by Eric W. Dolan May 18, 2024in Depression New research provides preliminary evidence that whole-body hyperthermia may have antidepressant effects that operate through the activation of an anti-inflammatory immune signaling pathway. The findings have been published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is expected to...
Anti-diabetic treatment associated with reduced risk of developing blood cancer
by American Society of Hematology MAY 17, 2024 Metformin 500mg tablets. Credit: public domainPeople who use metformin are less likely to develop a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) over time, indicating that the treatment may help prevent the development of certain types of cancers, according to a study published in Blood Advances. Metformin is a therapy used...
Research finds the protein VISTA directly blocks T cells from functioning in immunotherapy
by Cleveland Clinic MAY 17, 2024 Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A Cleveland Clinic-led team of scientists and physicians have discovered that the immune checkpoint protein VISTA can directly turn off tumor-fighting T-cells during immunotherapy and resist treatment. The study, published in Science Immunology, explains that VISTA can bind to a protein called LRIG1 in T...
Researcher discovers drug that may delay onset of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and treat hydrocephalus
by Ali Davis, University of Southern California MAY 17, 2024 Piezo 1 Activation Decreases the CDH5-stained Area and Increases Drainage of Lymphatic Vessel Mimetics in Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Chip. (a) Schematic illustration of the 3D lymphatic vessel model used for this study. (b) Fluorescence confocal images of the engineered lymphatic vessels stained for F-actin and CDH5....
Modular communicative leadless ICD found to be safe and exceeds performance expectations
by Amsterdam University Medical Centers MAY 18, 2024 Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Wireless implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) eliminate the lead-related complications that come with a wired ICD, but they are unsuitable for patients with ventricular tachycardia, when the heart beats too quickly, or bradycardia, when the resting heart rate is seen as low. Research led by...
Sweet taste receptor affects how glucose is handled metabolically by humans
by Karen Kreeger, Monell Chemical Senses Center MAY 18, 2024 Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The rich research portfolio of the Monell Chemical Senses Center on sweet taste goes way back: Monell scientists were one of four teams in 2001 that found and described the mammalian sweet taste receptor—TAS1R2-TAS1R3. Twenty years later in 2021, a pair...
Study shows aerobic exercise performed in the evening benefits elderly hypertensives more than morning exercise
by Maria Fernanda Ziegler, FAPESP MAY 17, 2024 Credit: Wellness Gallery Catalyst Foundation from Pexels Aerobic training is known to regulate blood pressure more effectively when practiced in the evening than in the morning. Researchers who conducted a study of elderly patients at the University of São Paulo’s School of Physical Education and Sports (EEFE-USP)...
After 180 years, new clues are revealing just how general anesthesia works in the brain
by Adam D Hines, The Conversation MAY 18, 2024 Credit: CC0 Public Domain Over 350 million surgeries are performed globally each year. For most of us, it’s likely at some point in our lives we’ll have to undergo a procedure that needs general anesthesia. Even though it is one of the safest medical practices, we...
High-Potency Cannabis Tied to Impaired Brain Development, Psychosis, CUD
Megan Brooks May 13, 2024 It’s becoming clear that adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to cannabis, especially today’s higher-potency products, which put teens at risk for impaired brain development; mental health issues, including psychosis; and cannabis use disorder (CUD). That was the message delivered by Yasmin Hurd, PhD, director of the Addiction Institute at Mount...
Early Evidence Supports Ketogenic Diet for Mental Illness
Eve Bender April 18, 2024 The ketogenic diet shows promise in reducing the symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and reversing metabolic syndrome, results of a new pilot study show. Participants who adhered to the high-fat, low-carb diet experienced a 30% reduction in psychiatric symptoms and an average 10% reduction in weight. “We’re seeing huge...