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Scientists define molecule's role in itch and pain pathways
Researchers defined the neural pathways for itch sensation and identified a signaling molecule called somatostatin that enhances itch and blunts pain ...
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Brain network for social understanding develops in early childhood
A new study reveals that a network of brain areas involved in interpreting other people’s states of mind has started developing by age three.
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Minoxidil may improve blood vessel structure
Minoxidil, when given orally to mice, changes blood vessel structure to reduce stiffness and increase blood flow to the brain. The drug may have poten...
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June 4, 2024 Edition
Assessing avian influenza in dairy milk
H5N1 avian flu virus survived in raw dairy milk kept under refrigerated conditions for at least five weeks.
Gene variants and breast cancer risk in Black women
In the largest study of its kind, researchers identified genetic variants that appear to boost breast cancer risk among females of African ancestry.
Adrenal cell affects parental behavior in mice
Researchers traced differences in parental care between two mouse species to a new cell type in the adrenal glands.
May 21, 2024 Edition
Cognitive impairment among older American Indians
The prevalence of cognitive impairment among older American Indians may be higher than previously thought, according to a new analysis.
Study suggests approach for treating rare disorder
Researchers used 3D brain tissue structures called organoids to test a potential therapy for a rare disorder called Timothy syndrome.
Unseen details of human brain structure revealed
A detailed map of all the cells and connections in a single cubic millimeter of the human brain revealed previously unseen aspects of brain structure.
May 14, 2024 Edition
Understanding how exercise affects the body
A study of endurance training in rats found molecular changes throughout the body that could help explain the beneficial effects of exercise on health.
Study defines major genetic form of Alzheimer's disease
In a study of people primarily of European descent, those with two copies of a certain gene, APOE4, predictably began to develop the underlying abnormalities of Alzheimer's disease as early as age 55.
Anger may harm heart and blood vessel health
Researchers found that brief bouts of anger can impair the ability of blood vessels to expand and contract, which might have consequences for heart health.
May 7, 2024 Edition
Urine test identifies high-risk prostate cancers
Researchers developed a urine-based test that can distinguish between slow-growing prostate cancers that pose little risk and more aggressive cancers that need treatment.
Antibody reduces risk of malaria in children
A single dose of a monoclonal antibody given to children 6 to 10 years of age in Mali proved up to 77% effective at preventing malaria disease.
Blood biomarkers for knee osteoarthritis
Researchers found biomarkers in blood that may predict knee osteoarthritis up to eight years before clinical diagnosis.
April 30, 2024 Edition
Green space may improve young children's mental health
Researchers found that young children living in areas with more green spaces had fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Synthetic platelets stop bleeding in animal studies
Synthetic blood platelets stopped bleeding and sped wound healing in animals with internal injuries. The findings suggest they’re likely safe for testing in people.
Detailed structure of bitter taste receptor revealed
Scientists uncovered unique structural features of a bitter taste receptor, including a role for cholesterol in receptor activation.
April 23, 2024 Edition
Research in Context
Treating depression
While effective treatments for major depression are available, there is still room for improvement. This special Research in Context feature explores the development of more effective ways to treat depression, including personalized treatment approac...
April 16, 2024 Edition
Gut bacteria may reduce cholesterol and lower heart disease risk
Researchers pinpointed gut bacteria that affect levels of cholesterol and other compounds linked to heart disease.
Rejuvenating the immune system by depleting certain stem cells
Researchers found that depleting certain stem cells improved the immune systems of aged mice.
Sensor monitors bladder fullness
Researchers developed a wireless implantable device that can monitor bladder filling and emptying in real time and send data to a smartphone.
April 2, 2024 Edition
How lung distress from SARS-CoV-2 can cause heart damage
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 can damage heart tissue without directly infecting it.
Gum disease-related bacteria tied to colorectal cancer
Scientists identified a specific subtype of bacteria implicated in gum disease that may promote the growth of colorectal tumors.
Skin test detects evidence of Parkinson's and related disorders
A study showed that a simple skin biopsy could identify people who had Parkinson's disease or similar disorders with a high degree of accuracy.
March 26, 2024 Edition
Weight-loss surgery yields long-term benefits for type 2 diabetes
Bariatric surgery helped people with type 2 diabetes better control their blood glucose years later compared to medical and lifestyle interventions.
Altered brain connections in youth with ADHD
Youth with ADHD have elevated brain activity connecting the frontal cortex with the information processing centers deep in the brain.
Coordinating speech and breathing in the brain
Researchers identified a brain circuit that controls vocalization and prevents it from interfering with breathing in mice.