Researchers at TIFR have discovered molecular anticipation of feeding in the liver; that is essential to ensure that the body; after fasting; adapts to utilize incoming nutrients upon re-feeding. Their findings, published in the international journal Cell Reports, show that very small RNA molecules called microRNAs control major metabolic pathways by inhibiting synthesis of proteins,…
Firstly, it’s well-known that exercise improves health; but understanding how it makes you healthier on a molecular level is the question researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center are answering. After performing experiments in both humans and mice, the researchers found that exercise training causes dramatic changes to fat. Additionally, they discovered that this “trained” fat releases…
As most know already, rabbit populations are not easily controlled; they reproduce swiftly, and as a result; they have a severe impact on their environment. This was the case when European settlers introduced the wild European rabbit to Australia in the late 19th century. In an attempt to reduce the population size; that had grown…
The term flame retardants subsume a diverse group of chemicals which are to manufactured materials; such as plastics and textiles; surface finishes and coatings. Flame retardants are activated by the presence of an ignition source and are to prevent or slow the further development of ignition by a variety of different physical and chemical methods. Children…
Deep space missions are the future of human spaceflight. Missions supporting the initiative will be further from Earth than ever before and will need to rely on Earth-independent technologies. NASA has put forth a Technology Roadmap; identifying areas requiring technological advancements to support these missions (NASA, 2015). Most relevant to this paper are areas focusing…
Researchers at the Institute for Molecular Engineering; at the University of Chicago have developed an innovative new system for delivering a malaria vaccine; that shows promise in its effectiveness. By developing a vaccine; that targets specific cells in the immune system; they have seen a much greater immune and antibody response to the vaccine. Though…
Vaginal laser treatments may help relieve problems associated with menopause, like dryness, pain and sexual dysfunction; but the safety of this technique is not clear; suggest the authors of a small study describing complications including scarring and penetration injuries. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved vaginal laser treatments for vulvovaginal atrophy, a condition…
A new case study out of New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development finds that face transplant surgery in patients who have experienced severe facial trauma can improve speech production. because Face transplantation is one of the most extensive facial reconstructive procedures available. because The procedure involves the partial or total…
Diabetes is a prime example of an enormous health care problem; the only solution of which is advanced technology aiming precise treatment optimization. Classic studies have shown that the numerous complications of diabetes; can be reduced by strict control, typically assessed by hemoglobin A1c. However, the risk of low blood sugar levels (i.e. hypoglycemia) remains…
Coral reef architecture comes from the deposition of massive calcium carbonate skeletons secreted by scleractinian corals; or hard corals. These corals represent the habitat for a vast diversity of organisms. They live in intimate symbiosis with unicellular dinoflagellate symbionts; commonly called zooxanthellae; which are in the coral tissues. The enzymes carbonic anhydrases play major roles…
New research by psychology professor Don Katz and his lab suggests it has a lot more to do with what happens in our mouths than commonly thought. It turns out that we don’t inhale the scent of food and decide we like its smell. First, we have to eat it. Katz’s research appeared in the January…
Brain tumors vary widely in how they respond to treatment. However, early assessment of therapy response is essential in order to choose the best possible treatment for the patient. Scientists from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have now been able to show in a study using non-invasive high-resolution 7-Tesla MRI scans that the protein…