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Breathing without brakes

University of Connecticut researchers found that Rett syndrome symptoms are caused by a lack of dopamine in the carotid body, leading to unstable breathing. This discovery may lead to new treatments for Rett syndrome and other diseases involving dopamine imbalance.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2026

Pennington Biomedical researchers explore factors behind body’s ability to regulate weight

Pennington Biomedical researchers investigated competing body weight regulation models, analyzing the interaction of energy intake and expenditure. The study highlights the need to test state-of-the-art technology and could help explain why losing weight is challenging for some individuals.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 13, 2026

Researchers identify Tapt1 gene as essential maintainer of protein synthesis and brain development

Researchers have identified Tapt1 as a key gene in maintaining the balance between protein synthesis and degradation, crucial for normal brain development. The study reveals that Tapt1, along with its partner Suco, ensures proper neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2025

From cellular balance to clinical breakthroughs: a comprehensive review of ROS homeostasis

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis is essential for cellular survival and physiological functions. The review discusses its biological significance, potential clinical applications, and regulatory mechanisms underlying ROS homeostasis. Dysregulation of ROS homeostasis is a common pathogenic mechanism driving disease development.

New insights into cholesterol metabolism regulation illuminate therapies for cardiometabolic and neurodegenerative diseases

Recent discoveries on the molecular regulation of cholesterol metabolism have far-reaching implications for human diseases. Four interconnected modules of cholesterol metabolism are outlined, including hepatic de novo synthesis, intestinal absorption, and reverse transport via HDL.

Study links shift work to higher risk of kidney stones, influenced by lifestyle factors

A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that shift workers have a 15% higher risk of developing kidney stones, especially younger workers and those with low levels of manual labor. Lifestyle factors such as BMI, fluid intake, and smoking habits significantly contribute to the occurrence of kidney stones.

SourceElsevier·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 1, 2025

Experts urge shift in heatwave strategy to save lives

Heat-related deaths are projected to rise four-fold by 2050 if global temperatures reach 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Experts recommend a physiology-based approach that focuses on hot people, using tools like HeatWatch, to enhance heat adaptation and minimize carbon intensity.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 6, 2025

The aquaporin-4 inhibitor, N-(1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-3-pyridinecarboxamide, inhibits the glymphatic system

A study investigated the effects of N-(1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-3-pyridinecarboxamide (TGN-020), a selective AQP4 inhibitor, on glymphatic function. The results showed that acute inhibition of AQP4 significantly impaired glymphatic function without inducing short-term behavioral abnormalities in mice.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalExploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine·DateDec 20, 2024

The imbalance of homeostasis in neutrophil extracellular traps is associated with portal vein thrombosis in patients with decompensated cirrhosis

Researchers found that imbalances in neutrophil extracellular traps are associated with portal vein thrombosis in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. High histone-DNA levels and low DNase activity were identified as independent risk factors for PVT.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateNov 11, 2024

Study shows that Rett syndrome in females is not just less severe, but different

Researchers found that female mouse models of Rett syndrome have a mosaic-like distribution of cells expressing wild-type and mutant MeCP2 protein, leading to dysregulated genes. The study also discovered an unusual disease progression, with females having more dysregulated genes at the pre-symptomatic stage than later on.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

New research shows how important protein keeps our cell membranes in balance

A study published in Nature Communications sheds light on the critical role of P4-ATPases, particularly ATP8B1-CDC50A, in maintaining lipid asymmetry in cell membranes. The research team used cryo-electron microscopy to determine the structure and function of the human flippase complex, revealing its regulation by phosphoinositides.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2023

AMP biosynthesis key to longevity and metabolic health in vertebrates

A recent study led by Dr. Itamar Harel reveals that manipulating AMP biosynthesis can extend lifespan and promote metabolic health in vertebrates. The research used the turquoise killifish as a model organism and found remarkable effects on energy metabolism, including a fasting-like profile and enhanced resistance to high-fat diets.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

Cited1 links sex and metabolic hormones to protect against obesity

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich discovered a new protein called Cited1 that plays a crucial role in regulating energy homeostasis and sensitivity to satiety hormones. The study found that females are better protected against obesity due to their higher levels of estrogens, which regulate energy metabolism through the hypothalamus.

Flip-flopping cholesterol in the cell membrane

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a vital role of two proteins, ABCA1 and Aster-A, in maintaining the asymmetric distribution of cholesterol within cells. This process allows for selective control over substances entering and leaving cells.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Aging | IGF1 gene therapy in middle-aged female rats delays reproductive senescence through its effects on hypothalamic GnRH and kisspeptin neurons

Researchers found that IGF1 gene therapy increases kisspeptin expression and GnRH release, and alters microglial cell numbers, suggesting a potential protective effect against reproductive decline. This could lead to new strategies for optimizing lifespan and combating age-related health problems in women.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Double agents: How stomach stem cells change allegiance upon injury

A molecular switch, p57, enables stomach stem cells to change allegiance from normal digestion to injury response, potentially leading to new treatments for gastric pathologies. The study's findings suggest that p57 is a key regulator of reserve stem cell state in gastric chief cells.

Bat box design, placement matter for energy balance in endangered bats

Research finds that bat box design and landscape placement significantly impact the energetic balance of endangered Indiana bats. A study by University of Illinois researchers tested five bat box designs and four landscape placements to determine their effects on bat metabolism, development, and survival.

New clues about how a high-salt diet contributes to cardiometabolic diseases found deep in the brain

A new study suggests that a high-salt diet can lead to the hyperactivity of brain cells, resulting in increased constriction of blood vessels and worsening of cardiometabolic diseases. The research also found that excessive salt consumption can trigger an unusual response in which neurons become more active despite reduced blood flow.

No time to nap in nature

A study on wild baboons reveals that they prioritize socializing and safety over sleep, even after poor sleep quality. The research used non-invasive technology to monitor sleep patterns across a group of individuals, showing that animals in the wild face competing demands that disrupt sleep homeostasis.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2022