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The unexpected benefits of fat in type 2 diabetes

Researchers at UNIGE found that fat can aid pancreatic beta cells in adapting to excess sugar levels. The study reveals a dynamic cycle of fat storage and mobilization allows cells to maintain near-normal insulin secretion. Regular physical activity may help give this beneficial cycle a chance to be active.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalDiabetologia·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Growing droplets in the matrix

The study assesses how temperature influences droplet size in elastic matrices, providing insights into biological molecule arrangement and condensate formation. It also explores the role of phase separation and its effect on droplet growth.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2021

Van Andel Institute, Maine Medical Center Research Institute scientists earn $9.6 million Transformative Research Award from National Institutes of Health

Researchers will investigate the genetic and epigenetic factors controlling variation in health, with potential implications for combating cancer, obesity, and other diseases. The team aims to identify new sets of disease-related genes, delineate subtypes of disease, and understand the complex interaction between genetics and epigenetics.

Convergent mechanism of aging discovered

Researchers have discovered folate metabolism as a common mechanism underlying aging and lifespan extension across different species. The study found that altering folate metabolism increases lifespan in worms and mice by up to 30 percent, suggesting a potential new approach to improving human health during aging.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 2021

Cell diversity in the embryo

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics discovered that epigenetic regulators control the development of different tissues and organs in early mouse embryos. By analyzing thousands of individual cells, they found that specific regulators have unique functions in every cell, making them difficult to study.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateAug 4, 2020

Structural and functional mechanisms of a new class of bacterial sigma/anti-sigma factors revealed

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences uncovered the structural and functional mechanism of SigI/RsgI factors, a new class of σ/anti-σ factors responsible for regulating cellulosomes in Clostridia and Bacilli. The study reveals a unique complex structure and critical recognition specificity among different pairs of proteins.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMay 19, 2019

Lure of the 'loot box' looks a lot like gambling

A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found a correlation between excessive engagement with loot boxes and measures of problem gambling, but not problem video gaming. Loot box use was associated with risky gambling behaviours, suggesting that the feature may be contributing to gambling-like problems in gamers.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateMay 1, 2019

The role of vitamin D in a healthy pregnancy

A new review suggests that vitamin D may play an integral part in the induction and regulation of critical immune tolerance in early pregnancy. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased risk of recurrent pregnancy loss.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal Of Reproductive Immunology·DateJun 20, 2018

How do bacteria adapt?

Researchers developed a model that explains how bacteria adapt to environmental changes, such as temperature and nutrient availability. The study found that the adaptation mechanism is based on a global strategy for redistributing resources, which allows bacteria to survive in fluctuating environments.

Overcoming egocentricity increases self-control

A recent study found that redirecting attention to future needs increases self-control, a mechanism previously thought to be solely governed by the prefrontal cortex. The research suggests that the temporo-parietal junction plays a crucial role in both social interactions and self-controlled decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 19, 2016

Un-junking junk DNA

A study led by UC San Diego scientists reveals a new way in which RNA-binding proteins govern regulated gene expression, expanding potential targets for therapies. The discovery challenges existing models and has implications for the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders and certain cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 10, 2013

Uncovering the genome's regulatory code

A team of researchers developed an automated system to map protein-DNA interactions, uncovering a hierarchical structure for the regulatory code. They found that regulatory factors can be classified into three levels, with each tier governing cell type, sub-identity and specialized gene expression.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateSep 9, 2012

Don't worry, be happy – understanding mindfulness meditation

Research suggests that mindfulness meditation can have wide-ranging effects on well-being, including improved immune function and reduced blood pressure. A new framework approach explains the mechanisms of mindfulness by identifying four key components: attention regulation, body awareness, emotion regulation, and sense of self.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateOct 31, 2011

Restaurant inspections -- public perceptions vs. reality

A study found that consumers have misconceptions about restaurant inspection frequency and scores. While most respondents believed restaurants were inspected regularly, many overestimated the frequency and importance of inspections. The industry must work with public health departments to improve understanding of inspection scores and ...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 29, 2008

Breakthrough in plant research

Scientists at the University of Helsinki and the University of California have discovered a gene regulating carbon dioxide uptake and water evaporation in plants. This gene helps develop drought-tolerant crops, addressing climate change's impact on global food production.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2008

Penn researchers discover new molecular path to fight autoimmune diseases

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a mechanism to modify enzymes that stabilize immune regulatory cells, improving their function and preventing autoimmune diseases. The findings offer a new approach to treating multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and arthritis by targeting faulty white blood cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2007

Patients complain more about paperwork than care

A recent study published in the Milbank Quarterly found that patients are more likely to complain about administrative issues related to their health plans, rather than problems with medical care. The study revealed that patients who complained were five times more likely to have their concerns successfully resolved.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateJan 2, 2003