Physiology News and Research

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Human physiology is the science of the mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of humans in good health, their organs, and the cells of which they are composed. The principal level of focus of physiology is at the level of organs and systems. Most aspects of human physiology are closely homologous to corresponding aspects of animal physiology, and animal experimentation has provided much of the foundation of physiological knowledge. Anatomy and physiology are closely related fields of study: anatomy, the study of form, and physiology, the study of function, are intrinsically tied and are studied in tandem as part of a medical curriculum.

Harnessing brain proteins for enhanced diabetes and weight-loss drugs

A network of proteins found in the central nervous system could be harnessed to increase the effectiveness and reduce the side effects of popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs, according to new research from the University of Michigan.

15 Jul 2024

SH2B1 gene defends against obesity via the paraventricular hypothalamus

Obesity is a complicated condition, caused by a combination of genetics, the food environment, behavior, and other factors.

15 Jul 2024

Drastic caloric restriction by athletes diminishes performance and compromises the immune system

Drastically cutting back on caloric intake to lose weight ahead of competition is commonplace among athletes.

15 Jul 2024

Study links improved dietary fat quality to reduced cardiovascular and diabetes risk

The impact of dietary fat quality on lipid metabolites and its association with reduced cardiometabolic disease risk.

15 Jul 2024

Existing drug shows promise for treating common liver disease

The University of Barcelona has led a study that suggests using the drug known as pemafibrate to treat liver disease associated with metabolic disorders, the most common liver pathology in the world, which affects one in four people. The drug has long been marketed in Japan for another use: improving blood lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidaemia, a common condition in diabetics. Now, however, it could help address this serious liver disease, which still has no specific treatment.

11 Jul 2024

Repurposing pemafibrate to treat liver disease associated with metabolic disorders

10 Jul 2024

60 years in the making: Nanoparticles revolutionize nucleotide delivery

Researchers trace the 60-year evolution of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for nucleic acid delivery, highlighting their potential to revolutionize gene therapy with safer and more effective treatments.

10 Jul 2024

Researchers receive $2 million in grants to advance studies on age-related cognitive impairment

Two University of Oklahoma researchers have been awarded more than $2 million in grants from the Hevolution Foundation to further their studies on age-related cognitive impairment, with an emphasis on improving "health span," or the number of years a person remains healthy.

9 Jul 2024

Blocking IL-6 in the brain to treat cancer cachexia

Cancer is insidious. Throughout tumor progression, the disease hijacks otherwise healthy biological processes - like the body's immune response - to grow and spread.

8 Jul 2024

Plant-derived substance shows promise against pulmonary hypertension

A substance derived from the plant Ardisia crenata works in a different way than existing drugs. And in doing so, it is highly effective.

8 Jul 2024

Small molecule discovery offers hope for treatment of Angelman syndrome

Angelman syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the maternally-inherited UBE3A gene and characterized by poor muscle control, limited speech, epilepsy, and intellectual disabilities.

8 Jul 2024

Why do aortic aneurysms form in specific locations?

The sites where vascular aneurysms typically form have a predilection from the outset, even in healthy people. This is shown by a study conducted by medical researchers from Bochum and Bonn.

5 Jul 2024

Novel compound amplifies naloxone's power to reverse overdoses

In a Stanford Medicine-led study, researchers combed through billions of compounds to find one that could enhance naloxone’s ability to fend off more potent opioids, with promising results in mice.

4 Jul 2024

Questionnaire test for home use quickly identifies high risk of heart attack

Swedish researchers have created a questionnaire test for home use that quickly identifies high risk of heart attack.

3 Jul 2024

Researchers identify potential drugs that make naloxone more potent and longer lasting

The ongoing opioid epidemic in the U.S. kills tens of thousands of people every year. Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, has saved countless lives by reversing opioid overdoses.

3 Jul 2024

New insights into brain energy metabolism may lead to neurodegenerative disease therapies

A key mechanism which detects when the brain needs an additional energy boost to support its activity has been identified in a study in mice and cells led by UCL scientists.

3 Jul 2024

New guidelines provide the first code of practice for use of stem cell-based embryo models

Stem cell-based embryo models (SCBEMs) are three-dimensional biological structures that mimic aspects of early human embryo development.

3 Jul 2024

Machine learning revolutionizes cardiac studies in fruit flies

Drosophila - commonly known as fruit flies - are a valuable model for human heart pathophysiology, including cardiac aging and cardiomyopathy.

3 Jul 2024

Study links vegetable protein to delayed puberty through gut microbiome changes

A large Chinese study found that high vegetable protein intake is linked to later puberty timing and beneficial gut microbiome changes in children, while high animal protein intake is associated with earlier puberty. The gut microbiome mediates these effects.

2 Jul 2024

Key transcription factor enhances anthocyanin production in wounded grapevines

A recent study sheds light on the biochemical response of grapevines to wounding stress. It reveals that the transcription factor VvWRKY5 is a key regulator that enhances anthocyanin production, which serves as a protective mechanism for the plant.

2 Jul 2024