches from stem cells, connecting to rodents' heart circulation with pre-formed blood vessels. The new patches successfully delivered rat blood to the transplanted graft, showing remarkable viability and functional capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2009

Scavenger birds chew the fat

A study found that bearded vultures choose bones with the highest fat content for their consumption and delivery to their young. This finding has significant implications for conservation efforts, as it suggests that providing the most nutritious bones in feeding programs can aid in the expansion and breeding of this endangered species.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateSep 8, 2008

Medical breakthrough for organ transplants and cardiovascular diseases by Flemish researchers

Researchers connected to the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven have been able to prevent muscular tissue with severe hypoxia from dying, enabling new therapeutic possibilities for heart attacks, strokes, and organ preservation. They discovered that a metabolic shift allows muscles to use less oxygen in safer manner.

MRE could provide a definitive diagnosis for people with muscle pain, Mayo Clinic study shows

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new imaging technology called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) that can provide images of affected muscles with greater clarity than traditional MRI. This technology measures tissue elasticity and can detect abnormal hardening of tissues, which is a hallmark of myofascial pain syndrome.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateNov 29, 2007

A molecular map for aging in mice

Researchers created a molecular map of aging in mice by analyzing gene expression changes in 16 different tissues. The study found that different tissues exhibit distinct patterns of aging, suggesting three separate clocks for aging, and that some pathways are shared with human aging.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 28, 2007

Erectile dysfunction drugs may trump nitroglycerin for heart protection

Researchers found that erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra and Levitra can reduce heart damage after a heart attack, while nitroglycerin failed to offer similar protection. The study suggests these drugs may have potential as adjunct therapy for patients undergoing high-risk procedures or experiencing cardiac arrest.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateMar 2, 2007