Exposure to a common visual illusion may enhance your ability to read fine print, according to new research from psychologists at the Universities of York and Glasgow. The team discovered that visual acuity—the ability to see fine detail—can be enhanced by an illusion known as the ‘expanding motion aftereffect’. While under its spell, viewers can...
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Discovery of brain-like activity in immune system promises better disease treatments
The Australian National University (ANU) has led the discovery of brain-like activity in the immune system that promises better treatments for lymphoma, autoimmune diseases and immunodeficiency disorders, which collectively affect millions of people globally. Lead researcher Ilenia Papa from ANU said the research confirmed for the first time that human immune cells contain particles that...
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Translation of evidence-based Assistive Technologies into stroke rehabilitation: users’ perceptions of the barriers and opportunities
Abstract BACKGROUND: Assistive Technologies (ATs), defined as “electrical or mechanical devices designed to help people recover movement”, demonstrate clinical benefits in upper limb stroke rehabilitation; however translation into clinical practice is poor. Uptake is dependent on a complex relationship between all stakeholders. Our aim was to understand patients’, carers’ (P&Cs) and healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) experience...
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Feinstein Institute Identifies Potential Cause for Lupus
MANHASSET, N.Y., July 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Leading rheumatologist and Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Professor Betty Diamond, MD, may have identified a protein as a cause for the adverse reaction of the immune system in patients suffering from lupus. A better understanding of how the immune system becomes overactive will help lead to more effective treatments for lupus and...
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The accident that could save the world from deadly antibiotic resistance: Scientists stumble across a solution by CHANCE
Antibiotic resistance is deemed to be one of the biggest threats to humanity The crisis has previously been cited as severe as terrorism and global warming But British scientists claim they may have stumbled across a simple way forward They have created several of the drugs already – many of which are as potent, or...
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Amyloid-Busting Drugs for Alzheimer’s Keep Failing, but So Does Everything Else
Shortly after Eli Lilly’s Alzheimer’s drug failed in a massive clinical trial last November, a small company called Accera touted an alternative: a drug to improve how the brain processes sugar. Accera hoped to upset the long-held theory that Alzheimer’s is caused by a buildup of a toxic protein called amyloid. According to that hypothesis, the...
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A cure for cocaine addiction? Scientists discover how to target the brain to make the drug seem less enticing
Scientists found that rats lacking a brain receptor felt less attached to cocaine Since they had a pre-existing flow of excitement-triggering neurotransmitters, it limited cocaine’s power to induce a high It meant they were less likely to crave the drug after taking it The researchers at the NIDA said this offers a clear path to...
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Antibiotic nanoparticles fight drug-resistant bacteria
Targeted treatment could be used for pneumonia and other bacterial infections Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem, especially among a type of bacteria that are classified as “Gram-negative.” These bacteria have two cell membranes, making it more difficult for drugs to penetrate and kill the cells. Researchers from MIT and other institutions are hoping to...
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HIV and the common cold in the firing line of potential new treatment for viral disease
Scientists have long struggled with finding effective ways to fight back against viral infections. An international investigation led by a team from RMIT in Melbourne has uncovered a previously undiscovered biological process that suppresses the body’s natural antiviral response. This research could lead to entirely new treatment strategies for some of the world’s most widespread...
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Fermented red clover extract stops menopausal hot flushes and symptoms
The vast majority of women in the menopause are familiar with the status of Red Clover as an herbal medicine that soothes hot flush symptoms and hormonal fluctuations. This holds true, new research shows, if the red clover is taken in a fermented form. Fermented Red Clover extract is demonstrated to decrease significantly both the...