Category: Education
Newfound antibody activity could benefit tooth regeneration
Scientists from Japan have found that by suppressing activity of a specific gene with monoclonal antibodies, they can promote new tooth growth in mice and ferrets. Understanding and manipulating the way this gene regulates the behaviour of molecules known to be key players in tooth development could someday promise tooth regeneration especially in adults suffering […]
Common food preservative may hamper immune system activity
New research that examined data from ToxCast, the Environmental Protection Agency’s toxicity screening database, is raising questions over the safety of a commonly used food preservative known as tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) or E319. The compound is suspected to disrupt immune functions, although both the United States and European health authorities deem the additive safe in low […]
Therapeutic bed helps prevent brain damage in preemies
A pulsating bed in an incubator is suggested to help premature babies feel more secure, as the bed simulates the caress of a parent holding the baby. Aptly named the “Calmer” baby bed, it was designed by University of British Columbia (UBC) Drs. Liisa Holsti and Karon Maclean, a professor in the department of occupational […]
Research suggests hearing loss and other auditory problems associated with COVID-19
Audiologists from Manchester, UK, have found a surprising link between COVID-19 and a number of audio-vestibular symptoms, including tinnitus, in a new systematic review about the disease. As well as patients reporting COVID-19 exacerbating their pre-existing tinnitus, for example, some believe the disease could initiate the appearance of tinnitus. Professor Kevin Munro, from the University […]
Researchers grow heart valves that are better than current animal derivatives
Researchers from the College of Science and Engineering and the Medical School, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, US, have created heart valves that were capable of lasting growth when implanted in lamb models. The valves also showed reduced calcification and improved blood flow function compared to animal-derived valves currently used when tested in the same […]
Study confirms human placenta resembles a tumour
Scientists at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the University of Cambridge and collaborators in the UK have confirmed that the placenta is unlike any other human organ and instead resembles that of a tumour. According to the scientists, the placenta harboursmany of the same genetic mutations found in childhood cancers – a “dumping ground” for genetic […]
Regulating white blood cells help control excessive inflammation
An international research team, led by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has discovered a new way to stop excessive inflammation by simply regulating a type of white blood cell that is critical to the immune response.This discovery could allow researchers to develop new targeted treatments that can protect the body from unchecked damage […]
Pregnant women pass along protective COVID antibodies to their babies
New research has found that the protective antibodies pregnant women make against COVID-19 are often passed on to their foetuses – conveying natural immunity, amongst other benefits. Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine also suggest that vaccinating mothers-to-be may also have benefits for their newborns. According to Dr. Yawei Jenny Yang, an assistant professor of pathology […]
Psychedelic “microdosing” found to have similar effects to placebo
New research led by a team at Imperial College London, UK,suggests there is little difference in reported benefits between a microdose – low doses of psychedelics such as LSD – and a placebo. Despite very little empirical evidence showing it works, the popular practice of microdosing is believed to generate enhancements to productivity, creativity, mental […]
