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Investigational drug restores parathyroid function in rare disease

A clinical trial has shown that an investigational drug, encaleret, can restore parathyroid function and normalize blood calcium levels in people with autosomal dominant hypocalcemia type 1. The treatment was effective in restoring every participant's blood calcium level to normal within 24 weeks.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 13, 2023

Software developed at UC Davis analyzes calcium ‘sparks’ that can contribute to arrhythmia

Researchers at UC Davis have developed SparkMaster2, an open-source software that analyzes normal and abnormal calcium activity in human cells. The tool can identify calcium sparks associated with irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmia, enabling better understanding of the underlying biology.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCirculation Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 1, 2023

Light-activated molecular machines get cells ‘talking’

Rice University scientists use light-activated molecular machines to trigger intercellular calcium signals, revealing a powerful new strategy for controlling cellular activity. The technology could lead to improved treatments for people with heart problems, digestive issues, and more.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

Pusan National University researchers develop new adsorbent for removing radioactive cesium ions from nuclear wastewater

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a new adsorbent that utilizes problematic protons in acidic wastewater to enhance the removal of radioactive cesium ions. The adsorbent, potassium calcium thiostannate, shows improved capacity under strongly acidic conditions.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2023

Mitochondrial ultrastructure regulated by calcium sensor, scientists at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University discover

Researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine found that calcium sensor MICU1 regulates mitochondrial ultrastructure, governing inner and outer mitochondrial membrane structure. This discovery provides a framework for understanding cellular energetics and cell death, with implications for diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalScience Signaling·DateMay 10, 2023

Does weight loss surgery harm adolescents’ bones?

A study found that sleeve gastrectomy decreases bone mineral density and strength in adolescents and young adults. Participants who underwent weight loss surgery lost significant amounts of weight and experienced reductions in abdominal fat tissue and muscle mass.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateApr 19, 2023

Calcium sensor helps us to see the stars

Researchers from PSI deciphered the structure of an ion channel found in the eye while interacting with calmodulin, a protein that enables cell response to calcium fluctuations. This interaction is believed to be responsible for achieving remarkable sensitivity to dim light.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Pusan National University researchers use calcium materials to reduce arsenic availability in agricultural soil

A team of researchers from Pusan National University evaluated the efficacy of calcite and phosphogypsum in reducing arsenate ions' availability for crops. Phosphogypsum was found to be more effective in immobilizing arsenic in soil due to a substitution mechanism involving sulfate and hydrogen arsenate ions.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Molecular machines could treat fungal infections

Researchers at Rice University have developed light-activated nanoscale drills that can kill pathogenic fungi, providing a potential new treatment option for fungal infections. The molecular machines target the mitochondria of fungal cells, disrupting cellular metabolism and leading to cell death.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Early humans: Annual cycles in tooth enamel provide insights into life histories

Researchers analyzed ancient teeth from Homo erectus and great apes to reveal annual cycles in tooth enamel, providing insights into their diets and seasonal food supplies. The study shows that humans and great apes had distinct dietary patterns, with humans exhibiting less pronounced peaks and lower Sr/Ca values.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2023

Portable and affordable all-optical system for testing lab-on-a-chip human hearts

Researchers have developed a novel portable and low-cost macroscopic mapping system for all-optical cardiac electrophysiology using optogenetics and machine vision cameras. The system can stimulate and image engineered networks of human heart cells, providing insights into cardiac wave function and stability.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJan 11, 2023

Vitamin D deficiency increases risk of losing muscle strength by 78%

Researchers found that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of dynapenia, an age-associated loss of muscle strength, by 70-78%. Vitamin D supplementation was shown to reduce this risk. The study analyzed data from over 3,000 individuals aged 50 and over, highlighting the importance of vitamin D for maintaining muscle strength.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCalcified Tissue International·DateDec 13, 2022

Calcifying organisms, under threat from a combination of ocean warming and acidification

A new study reveals that global warming and ocean acidification are threatening marine organisms with calcium carbonate skeletons, such as corals and sea urchins. The researchers found a clear pattern showing that species with high levels of magnesium in their skeletons become more common with warmer seawater temperatures.

SourceInstitut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC)·JournalEcography·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 28, 2022

Catch a break: Higher vitamin K intake linked to lower bone fracture risk late in life

A long-term study found that eating more than 100 micrograms of vitamin K1 daily reduced the risk of fractures and hospitalizations by 31-49%. Dark leafy vegetables and one-to-two serves of vegetables are recommended for optimal benefits. Vitamin K1 has been shown to enhance cardiovascular health and promote bone health.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalFood & Function·TypeObservational study·DateNov 27, 2022

Chinese researchers reveal SERCA2a as a molecular link between insulin resistance and the early pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy

A recent study published in Life Metabolism found that impaired phosphorylation of SERCA2a plays a bidirectional role in myocardial insulin resistance, dysregulation of calcium homeostasis, and the early stages of DCM. This mechanism involves the regulation of protein stability and insulin receptor maturation.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Supplemental calcium taken daily can limit early on-set of osteoporosis in children with severe asthma, National Jewish Research finds

Children with severe asthma are at risk of bone loss due to inadequate dietary calcium. Taking a daily calcium supplement can help prevent this condition. Researchers found that only 5-10% of children at the study site were taking a calcium supplement, highlighting the need for increased awareness and supplementation.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 15, 2000