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How long ring fingers can point to a love of alcohol

A new study by Swansea University researchers found a relationship between high alcohol consumption and long ring fingers compared to index fingers. The study used a sample of 258 university students and revealed that high prenatal testosterone relative to oestrogen is linked to high alcohol consumption in men, but not women.

SourceSwansea University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 26, 2024

Unlocking the secrets of plant steroid hormones: the yin and yang of diosgenin and brassinosteroids

Researchers have constructed a regulatory network showing how diosgenin and brassinosteroids balance each other in Dioscorea zingiberensis, offering new insights into plant secondary metabolism. The study provides evidence of homeostasis and regulatory mechanisms for these vital compounds.

Genome-wide methylation, transcriptome and metabolite reveal the balance between diosgenin and brassinosteroids in Dioscorea zingiberensis by Jialu Li lab in Wuhan University

The study identified genes and transcription factors involved in the balance process of diosgenin and brassinosteroids in Dioscorea zingiberensis. CAS and CYP90s play a pivotal role in sterol homeostasis, suggesting a new perspective on regulatory networks.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Steroid drugs used for HRT can combat E. coli and MRSA

Researchers from the University of Kent have identified steroid drugs used for hormone replacement therapy that can stop the growth of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and effectively kill MRSA. These findings suggest an alternative to conventional antibiotics, providing a potential solution to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 13, 2024

Anabolic steroid use can increase heart disease risk

A new study has found that anabolic steroid use can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation in individuals with existing genetic predisposition to heart diseases. Researchers discovered that testosterone and other male sex hormones used for muscle building can lead to electrical problems in the heart, particularly in young men.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Why does puberty trigger us to stop growing?

New research from University of Illinois Chicago identifies a potential 'stop growing' switch triggered by steroid hormone ecdysone in fruit flies, which may relate to human puberty. The study's findings have implications for understanding the growth-stopping process in humans, particularly given recent changes in puberty onset.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2023

Aldosterone linked to increased risk of chronic kidney disease progression and end-stage kidney disease

Higher aldosterone concentrations are associated with lower eGFR, lower potassium levels in blood, and higher potassium and protein concentrations in urine. The risk of CKD worsening was independent of diabetes status. Finerenone may help prevent CKD progression by targeting aldosterone's action.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2022

Mutant mice shed no tears

A study led by Kyoto University researchers found that modulating hormone levels can improve meibomian gland disorder, a common cause of dry eyes. Topical administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) boosted NAD levels and rebooted 3-HSD activity in mutant mice, alleviating dryness.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022

Atomic insights into plant growth

A team of scientists has discovered that a specific helper protein is necessary for a plant membrane receptor to sense and respond to a growth-promoting steroid hormone. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying plant growth, with potential applications in basic research and synthetic chemistry.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2013

USADA's chief science officer publishes editorial on anti-dope testing in sport: History and science

The editorial discusses the evolution of doping scandals from ancient times to modern-day sports, highlighting the need for continuous innovation in detection methods. Bowers emphasizes the importance of analytical skills, pharmacokinetics, and human physiology in preventing abuse in sport.

Control gene for developmental timing discovered

University of Alberta researchers identified a key regulator controlling the speed of development in fruit flies. Blocking this regulator sped up development, leading to faster maturation. The study defines a novel mechanism for regulating steroid hormone pulses, crucial for human health and disease.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 28, 2011