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Researchers elucidate central mechanisms of salt-induced hypertension through sympathetic activation

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease worldwide, and approximately 40% (1 billion) of adults aged 25 and above have been diagnosed with hypertension. A positive correlation between salt intake and blood pressure has long been postulated.

30 Nov 2018

Researchers identify pathway to resolve allergic asthma

A group of Brazilian researchers succeeded in preventing allergic asthma from progressing in experimental models by increasing the amount of a protein. This increase, in turn, blocked the CD4+ T lymphocytes responsible for producing a cytokine that triggers a cascade of events resulting in the onset and progression of the disease.

6 Nov 2018

Genetic defect linked to ALS causes sugar-starved cells to overproduce lipids

A genetic defect tied to a variety of neurodegenerative diseases and mental illnesses changes how cells starved of sugar metabolize fatty compounds known as lipids, a new study led by researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health shows.

31 Oct 2018

Dysfunction of single gene leads to miscarriages

A single gene of the mother plays such a crucial role in the development of the placenta that its dysfunction leads to miscarriages.

19 Oct 2018

Study uncovers important role of PRMT1 in dilated cardiomyopathy

In a study published in iScience, Professor Akiyoshi Fukamizu of the Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (University of Tsukuba, JAPAN) and the research group reported a new work on discovery of the important role of PRMT1 in dilated cardiomyopathy.

16 Oct 2018

Findings offer new insight into early changes that occur during AD pathology

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, involving memory loss and a reduction in cognitive abilities.

12 Oct 2018

Combination approach appears to improve chemotherapy response, boost anti-tumor immunity

Scientists at the University of Toronto's Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy have seen remarkable success combining tumor modulating nanoparticles with doxorubicin to enhance chemotherapy response in pre-clinical model breast cancer.

3 Oct 2018

'Kidney-gene' plays role in the central nervous system and controls movement

The WT1 gene fulfills a central role in the development of a healthy, proper functioning kidney. Mutations in WT1 lead to impairments in kidney development and cause Wilms tumors, a pediatric kidney cancer.

1 Oct 2018

Researchers find a novel way to tease out key factor involved in heart muscle maturation

Scientists around the world have been trying to replace damaged heart tissue using lab-made heart-muscle cells (cardiomyocytes), either injecting them into the heart or applying patches laced with the cells. But results to date have been underwhelming.

28 Sep 2018

Daily exercise facilitates elimination of toxic proteins from muscles

A study published in Scientific Reports by researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, in partnership with colleagues in the United States and Norway, shows that the lack of muscle stimulus results in a buildup of inadequately processed proteins in muscle cells and consequently leads to muscle weakness or wasting.

27 Sep 2018

Sea squirt model reveals key molecules in dopaminergic neuron differentiation

The human brain is exceedingly complex, consisting of various regions with particular functions and approximately 100 billion neurons. This complexity has presented a major challenge in understanding this organ and how it develops, particularly in view of the ethical issues associated with research on humans.

20 Sep 2018

UNC scientists reveal new approach to prevent obesity and diabetes

Scientists from the UNC School of Medicine discovered that the anti-inflammatory protein NLRP12 normally helps protect mice against obesity and insulin resistance when they are fed a high-fat diet.

19 Sep 2018

Researchers use CRISPR to identify gene that helps cells resist flavivirus infection

UT Southwestern researchers today report the first use of CRISPR genome-wide screening to identify a gene that helps cells resist flavivirus infection. That nasty class of pathogens includes West Nile virus, dengue fever, Zika virus, and yellow fever.

18 Sep 2018

Research uncovers new mechanism involved in bone formation

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to fracture easily due to a reduction in both bone mass and quality. Aging is one of its leading causes, and it is estimated that around 200 million people are affected worldwide.

5 Sep 2018

New project receives $3.2 million grant to investigate secrets of programmed cell death in Alzheimer's

Most neurons in the human brain live out their lives, enduring the processes of aging before eventually dying. Some, however, choose a more violent route: suicide.

24 Aug 2018

Scientists identify key neurobiological mechanisms that control aggression

A number of psychiatric disorders present with aggression and violence, which, needless to say, are destructive to both individuals and societies worldwide: death, disease, disability, and numerous socioeconomic problems can often be traced back to aggressive behavior.

9 Aug 2018

Scientists uncover molecular 'switch' that may control the benefits of exercise

Some people respond well to both aerobic exercise and strength training, while others don't. And some of us respond well to only one of those things, but not both. Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center now have uncovered a surprising molecular "switch" that may help to explain why this happens.

2 Aug 2018

Researchers describe key role of enzyme in regulating immune response against Chagas disease parasite

In an article published recently in the journal Nature Communications, researchers affiliated with the University of São Paulo in Brazil describe the central role played by an enzyme called phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase gamma in regulating the immune response against Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite that causes Chagas disease.

16 Jul 2018

Study elucidates pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus

Osaka University researchers elucidated the pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and tissue damage.

11 Jul 2018

Alternative splicing plays vital role in adult muscle mass maintenance

Despite the importance that changes in muscle mass have in aging, overall body metabolism and in chronic disease, we still don't fully understand the mechanisms that contribute to the maintenance of adult muscle mass.

11 Jul 2018