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Brain differences in bipolar disorder shown in MRI

Experts in the U.S., in an attempt to define the abnormalities in the brains of people with bipolar disorder, have used used functional MRI to measure levels of metabolic activity in different areas of the brain.

21 Jun 2005

Rosetta Genomics identifies hundreds of novel human microRNAs

In a study published online this week and to be published as a cover story in the July issue of Nature Genetics, Rosetta Genomics' scientists report identification of hundreds of human microRNA genes, including the first report of primate specific microRNAs.

21 Jun 2005

Eggs from embryonic stem cells could benefit sterile women

Monash University researchers have developed a process that causes embryonic stem (ES) cells to develop into ovarian structures containing eggs.

21 Jun 2005

Motor skills: power for life

'Motor Magic', a program that works with pre-school children who are experiencing developmental difficulties, their parents and kindergarten staff, produces marked benefits in terms of motor skills and sensory processing, leading to improved self-confidence and concentration, and better engagement in learning activities.

21 Jun 2005

Make friends, live longer

New research by the Centre for Ageing Studies at Flinders University suggests that a network of good friends is more helpful than close family ties in prolonging life among older people.

21 Jun 2005

Researchers use PET/CT for molecular imaging of the heart

For the first time, researchers used positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) for imaging the subcellar function of the heart - from its subcellular function to its morphologic appearance. The results of the study were reported at the Society of Nuclear Medicine's 52nd Annual Meeting June 18–22 in Toronto.

20 Jun 2005

Obesity is associated with an impairment of coronary circulatory function

A team of University of California, Los Angeles researchers found that positron emission tomography (PET) can provide important information on the relationship between heart function and obesity. Their findings were reported at the Society of Nuclear Medicine's 52nd Annual Meeting June 18–22 in Toronto.

20 Jun 2005

Researchers demonstrate direct transfer of terminally differentiated cell nuclei

With the advent of nuclear-transfer cloning, it is now possible to produce mice from the nuclei of differentiated cells, such as peripheral blood lymphocytes and olfactory sensory neurons.

20 Jun 2005

Women are 2.5 times more likely than men to fear a visit to the dentist

The research, conducted by U of T master's degree candidate Brian Chanpong and dentistry professors Daniel Haas and David Locker, is the first-ever nationwide Canadian study of fear and anxiety about visiting the dentist.

20 Jun 2005

Researchers advance understanding of how the brain sorts physical sensations

On the basis of observations of how we interpret the sensation of a simple finger-tap, researchers have advanced our understanding of how the brain sorts important, externally-derived sensations, such as those created by an insect crawling on the skin, from unimportant, internally-derived sensations, such as the brush of one's own hand.

20 Jun 2005

Zebrafish provides cancer researchers powerful new insights into the development of malignant melanoma

The embryo of a tiny, silvery tropical fish found in many home aquariums is providing cancer researchers at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine with powerful new insights into the development of malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

20 Jun 2005

Enzyme family plays role in Alzheimer's

The route to a treatment for Alzheimer's disease may have become more straightforward with the discovery that a key enzyme known to have a major role in this disease is in fact part of a family of enzymes. Only some family members play a role in the progression of this brain-wasting illness, new research at the University of Toronto has found.

20 Jun 2005

Fragile-X-syndrome research

The fragile-X-syndrome is the most common hereditary form of mental retardation and occurs much more often in boys than in girls.

20 Jun 2005

Researchers use novel cocktail of cells to coax muscle tissue to develop its own vascular network

For years, a major obstacle has dashed the hopes of creating "replacement parts" for the human body: the lack of an internal, nourishing blood system in engineered tissues. Without it, thicker tissues can't thrive, which has confined tissue engineering's practical application to thin skin, which can recruit blood vessels from underlying tissue.

20 Jun 2005

Australian researchers develop process that causes embryonic stem cells to develop into ovarian structures containing eggs

The researchers believe the process could in future be used to develop eggs for sterile women that contain the women's own genetic material.

20 Jun 2005

Australian researchers at the forefront of an international project to identify genes associated with schizophrenia

University of Queensland researchers are at the forefront of an international project to identify genes associated with schizophrenia, a common mental illness whose causes are not fully understood.

20 Jun 2005

Many pitfalls of aging result from either older stem cells or stem cells responding to their older environment

Older people are more prone to infections and have a higher risk of developing leukemia, and now researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have one hint as to why that may be.

20 Jun 2005

Baby wallaby bone development may hold key to human development

Melbourne researchers are one step closer to unravelling the secrets of human bone development in a new study involving three-dimensional synchrotron images of baby wallabies.

20 Jun 2005

Fruit juice, regular exercise, clean teeth and a drink in moderation, all help prevent Alzheimer's

According to a new report, drinking fruit juice, getting regular exercise and brushing your teeth could all help prevent Alzheimer's.

20 Jun 2005

Melbourne researchers take head lice treatment to the world

A new Victorian biotechnology company, Hatchtech, announced at BIO 2005 that its technology is the first in the world to kill 100% of head lice eggs. International clinical trials are expected to begin within a year and the product may be on market shelves within three years.

19 Jun 2005