Magnets used to turn specific brain circuits off and on at will

Researchers have developed a gene therapy technology that uses magnetic fields to switch groups of neurons on and off, controlling brain circuits affected by Parkinson’s disease. In addition to Parkinson’s, the tech could be used to treat conditions as… Continue reading Magnets used to turn specific brain circuits off and on at will

Stomach stem cells hold promise as a cure for diabetes

Researchers have taken stem cells from the human stomach and converted them into insulin-producing cells that respond to changes in blood glucose levels like healthy pancreatic cells would. The discovery could mean that one day, diabetics can produce t… Continue reading Stomach stem cells hold promise as a cure for diabetes

Honeybee hive debris provides snapshots of urban microbiomes

Researchers have enlisted a new kind of helper to monitor the microbiomes of cities around the world: the honeybee. A recently published analysis shows that the debris which gathers at the bottom of their hives can reveal a great deal about what’s goin… Continue reading Honeybee hive debris provides snapshots of urban microbiomes

Promising male contraceptive pill works in 30 minutes, wears off in a day

Male contraceptives have traditionally been limited to condoms or vasectomies, which aren’t ideal solutions for many reasons. Now scientists have demonstrated a promising new method that takes the form of a pill that can be taken just before sex, great… Continue reading Promising male contraceptive pill works in 30 minutes, wears off in a day

Studies uncover anti-inflammatory role of pain-sensing gut neurons

A pair of new studies published in the journal Cell have reported on unexpected ways pain-sensing neurons in the gut can serve as more than just sensory alarm systems. The research suggests these neurons also can directly protect the gut from inflammat… Continue reading Studies uncover anti-inflammatory role of pain-sensing gut neurons

Discovery of cancer’s fungal fingerprint could predict disease outcomes

A pair of newly published studies have reported novel links between fungal microorganisms and cancer. The research reports different types of tumors seem to harbor unique fungal populations, raising the possibility of new ways to diagnose and treat can… Continue reading Discovery of cancer’s fungal fingerprint could predict disease outcomes

Newly identified prostate cancer subtypes suggest new treatment options

Scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified two new subtypes of prostate cancer. These new forms of the disease are resistant to usual treatments, but categorizing and studying them could lead to new therapies.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical… Continue reading Newly identified prostate cancer subtypes suggest new treatment options

Researchers discover how fructose enhances fat absorption in the gut

A new preclinical study published in the journal Nature is demonstrating how fructose can alter cells in the small intestine, subsequently enhancing nutrient absorption and promoting weight gain. The research indicates excessive fructose consumption, s… Continue reading Researchers discover how fructose enhances fat absorption in the gut

Protein that “hacks” energy pipeline offers target for fat-burning drugs

Scientists in the US investigating the biological mechanisms behind fat burning have identified a protein that plays a key role in regulating metabolism, and demonstrated how blocking its activity can boost the process in mice. The protein in question,… Continue reading Protein that “hacks” energy pipeline offers target for fat-burning drugs

Study determines that each city has its own microbial signature

We’ve been hearing a lot lately about how every person hosts their own unique population of viruses and bacteria, known as their microbiome. Well, according to a new international study, the same thing is true of cities.Continue ReadingCategory: Scienc… Continue reading Study determines that each city has its own microbial signature