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The seat of meta-consciousness in the brain

Researchers have identified a specific cortical network in the brain that becomes active when lucid dreamers become aware of their dreaming state. This network, including the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and frontopolar regions, is associated with self-reflective functions and has been linked to consciousness development.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalSLEEP·DateJul 27, 2012

Special issue of Cell Transplantation features research presented at IANR

A special issue of Cell Transplantation features studies on clinical translational medicine for successful neurorestoration in human patients with various neurological conditions. The field of neurorestoratology aims to optimize regimes and develop treatment guidelines through the integration of current methods.

Concordia welcomes 4 new Vanier scholars

Four Concordia PhD candidates have secured Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships to conduct groundbreaking research in various fields. Brigitte Desharnais will investigate metabolizing enzymes in the liver to determine drug-related deaths, while Matthew Keough will study stress and alcohol use in young adults.

Racial make-up of community impacts obesity risk

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that community racial and ethnic composition affects obesity rates, with Hispanic communities associated with a 21% higher obesity rate and non-Hispanic whites with a 23% higher rate. In contrast, communities with high concentrations of non-Hispanic Asians saw lower obesi...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 27, 2012

EMBO Gold Medal 2012 awarded to Jiri Friml

Jiri Friml received the EMBO Gold Medal for his groundbreaking research on auxin transport and gradient formation in plants, which has significant implications for plant development and agriculture. His work provides a basis for targeted engineering to develop plants that produce higher yields or are more resistant to drought.

SourceEMBO·DateJun 27, 2012

Virtual colonoscopy without laxative equals standard in identifying clinically significant polyps

A new method of virtual colonoscopy, administered without laxatives, has been shown to be as accurate as conventional colonoscopy in detecting potentially cancerous polyps. The procedure uses a CT scanner and a tagging agent to identify polyps, and was found to detect clinically significant polyps with 91% accuracy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 14, 2012

Calorie-restricted diet keeps heart young

Researchers found that people who restrict their caloric intake for seven years have better heart rate variability, a measure of the heart's ability to adapt to physical activity and stress. This is associated with improved cardiovascular health and may indicate a longer lifespan.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAging Cell·DateJun 5, 2012

Do low-carb diets damage the kidneys?

A low-carbohydrate high-protein diet has been found to be safe for healthy obese patients' kidney function and fluid balance, unlike a low-fat diet. However, additional studies are needed to evaluate its effects in individuals with pre-existing kidney disease or other health conditions.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 31, 2012

Suspicion resides in 2 regions of the brain

Researchers discovered a strong correlation between the amygdala and baseline distrust, which may be based on a person's beliefs about trustworthiness. The parahippocampal gyrus lit up when others' behavior aroused suspicion, acting like an inborn lie detector.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2012

New journal on disruptive science and technology launched by Mary Ann Liebert Inc. publishers

The inaugural issue of Disruptive Science and Technology explores new paradigms in scientific publishing, treatments for sepsis, and temperature regulation, among other topics. The journal provides a custom-designed forum for world-class papers that challenge the status quo and bring about new innovations.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDisruptive Science and Technology·DateMay 14, 2012

College men find steroids for better game less ethical than stimulants for better grades, study says

A new study by the American Psychological Association found that young college men view using prescription stimulants as more necessary for academic success than using steroids. The research compared perceptions of off-label prescription drug use with those of steroid performance enhancers and discovered that students considered Addera...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateMay 8, 2012

Big girls don't cry

A study published in Journal of Adolescent Health found that happy body image is linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, and unhealthy eating habits among overweight teenagers. Researchers suggest improving body satisfaction could be a key component of interventions for overweight youth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateApr 27, 2012

Bacteria beware

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified pathways of naturally occurring molecules in the human body that can boost the effectiveness of antibiotics. The study found that certain molecules called resolvins and protectins were key in resolving infections and reducing tissue damage.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature·DateApr 25, 2012

Stanford study points to potential treatment for stroke

A Stanford study suggests a potential treatment for stroke by increasing the generation of new nerve cells in the brain. The compound, LM22A-4, was administered three days after a stroke and showed faster recovery of athletic ability in mice. This approach may be a more accessible alternative to stem-cell therapy.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalStroke·DateApr 24, 2012