Sunday - May 26 2024, 04:54 UTC - 5 months ago

While there is often a focus on helping those with paralysis walk again, small improvements in daily life can have a huge impact for spinal cord injury patients. The latest study has shown promising results with external tech that improves balance, stamina, and trunk stability. Despite previous hype, progress towards real world solutions has been slower than expected.

Sunday - May 26 2024, 00:07 UTC - 5 months ago

A new cocoa-fruit chocolate recipe fully utilizes the cocoa fruit, incorporating the flesh and parts of the shell. It is healthier, more sustainable, and increases profitability for small-scale farmers. With equivalent sweetness to traditional chocolate with 5-10% powdered sugar, it contains more fiber and less saturated fat. It supports sustainability goals and creates a more diverse and sustainable cocoa industry.

Saturday - May 25 2024, 05:00 UTC - 6 months ago

Two new studies funded by Cancer Research UK have discovered that blood proteins could be used as early indicators of cancer, potentially paving the way for early detection and prevention efforts. The studies identified 618 proteins associated with 19 different types of cancer, with 107 of them present in individuals' blood samples up to seven years before their cancer diagnosis. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of these proteins and their potential impact on cancer development.

Wednesday - May 22 2024, 07:10 UTC - 6 months ago

Recent research has shown a link between disrupted dopamine signaling during development and autism spectrum disorder. Studies have also revealed the importance of dopamine and serotonin in neural development and the potential risks associated with dopamine-related drugs during pregnancy. A novel study using human brain transcriptome analysis and a zebrafish model has uncovered potential mechanisms and a potential therapeutic target for ASD. This highlights the need to further explore developmental signaling pathways for targeted treatments.

Monday - May 20 2024, 13:19 UTC - 6 months ago

A new weight-loss drug that uses GLP-1 and specific molecules to target the brain's appetite control center has shown highly effective results in mice, potentially surpassing current treatments. Clinical trials on human participants are the next step, but it may take up to 8 years before the drug is available on the market. The chosen molecules have also shown potential for treating depression and Alzheimer's, making this an innovative and promising development in the field.

Saturday - May 18 2024, 23:51 UTC - 6 months ago

In a study published in the journal Science, scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified the molecular pathway responsible for excessive genome duplication in cancer cells. By understanding what goes wrong in the cell cycle, researchers may be able to develop treatments to stop the growth of cancers. This study focused on breast and lung cells and utilized imaging techniques to pinpoint the exact stage where malfunctioning occurs.

Wednesday - May 15 2024, 08:07 UTC - 6 months ago

Researchers at UCLA have uncovered the surprisingly simple process by which the brain creates working memory. This discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's and related dementia. Their study utilized a 'mathematical microscope' to test their mathematical theory on memory dynamics, which was able to predict and explain the complexity of working memory formation in the brain.

Tuesday - May 14 2024, 17:17 UTC - 6 months ago

A study by scientists at Nagoya University has shown that serotonin neurons play a crucial role in maintaining reproductive function by responding to glucose availability and stimulating the release of reproductive hormones. This offers a potential explanation for the reduced fertility often seen in individuals with depression and suggests that drugs that target serotonin levels, such as SSRI antidepressants, may also help treat infertility. The research also opens up possibilities for developing novel treatments for other reproductive disorders and suggests a potential connection between serotonin neurons and other physiological processes.

Thursday - May 9 2024, 16:57 UTC - 6 months ago

A recent study found that prolonged use of certain progestogen hormone medications was linked to an increased risk of brain tumors. The study highlights the need for further research on the risks associated with these medications and the importance of careful consideration by healthcare providers.

Monday - May 6 2024, 09:26 UTC - 6 months ago

A groundbreaking study from Karolinska Institute suggests that targeting the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell, could potentially reverse obesity and its associated conditions in mice. These drugs, previously studied for their anti-cancer effects, resulted in drastic weight loss, reduced fat accumulation, and restored glucose tolerance. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects and their potential as a treatment for humans.

Saturday - May 4 2024, 00:12 UTC - 6 months ago

A new study suggests that combining time-restricted eating (limiting when individuals eat) with high-intensity functional training (combining intense aerobic and resistance exercise) may lead to significant weight loss and improvements in body composition and markers of cardiometabolic health. The study included 64 women with obesity who were assigned to one of three groups: time-restricted eating, high-intensity functional training, or a combination of both. After 12 weeks, all three groups showed significant weight loss and favorable changes in lipid and glucose levels, with the most significant changes seen in the group combining both methods. This study adds to the growing body of research supporting the potential benefits of time-restricted eating and high-intensity functional training for weight loss and improved health.

Thursday - May 2 2024, 00:17 UTC - 6 months ago

After 25 years of uncertainty, researchers at the University of Utah have identified the genetic cause of Spinocerebellar Ataxia 4 (SCA4), a rare and debilitating neurological disorder. The discovery offers hope for potential treatments and improved quality of life for affected families. SCA4 causes difficulty with walking and balancing and typically presents in a person's forties or fifties. The cause was found to be a toxic expanded repeat mutation in the gene ZFHX3, which interferes with the cell's ability to break down non-functional proteins. This discovery also opens the possibility for a potential treatment for another form of ataxia, SCA2.

Sunday - April 28 2024, 04:11 UTC - 6 months ago

The Firefly Petunia, a houseplant engineered with genes from bioluminescent fungi for a glow-in-the-dark effect, has experienced some shipping mishaps, but buyers have reported varying levels of success with the glow. It can take a couple of weeks for the glow to become visible, and while some buyers have not yet seen it, others have reported a strong glow in complete darkness.

Saturday - April 27 2024, 23:13 UTC - 6 months ago

A study from UC San Diego has revealed the changes in lipid metabolism in Alzheimer's disease and a potential new strategy for targeting this pathway with drugs. By examining lipid droplets in the brains of mice, the researchers found a link between lipid metabolism and the disease, paving the way for further research and potential treatments.

Monday - April 22 2024, 23:53 UTC - 7 months ago

A new sequencing technique called tARC-seq can accurately track mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, providing valuable insights into its rapid evolution and variant development. This breakthrough has the potential to aid in the development of effective treatments and vaccines, as well as track future outbreaks.

Monday - April 15 2024, 22:15 UTC - 7 months ago

A study by the University of Sydney found that people with obesity who do their daily aerobic moderate to vigorous physical activity in the evening have a lower risk of premature death and cardiovascular disease. The frequency of physical activity is also more important than the total amount of activity. The study used data from over 29,000 participants and found that those who did most of their activity in the evening had a 35% lower risk of death and a 45% lower risk of cardiovascular death.

Monday - April 15 2024, 13:13 UTC - 7 months ago

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that childhood onset insomnia is a long term issue for minority groups, specifically Black and Hispanic/Latino children. This highlights the need for early identification and intervention, as persistent insomnia symptoms can lead to long term health problems. 23.3% of participants in the study experienced chronic insomnia symptoms, with more than half of them being female. Further research is needed to understand the specific causes and risk factors for this disorder in minority groups.

Tuesday - April 9 2024, 04:29 UTC - 7 months ago

A dairy worker in Texas tested positive for avian influenza, the second reported case in the United States. The virus is still mainly a bird virus and there is no evidence of easy person-to-person transmission. Scientists are working on creating genetically engineered animals resistant to the virus, but for cattle, options are limited. While there is no need to panic, caution is still advised as the virus has the potential to evolve into a major threat to human health.