New research involving shipyard and metal fabrication workers finds that increased exposure to the chemical element manganese in welding fumes is linked to the worsening of parkinsonism. This is a group of disorders that share some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as slow movement and stiffness. The researchers found that cumulative exposure...
Category: <span>Miscellaneous</span>
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Scientists confirm a ‘new’ human organ
For centuries, the mesentery (which links the intestine to the abdomen) has been treated as a group of distinct structures in your digestive system. It wasn’t anything special. However, the medical world now has to rethink that belief. Scientists recently determined that the mesentery is really one, cohesive entity — that’s right, they confirmed the existence of...
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Understanding REM: When dreams and paralysis are uncoupled
During rapid eye movement sleep, most of us slip into a state of paralysis. Individuals with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, however, do not. Breaking research sheds light on the neural mechanisms behind this fascinating yet disruptive condition. What is REM? Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is a natural part of the sleep cycle;...
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Artificial leaf copies nature to manufacture medicine
Dutch scientists have developed an artificial leaf that can act as a mini-factory for producing drugs, an advance that could allow medicines to be produced anywhere there is sunlight. The work taps into the ability of plants to use sunlight to feed themselves through photosynthesis, something industrial chemists have struggled to replicate because sunshine usually...
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Running could improvise your memory
Key notes: Part of the brain responsible for alertness is activated during a run, a study found New research also found it helped to improve the senses, like playing the piano Scientists studied 11 runners as well as 11 inactive men to examine brain activity Going for an early morning run could keep you alert...
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Brushing could avoid arthritis
Key notes: An infection can create proteins that cause the immune system to malfunction In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, this leads to inflammation and joint pain However, this process was also apparent in sample of patients with gum disease Brushing your teeth could prevent arthritis, new research suggests. Bugs known to cause gum infections also...
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Medical Tricorders Have Made It to the Final Round of XPrize
In Brief: Two teams have advanced to the final round of the Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE competition to create a medical tricorder inspired by the one in the “Star Trek” television series. A handheld diagnostic device could improve healthcare tremendously, giving people instant access to information about their vital signs, illnesses, and more. A Short History:...
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Neurons anticipate body’s response to food and water
Summary: A new discovery offers new insight into regulation of water and food intake. Neuroscientists recorded neuronal activity in real-time in awake mice when presented with food or water and identified anticipatory changes in neuronal activity in the seconds prior to drinking. Using leading-edge technology, neuroscientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) gained new...
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Understanding REM: When dreams and paralysis are uncoupled
During rapid eye movement sleep, most of us slip into a state of paralysis. Individuals with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, however, do not. Breaking research sheds light on the neural mechanisms behind this fascinating yet disruptive condition. Research into REM sleep behavior disorder may give clues to understanding Parkinson’s. Rapid eye movement (REM)...
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Artificial leaf copies nature to manufacture medicine
(Reuters) – Dutch scientists have developed an artificial leaf that can act as a mini-factory for producing drugs, an advance that could allow medicines to be produced anywhere there is sunlight. The work taps into the ability of plants to use sunlight to feed themselves through photosynthesis, something industrial chemists have struggled to replicate because...