The natural flora occurring in the gut are essential for proper digestion and immunity. New research has found that the development of the flora differs between breastfed and formula-fed babies, suggesting food intake is critical to the process. Early colonization of the gut by microbes in infants is critical for development of their intestinal tract… [Continue Reading]
Using Your Brain In Later Years Slows Cognitive Aging
April 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Keeping your brain working throughout your golden years can help ward off age-related memory loss, experts say. Engaging your brain regularly, rather than education or one’s activities during their youth, is a key predictor of cognitive function in old age. Aging may seem unavoidable, but that’s not necessarily so when it comes to the brain…. [Continue Reading]
HIV Not Treated Effectively in the Homeless
April 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Progress in the treatment of HIV has flourished in the last few decades, with medications now established to prevent symptoms and transmission. A new study has found, however, that these medical advances aren’t helping those in poverty, where access to treatment is difficult, and the spread of the disease and incidence of symptoms are high…. [Continue Reading]
Structure of Fat-Sensing Protein Receptor Discovered
April 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The hormone leptin regulates appetite and fat deposition in the human body. Scientists have now determined the structure of its receptor, the protein that leptin binds to signal to cells that there is sufficient fat in the body. The work could allow research to develop ways to modify the signaling pathway to treat eating disorders… [Continue Reading]
Researchers Succeed in Genetically Reprogramming Deadly Scar Tissue in the Heart
April 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment
After a heart attack, scar tissue can form, which significantly increases the risk of heart failure and death. Determining how to clear this tissue is a key area of research. Scientists have now found a tool to genetically reprogram scar tissue into muscle cells. This approach could one day be used to repair heart damage… [Continue Reading]
Key Gene Discovered That Drives Pancreatic Cancer Growth
April 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Scientists have discovered how a particular protein is critical to the survival of pancreatic cancer, suggesting new approaches to drug development to fight the disease. The protein changes the way the cells metabolize sugar, and without it, tumors in a mouse model shrink. Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have shown that advanced pancreatic cancers in… [Continue Reading]
Serious Side Effects of Anti-Depressants Often Overlooked
April 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A study of patients on anti-depressants reveals that the drugs may, on the whole, be averse to one’s health. Compared to the risks of the drugs, including sexual problems, stroke, and digestive problems, the benefits might not be worth it, some scientists argue. Commonly prescribed anti-depressants appear to be doing patients more harm than good,… [Continue Reading]
Scientists Warn that Environmental Toxins are Linked to Austism and Other Developmental Disorders
April 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Compounds found in our environment are partly to blame for the incidence of developmental disorders, including autism, according to scientists. While these conditions have a strong genetic component, researchers have identified a top ten list of harmful compounds that may also be causative. An editorial published today in the prestigious journal Environmental Health Perspectivescalls for… [Continue Reading]
Molecular Basis Discovered for the Progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
April 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Age-related macular degeneration is a significant cause of vision loss, and new research has discovered one of the key molecular steps that regulate its progression. An inflammatory protein called IL-18 increases as the disease develops, suggesting new treatment options to slow or halt vision loss. Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that a part… [Continue Reading]
Being Overweight or Underweight Brings Risks for Pregnant Women
April 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Having an abnormally high or low body weight brings a number of risks for a woman’s health during pregnancy, new research underlines. While obesity is linked to conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and premature labor, being abnormally thin increases the risk of having an underweight baby and having insufficient amniotic fluid. Obese women… [Continue Reading]