Stem cells shape up to their surroundings – Many scientists aspire to take control over the stem cell differentiation process, so that we can grow organs and implants perfectly matched to each patient in the future.
Scientists identify protein that spurs formation of Alzheimer’s plaques – In Alzheimer’s disease, the problem is beta-amyloid, a protein that accumulates in the brain and causes nerve cells to weaken and die. Drugs designed to eliminate plaques made of beta-amyloid have a fatal problem: they need to enter the brain and remove the plaques without attacking healthy brain cells.
New study strengthens link between everyday stress and obesity using an animal model — Study using animal model shows stress has impact in the short term causing metabolic changes in the longer term that contribute to obesity – Stress can take a daily toll on us that has broad physical and psychological implications. Science has long documented the effect of extreme stress, such as war, injury or traumatic grief on humans. Typically, such situations cause victims to decrease their food intake and body weight. Recent studies, however, tend to suggest that social stress–public speaking, tests, job and relationship pressures–may have the opposite effect–over-eating and weight gain.
Physical activity can reduce the genetic predisposition to obesity by 40 percent – Although the whole population can benefit from a physically active lifestyle, in part through reduced obesity risk, a new study shows that individuals with a genetic predisposition to obesity can benefit even more.
New genomic marker for tuberculosis may help identify patients who will develop the disease — Study highlights how blood profiling techniques could change patient care – It may soon be possible to identify patients who will develop tuberculosis, as scientists have identified changes in the blood specific to the disease.
Black rice, a heritage variety of the grain that feeds one-third of Earth’s population, is an inexpensive source of healthful antioxidants. – Health conscious consumers who hesitate at the price of fresh blueberries and blackberries, fruits renowned for high levels of healthful antioxidants, now have an economical alternative, scientists reported here today at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Seeing the world with new eyes: Biosynthetic corneas restore vision in humans – A new study from researchers in Canada and Sweden has shown that biosynthetic corneas can help regenerate and repair damaged eye tissue and improve vision in humans.
Cognitive behavior therapy improves symptom control in adult ADHD — Skills-based treatment added to medication helps patients handle persistent symptoms – Adding cognitive behavioral therapy ? an approach that teaches skills for handling life challenges and revising negative thought patterns ? to pharmaceutical treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) significantly improved symptom control in a study of adult patients.
Bottled tea beverages may contain fewer polyphenols than brewed tea – Many commercially bottled tea beverages contain little or no healthful antioxidants, new research suggests. The first measurements of healthful antioxidant levels in commercial bottled tea beverages has concluded that health-conscious consumers may not be getting what they pay for: healthful doses of those antioxidants, or “poylphenols,” that may ward off a range of diseases.
Immune responses during pregnancy linked to schizophrenia among offspring – Infections like the flu are common occurrences during pregnancy, and research has shown that children born to mothers who suffered from flu, viruses and other infections during pregnancy have about a 1.5 to 7 times increased risk for schizophrenia.
Women who drink beer more likely to develop psoriasis – Regular beer – but not light beer or other types of alcohol – appears to be associated with an increased risk of developing psoriasis, revealed by researchers.
Obesity rates decline for many adolescents but disparities worsen – Obesity rates have started to decline and level off for many adolescents, but continue to increase for certain racial and ethnic minorities, according to a new UCSF-led study.
