In their search for what triggers the damaging side-effects caused by acute psychological stress, Yale researchers found an answer by doing a fat check. In the face of psychological stress, an immune system response that can significantly worsen inflammatory responses originates in brown fat cells, the Yale team reports June 30 in the journal Cell....
Tag: <span>Biomedical</span>
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STRONG HYDROGEL COULD REPLACE BUSTED KNEE CARTILAGE
An experimental gel is the first to match the strength and durability of knee cartilage, researchers say. The material may look like a distant cousin of Jell-O—which it is—but it’s incredibly strong. It’s 60% water, but a single quarter-sized disc can bear the weight of a 100-pound kettlebell without tearing or losing its shape. THE...
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Virginia Tech scientists confirm usually harmless virus attacks the heart’s electrical system
Fralin Biomedical Research Institute scientists show adenovirus disrupts electrical signaling, impedes new communication channels. Credit: Fralin Biomedical Research Institute Adenovirus, which typically can cause a common cold, has a far more dangerous impact if it reaches the heart. When the virus commandeers gap junctions, it can slow production of connexin43, disturbing the electrical system that...
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Repeated head impacts associated with later-life depression symptoms, worse cognitive function
by Boston University School of Medicine Scientists have long believed that a single traumatic brain injury (TBI) earlier in life may contribute to problems with memory, thinking and depression later in life. In most previous studies, however, research failed to examine the possible role of having a history of exposure to repetitive head impacts, including...
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Certain genes that predispose to cancer also affect the immune system, study shows
The study shows that the involvement of certain genes that predispose to cancer also affects the immune system, which could facilitate tumor growth. In the specific case of breast cancer, the involvement of the SH2B3 gene, corresponding to a lymphocyte protein, increases the predisposition to develop cancer. The idea that the immune system “monitors and...
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Disrupted circadian rhythms linked to later Parkinson’s diagnoses
Researchers probe brain’s 24-hour biological clock for neurodegenerative risks UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA – SAN FRANCISCO Older men who have a weak or irregular circadian rhythm guiding their daily cycles of rest and activity are more likely to later develop Parkinson’s disease, according to a new study by scientists at the UC San Francisco Weill Institute...
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Muscles support a strong immune system
GERMAN CANCER RESEARCH CENTER (DEUTSCHES KREBSFORSCHUNGSZENTRUM, DKFZ) PRINT E-MAIL In the fight against cancer or chronic infections, the immune system must be active over long periods of time. However, in the long run, the immune defence system often becomes exhausted. Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have now found initial evidence in mice...
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How cancer drugs find their targets could lead to a new toolset for drug development
by Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research The molecular structure of the cancer drug cisplatin causes it to concentrate in tiny non-membrane bound organelles called condensates held together by the protein MED1. By altering other drugs to concentrate in specific condensates, drug developers may be able to improve targeting efficacy in future. Credit: Isaac Klein, Whitehead...
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Adding lean beef to a healthy diet does not adversely affect heart health or diabetes risk
Bloomington, Ind. and Chicago, Ill. — Results from a new study show that risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes were similar when participants consumed a healthy US-style eating pattern with and without an additional 5.3 ounces of lean beef. The added beef replaced carbohydrates, primarily refined starches. All participants were considered at risk for...
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Texas A&M researchers light cells using nanosheets for cancer treatment
A 2D nanosheet developed by scientists in the Department of Biomedical Engineering could be used to control cell response via light Scientists in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University are developing new ways to advance the field of regenerative medicine and cancer treatment. They are developing a 2D nanosheet that is 1,000...