Abnormal activity of brain circuit causes anorexia in animal model
A team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, Louisiana State University and collaborating institutions has discovered that abnormal activity in a particular brain circuit underlies anorexia in an animal model of the condition. Genetically and pharmacologically restoring the normal activity of the brain circuit improved the condition, opening the possibility of developing a treatment […]
Reconstructing axons of more than 6,000 projection neurons in the mouse prefrontal cortex
The prefrontal cortex (PFC), the part of the cerebral cortex that covers the mammalian brain’s frontal lobe, is implicated in the mental planning of complex behavior, decision-making and the moderation of social behavior. Studies suggest that the PFC is also the “center” that integrates and regulates the activity of different parts of the brain. While […]
Brain connectivity changes revealed in individuals with pre-clinical Alzheimer’s disease
A new study led by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) shows the impact of early amyloid-β and tau protein accumulation on disrupting connections between brain structures that are important for memory. These disrupted connections were present even before signs of cognitive impairment were observed. The findings may lead to strategies that may help detect […]
Sweat sensor makes strides in detecting infection indicators
University of Texas at Dallas bioengineers in collaboration with EnLiSense LLC have designed a wearable sensor that can detect two key biomarkers of infection in human sweat, a significant step toward making it possible for users to receive early warnings of infections such as COVID-19 and influenza. The Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer […]
Mapping study yields novel insights into DNA-protein connection, paving way for researchers to target new treatments
A new genetic mapping study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health traces links between DNA variations and thousands of blood proteins in two large and distinct populations. The results should help researchers better understand the molecular causes of diseases and identify proteins that could be targeted to treat these […]
In Vivo Gene Therapy Cures Infertility in Mice
Within healthy ovaries, granulosa cells supply developing oocytes with nutrients and secrete hormones that regulate their further development. Without those cells’ support, oogenesis can’t occur, rendering an animal infertile. However, scientists at Kyoto University found a way to restore granulosa function in mice bred to have a granulosa-impairing mutation, according to research published April 27 […]
A Grim Amount Of People Pee In The Pool – Here’s Why You Shouldn’t
Fess up: who has been peeing in the pool? Though few would publically admit to committing the deed, there’s plenty of evidence to show that most (if not all) public swimming pools are filled with significant amounts of human urine. Grossness aside, there are a few good reasons why pee-packed pools are not a good […]
Plastic-Eating Enzyme Could Be The Future Of Waste Disposal
Approximately 359 million tons of plastic waste is produced annually, with 150-200 million tons ending up in the environment or in landfills. Scientists from the University of Texas, Austin may have created a solution that allows an enzyme variant to break down plastic in a few days. Globally, less than 10 percent of all plastic […]
Hepatitis Outbreak In Children: Explainer On Adenovirus Type 41, The Possible Culprit
A recent spate of severe liver inflammation (hepatitis) has been reported in previously healthy children. As of April 21, there have been 169 confirmed cases of “acute hepatitis of unknown origin” in children in 12 countries, with the vast majority of cases (114) occurring in the UK. Many of the children are under ten years […]
Man’s Moving Rash Was Actually Worm Larvae Wriggling Under His Skin
A roundworm infection caused a man to develop a curious rash that migrated across his body. Having started near his anus, the mysterious red lesions began moving quite rapidly, leading doctors to a diagnosis of a Strongyloides Hyperinfection Syndrome. The parasite Strongyloides stercoralis was to blame for the patient’s symptoms, which are detailed in a […]