Archive for January, 2019
A strategy inspired by the process responsible for muscle growth could lead to the development of stronger, longer-lasting materials. Source: Self-growing materials that strengthen in response to force
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Humans spend nearly one-third of their lives in slumber, yet sleep is still one of biology’s most enduring mysteries. Little is known about what genetic or molecular forces drive the need to sleep — until now. In a study of over 12,000 lines of fruit flies, researchers have found a single gene, called nemuri, that […]
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Obesity — as research in the past decade has shown — is first and foremost a brain disease. Researchers have discovered a molecular switch that controls the function of satiety neurons and therefore body weight. Source: Identity crisis of satiety neurons leads to obesity
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Exercise training alters brain blood flow and improves cognitive performance in older adults, though not in the way you might think. A new study showed that exercise was associated with improved brain function in a group of adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and a decrease in the blood flow in key brain regions. […]
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New research shows zebra finches engage in socially guided vocal learning, where they learn their songs by watching their mothers’ reactions to their immature songs. Source: Psychologists solve mystery of songbird learning
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Researchers have discovered a protective mechanism which is used by the body to protect intestinal stem cells from turning cancerous. The body’s innate immune system was found to play a pivotal role in this regard. The researchers were able to demonstrate that, rather than having a purely defensive role, the immune system is crucial in […]
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Research uncovers previously unknown effects of fasting, including notably increased metabolic activity and possible anti-aging effects. Source: Fasting ramps up human metabolism, study shows
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A male mouse identifies the sex of an unfamiliar mouse because of hard-wired brain physiology, not previous experience, investigators have found. Source: Male mice hard-wired to recognize sex of other mice
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Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and notorious for its resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Approximately 25 percent of melanoma is driven by oncogenic mutations in the NRAS gene, making it a very attractive therapeutic target. However, despite decades of research, no effective therapies targeting NRAS have been forthcoming. Source: Method to 'turn off' […]
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Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and notorious for its resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Approximately 25 percent of melanoma is driven by oncogenic mutations in the NRAS gene, making it a very attractive therapeutic target. However, despite decades of research, no effective therapies targeting NRAS have been forthcoming. Source: Method to 'turn off' […]
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