July 23, 2018, University of Queensland University of Queensland researchers are developing diagnostic tests for a genetic condition which can cause the body to fatally overheat while under a general anesthetic. School of Biomedical Sciences Associate Professor Bradley Launikonis said malignant hyperthermia was caused by mutations in muscle proteins and could cause death under stressful conditions. “It is...
Category: <span>Research Updates</span>
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Commonly used yeast could cause drug-resistant infections
A recent genetic study finds that a type of yeast commonly used in the food industry is genetically identical to one that causes severe drug-resistant fungal infections. Scientists call for changes to be made. Candida albicans (depicted here) may be the most well-known species of pathogenic yeast. In the same way that bacteria are now...
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Is Parkinson’s an autoimmune disease? More evidence emerges
Researchers in Germany have found further evidence to support the idea that Parkinson’s could be an autoimmune disease. Using a stem cell model, they showed how immune cells attacked dopamine-producing cells derived from people with Parkinson’s disease but not from people without it. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that supports many important brain functions. These include functions that deal with...
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Study provides insight into how dying neurons control eating behaviors of the brain microglia
July 23, 2018, The Mount Sinai Hospital A new Mount Sinai study, published July 23 in the journal Nature Neuroscience, provides important insight into how microglia, cells that form a branch of the immune system inside the brain, go about their job of clearing out dying and non-functional neurons—and how they sometimes mistakenly attack healthy neurons, an...
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Paralyzed mice walk again after treatment restores neurons’ “Yin and Yang” balance
A spinal cord injury doesn’t need to be complete to cause paralysis – even with some nerves left intact, messages from the brain still don’t seem to get through. While investigating why that’s the case, researchers at the F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center of Boston Children’s Hospital determined that a certain drug helps balance the Yin and Yang...
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How cannabis and cannabis-based drugs harm your brain
Long-term use of either cannabis or cannabis-based drugs impairs memory say, researchers. The study has implications for both recreational users and people who use the drug to combat epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain LANCASTER UNIVERSITY Long-term use of either cannabis or cannabis-based drugs impairs memory say, researchers. The study has implications for both recreational...
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Could vaccine for a common virus stop multiple sclerosis? Doctors think they have discovered the cause of disease
Multiple sclerosis is triggered when the immune system attacks the nerves It develops after two common infections which cause the body to attack itself Doctors think vaccine against one of the viruses may be key to future MS prevention A vaccine for avoiding multiple sclerosis has moved a step closer, as doctors believe they have...
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Bright idea! Scientists create a wireless implant that KILLS cancer by lighting up red or green inside the body
The new device attaches to organs using proteins found in the feet of mussels Patients take a drug that leaves their tumors vulnerable to the effects of light The device, created by Japanese experts, then emits light to tackle the cancer Early trials on mice proved the form of photodynamic therapy to be effective A...
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Strong sensitivity to bitter tastes tied to higher cancer risk
New research suggests that a raised sensitivity to bitter tastes might be a good predictor of cancer risk in women. Researchers are investigating the mysterious link between sensitivity to bitter tastes and the risk of cancer in women. A recent study has started to investigate the link between sensitivity to better tastes and the risk of cancer. It...
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The roles of RNA-RNA interactions
July 20, 2018, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich Chronic regeneration of damaged endothelial cells at sites of disturbed blood flow in the vasculature promotes the development of atherosclerosis. Now an LMU team has further elucidated the role of a short RNA molecule in atherogenesis. Credit: Design-Cells / fotolia.com Atherosclerosis – the condition is popularly known as hardening...