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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

Established lung fibrosis can be reversed using diabetes drug treatment

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have shown -; for the first time -; that established lung fibrosis can be reversed using a drug treatment that targets cell metabolism.

2 Jul 2018

Study: Broken shuttle protein may hinder learning in patients with brain disorders

Unable to carry signals based on sights and sounds to the genes that record memories, a broken shuttle protein may hinder learning in patients with intellectual disability, schizophrenia, and autism.

22 Jun 2018

Groundbreaking discovery could be key to preventing cancer metastasis

A groundbreaking discovery by University of Alberta researchers has identified previously-unknown therapeutic targets that could be key to preventing the spread of cancer.

21 Jun 2018

New studies on fat cell filling, history of biochemistry, and ketogenic diet

There's more than one type of fat cell. Besides the white fat that stores triglycerides in lipid droplets in preparation for lean times later, mammals also have heat-generating brown fat, which acts more like a radiator than a storage closet.

14 Jun 2018

Genetic mutation shown to cause bipolar disorder

Researchers have discovered a mutation that may increase the risk of bipolar disorder through a complex interplay between serotonin and mitochondrial signaling.

11 Jun 2018

ANT1 mutations connect bipolar disorder with mitochondrial dysfunction

Mutations in the gene ANT1 may confer a risk for bipolar disorder through a complex interplay between serotonin and mitochondrial signaling in the brain.

11 Jun 2018

International research team develops simplified CRISPR

Details of an advanced form of CRISPR technology have been published in Nature Communications.

8 Jun 2018

ToolGen's CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing platform improves T-cell anti-tumor activity in mouse model

ToolGen, Inc., a biotechnology company specializing in genome editing, today announced data demonstrating that blocking a molecular pathway that down-regulates T-cell activity with the Company’s CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing platform results in increased T-cell receptor signaling, in vitro, and in improved anti-tumor activity when tested against in a mouse glioblastoma tumor model.

22 May 2018