Category: Features
Bioengineered human heart cells see improved performance
Researchers can now utilise induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) to form a model of human adult-like cardiac muscle. They do this by introducing electric and mechanical stimulation at an early stage. Since this muscle is similar to the adult heart, […]
Sleep deprivation linked to higher risk of Alzheimer’s
Researchers from a small study at the National Institutes of Health have found that even losing one night of sleep lead to an immediate increase in beta-amyloid, a protein in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease, In Alzheimer’s disease, beta-amyloid […]
NIH researchers uncover clue behind rare bone disorder
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have made a ground-breaking discovery in uncovering the genetic basis of a “dripping candle wax” bone disease. The rare disorder, known as melorheostosis, causes excess bone formation that resembles dripping candle wax on […]
Chronic irritability in teenagers linked to suicide risk
Teenagers with chronic irritability, serious depression and anxiety are largely at risk of attempting suicide, says a major Canadian study. Based on records for 1,430 children followed for up to 17 years, researchers found that those who were particularly irritable […]
Experts propose new definition of Alzheimer’s disease
In a new pioneering and radical move, experts have come up with a suggestion on how Alzheimer’s disease is defined, focusing more on biological changes in the body and less on clinical symptoms such as memory loss and cognitive decline. […]
The brain continues to develop new memory cells well into old age
Scientists say that the human brain continues to develop new cells important for memories and exploration well into our 70s. “These new brain cells sustain our abilities to make new memories, learn, and cope with the environment, and they are […]
Antidepressants in pregnancy affect babies’ brains
Taking antidepressants during pregnancy may lead to changes in babies’ brains, though experts are unsure of the exact changes. Researchers examined brain scans of 16 newborns whose mothers took medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depression during […]
Noisy workplaces expose people to high cholesterol and high blood pressure
People who work in noisy workplaces run the risk of having heightened blood pressure and cholesterol. “A significant percentage of the workers we studied have hearing difficulty, high blood pressure and high cholesterol that could be attributed to noise at […]
Scientists look into multiple clues for improved influenza vaccine design
Scientists are looking into multiple clues for improved influenza vaccine design that can ward various illnesses. They found that influenza vaccines that better target the influenza surface protein called neuraminidase (NA) could offer just this: It acts against various influenza […]
Britain slaps sugar tax on soft drinks; aims to reduce obesity
Britain has introduced sugar tax on soft drinks as the country seeks to reduce obesity, particularly among the young. The tax, announced in March 2016, has already cut sugar content in drinks by 45 million kg per year, Britain’s Treasury […]
