Researchers studied cockroach behavior to develop faster robots, finding that mechanical changes can overcome nervous system limitations. Cockroach antennae bend in response to rough surfaces, allowing for stable navigation during high-speed maneuvers.
Eve Marder's pioneering work in understanding the nervous system has helped redefine how we think about neurons and their capabilities. Her research using crustaceans has also shed light on conditions like depression, showing that imbalances in neuromodulation are key factors.
Scientists confirm that an infection can trigger an autoimmune disease by identifying the exact conditions for an autoantibody response to occur. The research reveals a unique problem with the immune system's ability to distinguish between self and non-self, leading to autoimmunity in certain cases.
Researchers at MIT's Research Laboratory of Electronics found that a logarithmic scale is optimal for minimizing relative error in human sensory perception and memory. This aligns with natural human instinct to represent numbers logarithmically, particularly when storing data in memory or compressing stimuli.
A study of 400 patients found that 20.3% met the criteria for chemical intolerance, a condition characterized by sensitivity to common substances. Patients with chemical intolerance often experience multi-system symptoms and may need to avoid certain chemicals, foods, or medical prescriptions to manage their condition.
A molecular imaging study shows that ASV can improve cardiac function, exercise capacity, and sympathetic nerve activity in patients with congestive heart failure. The therapy was found to be just as effective as conservative treatments in reducing symptoms and improving overall health.
Researchers used mathematics and engineering to study 19 species of Conus sea snails, generating a model that estimates ancestral shell pigmentation patterns and identifies rapidly evolving parameters. The study provides an indirect way to study the evolution of simple nervous systems.
A new study by University of Bristol researchers found that racehorses can adapt rapidly to changes in the daily light-dark cycle, leading to improved physical performance. The horses were able to run at full gallop for an additional 25 seconds before reaching fatigue after experiencing a shift in their 24-hour light-dark cycle.
Researchers found that ghrelin hormone is required for prolonged psychosocial stress to promote preference and intake of high-fat food in mice. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic targets for curbing stress-related food behavior.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have discovered a biologically-inspired method to organize wireless sensor networks and distributed computing applications. Inspired by the fruit fly's nervous system, a new algorithm has been developed that can efficiently deploy sensors without advance knowledge of their connections.
The American Academy of Neurology calls for athletes suspected of having a concussion to be removed from play until evaluation by a trained physician. This recommendation aims to prevent catastrophic results and promote high-quality, safe care for athletes in contact sports.
Researchers aim to create more effective aerial vehicles by studying how animals sense their surroundings, enabling them to navigate in low-light conditions and around moving objects. The project seeks to balance short-term navigation with long-term goals, such as reaching a final destination.
Biologists at TUM have discovered mini-inflammations in the gut mucosa that upset the balance of the bowel and cause IBS symptoms. The team's research suggests that treating IBS with antihistamines may improve symptoms by normalizing nerve activity. Successful identification of physical causes could lead to effective treatments for IBS.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered that water increases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, raising alertness, blood pressure, and energy expenditure. Drinking water may also reduce fainting responses in blood donors by 20 percent, according to the study.
Researchers found that the nervous system controls regulatory T cells, which help end an immune response, and that breaking this link can lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases like lupus and arthritis. The study shows that stress from everyday events like seeing family around the holidays can negatively affect the immune system.
A new approach to medical practice that incorporates the interactions between human genetics, environment and behavior could result in more precise diagnosis, earlier intervention and individualized care. However, concerns around data protection, sociolegal implications and economic costs must be addressed.
A study found that even low levels of lead in children's blood can increase vascular resistance and decrease aldosterone levels, which may predispose them to hypertension. The researchers also discovered increased sympathetic nervous system activity during rest and a paradoxical depression of this response during stressful tasks.
Heidelberg researchers use cryo-electron tomography to visualize the structure of Lyme disease bacteria, revealing differences in motility systems that may explain varying symptoms between European and North American patients. The study provides new insights into the complex biology of borreliosis and potential therapeutic targets.
A comprehensive analysis confirms that Placozoans are the most primitive non-bilateral animals, with a genome that shares key tools for nervous system development. This challenges traditional views of animal evolution, placing Placozoans as the closest living surrogate to the ancestor of all animals.
A new spinal deformity classification system has been developed to define the range of normalcy for spine alignment. The system, published in Neurosurgery, uses a systematic approach to define neutral upright spinal alignment across different age groups.
A new global evaluation system for neuroblastoma has been recommended to improve treatment outcomes for children. The system, developed by the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group, will enable quicker identification of optimal treatments and facilitate clinical research.
Vasovagal syncope is a common emergency situation in dental offices, characterized by loss of consciousness and muscle tone. Patients experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or pain may have an underlying cause that can lead to a life-threatening situation.
Researchers discovered that a naturally occurring gene mutation in worms leads to reduced sensitivity to alcohol's effects, enabling the body to consume more without adverse reactions. The study suggests potential applications in identifying individuals with a predisposition to alcoholism.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have shown that the nervous system of the minuscule worm Caenorhabditis elegans induces a change in its susceptibility to bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. By manipulating the secretion patterns of nerve cells, they identified a particular molecule that binds to receptors i...
A recent study by Ohio University researchers found that women's muscles require longer and more intensive rehabilitation after bed rest and cast immobilization. Women lose around 30% less muscle strength within one week of cast removal compared to men, suggesting different rates of muscular strength-building may be the cause.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine identify adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) as a central organizer of neuronal cholinergic synapse assembly. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms directing synapse formation, potentially shedding new insights into learning and memory disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and schi...
A new system has been developed to classify rare lung diseases in infants, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The system groups various lung diseases into distinct categories, allowing pathologists to diagnose children's lung disease more accurately.
Researchers discovered genes in a sea sponge that resemble those found in human synapses, suggesting the nervous system evolved earlier than previously thought. The study reveals that sponges have genetic components of synapses, indicating they may have interacted with each other similarly to humans and mice.
Researchers found significant clues to the evolutionary origins of the nervous system by studying the genome of a sea sponge, a group considered ancient. The discovery pushes back the origins of genetic components to at or before the first animals.
The American Academy of Neurology has published a new guideline for treating Lyme disease affecting the nervous system, finding conventional antibiotic courses highly effective. Prolonged antibiotic treatment does not improve outcomes for patients with persistent symptoms after standard therapy.
A study in Wales found that four out of five head lice are resistant to common treatments, raising concerns about the effectiveness of existing methods. The authors suggest a newer silicone-based lotion as an alternative where resistance develops.
Researchers are developing bionic implants that mimic original functions, surpassing the power of natural organs. Digital humans walk across computer screens, revealing complex interplay of muscles and bones, while wearable robotic systems turn wearers into super-strong individuals.
Research demonstrates that the sympathetic nervous system mediates bone resorption through a receptor on bone cells, which is required for osteoporosis development. Preventing this effect could lead to the prevention of osteoporosis. Drugs like beta blockers show promise in reducing fractures and may be repurposed to target bone health.
The US physician workforce faces significant downsizing, with 17 specialties needing reductions of at least 40%. To maintain current ratios, 14,644 new physicians are required annually, while 7 specialties remain unaffected.