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Autism in males may result from problems in brain-based immune cells

Many cases of autism spectrum disorders may result from problems in immune cells that normally work to trim back unneeded brain connections in early life, suggests a new study led by scientists at Scripps Research.

15 Apr 2020

Researchers find new way to identify genes implicated in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is known to involve interactions among many different genes, making it difficult to pinpoint the specific mechanisms. But now, researchers from Japan have found a new way to identify genes implicated in neurodegeneration in AD.

15 Apr 2020

Harnessing power of cancer gene could lead to first curative treatment for heart disease

Researchers trying to turn off a gene that allows cancers to spread have made a surprising U-turn. By making the gene overactive and functional in the hearts of mice, they have triggered heart cell regeneration.

15 Apr 2020

Anesthesiology specialists on the front lines of treating surgical patients with COVID-19

A new study examined the knowledge and attitudes of anesthesiologists regarding the strategies used to treat suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients needing to be operated on or cared for after surgery in an intensive care unit.

15 Apr 2020

The race is on for a coronavirus vaccine, 70 candidates, 3 at human trial stage

Amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic that is infecting millions of people across the globe, hope sparks as the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that seventy vaccination trials for the novel coronavirus are underway, with three already at the human trial stage.

14 Apr 2020

Potential cure for heart disease via cancer gene upregulation

Researchers have found that by switching on a gene that promotes the spread of cancers, they can enhance the regeneration of damaged heart muscle. The study results, published in April 2020 in the journal Nature Communication, could mark the beginning of curative therapy for heart disease.

14 Apr 2020

Coronavirus misinformation and disinformation rife among Americans

A new poll carried out by the Pew Research Center from March 10 to March 16, 2020, shows that almost 1 in 3 Americans think the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), that causes the current COVID-19 pandemic is the product of biological research. Despite the utter lack of evidence, the claim has found fertile breeding grounds on the Internet. It serves as an apt example of the spread of dubious or patently false information about the pandemic.

14 Apr 2020

New study offers insight on how bacteria exchange drug resistance genes

Researchers have been able to identify and track the exchange of genes among bacteria that allow them to become resistant to drugs, according to a new study published today in eLife.

14 Apr 2020

Mediterranean diet correlates with higher cognitive function

According to a recent analysis of data from two major eye disease studies, adherence to the Mediterranean diet - high in vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil - correlates with higher cognitive function.

14 Apr 2020

Predicting the evolution of genetic mutations

Biologists have developed an algorithm able to predict how genetic mutations can make critical proteins change with evolution.

14 Apr 2020

Mutated ATP1B gene a risk factor for Parkinson’s

The brain consists of about 100 billion neurons that form a complex and interconnected network in our brain, allowing us to generate complex thought patterns and actions. These neurons or nerve cells are the functional units of the nervous system that process and transmit information around the body. Neurodegenerative diseases develop with the progressive loss of these neurons.

14 Apr 2020

California COVID-19 herd immunity theory debunked

A recent theory suggesting that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was doing the rounds in California as early as November 2019, infecting thousands undetected and leading to herd immunity, was debunked by experts from the scientific community. Antibody testing by a group of Stanford Medicine researchers was linked to the theory.

14 Apr 2020

Study shows variability in Medicare coverage for transgender hormone therapies

A new study has shown substantial variability in access to guideline-recommended hormone therapies for older transgender individuals insured through Medicare.

13 Apr 2020

Super-charging production of drugs for COVID-19

Researchers are ramping up production of a promising drug that has proven effective in obliterating SARS-CoV in cellular cultures. The team hopes that the drug might also be effective in the fight against SARS's close genetic cousin, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

13 Apr 2020

Molecular pathway responsible for TNBC's progression and spread identified

Immunotherapies have revolutionized treatment for people with a variety of cancers. But when given to those with triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease, less than 20% respond.

13 Apr 2020

FDA approves new Rutgers saliva test for coronavirus

The FDA has granted emergency use authorization to Rutgers' RUCDR Infinite Biologics and its collaborators for a new collection approach that utilizes saliva as the primary test biomaterial for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the first such approval granted by the federal agency.

13 Apr 2020

Large-scale proteomic analysis links glucose metabolism proteins and AD biology

In the largest study to date of proteins related to Alzheimer's disease, a team of researchers has identified disease-specific proteins and biological processes that could be developed into both new treatment targets and fluid biomarkers.

13 Apr 2020

FDA approves first-ever treatment for patients with inoperable plexiform neurofibromas

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Koselugo (selumetinib) for use in patients with inoperable plexiform neurofibromas, a common manifestation in the disease neurofibromatosis type one (NF1).

13 Apr 2020

Stanford scientists find gene variant that staves off Alzheimer's in some people

Stanford Medicine researchers have found a gene variant that protects carriers of another gene variant, ApoE4, from developing Alzheimer’s disease — the first demonstration of that beneficial effect.

13 Apr 2020

Study finds dependency of a type of small RNA on personal attributes

The cells in our body are home to thousands of tiny molecules called RNAs. There are many different types of RNAs – some carry the code for specific proteins to be made, some transport things within the cell, and some can influence which genes get turned on or off.

13 Apr 2020