Genetic Variants Linked to Well-being, Depression, Neuroticism Identified
April 20, 2024 9:28 am | by Bevin Fletcher, Associate Editor | CommentsAn international team of scientists has performed a genome-wide analysis on nearly 300,000 individuals, in one of the largest genomic studies on behavioral genetics to date, and identified genes connected to subjective well-being, depressive symptoms and neuroticism.
Scientists Identify People’s “BrainPrint” with 100 Percent Accuracy
April 20, 2024 9:17 am | by Bevin Fletcher, Associate Editor | CommentsA new study from Binghamton University suggests brain waves can be a highly accurate way to identify individuals. The so-called “brainprint” could be a promising next-generation biometric.
New Autism Research: A Nutrient Called Carnitine Might Counteract Gene Mutations Linked with ASD Risks
April 19, 2024 9:46 am | by Vytas A. Bankaitis and Zhigang Xie, The Conversation | CommentsScientists decided to take a closer look at mutations in one of the genes associated with ASD, called TMLHE, which is required for a critical chemical reaction that lets cells burn fat molecules to produce energy. They wanted to understand how a TMLHE mutation could increase autism risk and whether they could counteract the effect of the mutation.
New Optogenetic Tool Moves Proteins Within Cells to Study Biological Changes
April 19, 2024 9:36 am | by UNC | CommentsScientists have developed a way to embed light-responsive switches into proteins so that researchers can use lasers to manipulate protein movement and activity within living cells and animals.
Bubble Technology Shoots Cancer Drugs Deep Into Tumors
April 19, 2024 9:26 am | by Nanyang Technological University | CommentsScientists have invented a new way to deliver cancer drugs deep into tumor cells. They create micro-sized gas bubbles coated with cancer drug particles and iron oxide nanoparticles, and then use magnets to direct these bubbles to gather around a specific tumor.
Ultrasound-based Technique Could ID Concussions on the Sidelines
April 19, 2024 9:20 am | by Michelle Taylor, Editor-in-Chief, Laboratory Equipment | CommentsAs increased funding and research try to hit back at the long-term consequences of concussions, new technology presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting this week may provide a way to answer at least some questions.
Study Backs Pancreas Cell Transplants for Severe Diabetes
April 19, 2024 9:16 am | by Lauran Neergaard, AP Medical Writer | CommentsTransplants of insulin-producing pancreas cells are a long hoped-for treatment for diabetes - and a new study shows they can protect the most seriously ill patients from a life-threatening complication of the disease, an important step toward U.S. approval.
Liquid Biopsy Shows Promise for Breast Cancer Patients
April 19, 2024 8:56 am | by Bevin Fletcher, Associate Editor | CommentsA simple blood test could have the potential to replace an invasive biopsy in breast cancer patients, according to positive results from a University of Southern California study presented Monday at The American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2016.
Scientists ID Gene Behind Rare Childhood Syndrome
April 18, 2024 9:32 am | by UCSF | CommentsThanks in part to the efforts of one dedicated mother, who took to Facebook to document her son’s mysterious developmental disability, an international team has identified a new genetic syndrome that could help illuminate the biological causes of one of the most common forms of intellectual disability.
Too Much 'Noise' Can Affect Brain Development
April 18, 2024 9:21 am | by University of California Irvine | CommentsUsing cutting-edge imaging technology, biologists have determined that uncontrolled fluctuations (known at "noise") in the concentration of the vitamin A derivative Retinoic acid (RA) can lead to disruptions in brain organization during development.
AACR: Life-preserver Microbubbles Float Tumor Cells for Analysis
April 18, 2024 9:14 am | by University of Colorado | CommentsA study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2016 demonstrates the use of gas microbubbles to selectively attach to and float circulating tumor cells from blood samples, allowing analysis of the isolated cells.
Medical Pot Activists Fear Epilepsy Drug Could Undercut Them
April 18, 2024 8:58 am | by Julie Carr Smyth, Associated Press | CommentsAn experimental epilepsy drug made from cannabis plants grown in England is complicating the medical marijuana debate in hospitals and statehouses.
Implantable Device Targets Pancreatic Cancer
April 15, 2024 10:05 am | by Anne Trafton, MIT News Office | CommentsPancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, in part because it is very difficult for chemotherapy drugs to reach the pancreas, which is located deep within the abdomen. To help overcome that obstacle, researchers have now developed a small, implantable device that delivers chemotherapy drugs directly to pancreatic tumors.
How the Brain Consolidates Memory During Deep Sleep
April 15, 2024 10:00 am | by University of California Riverside | CommentsNeuroscientists provide for the first time a mechanistic explanation for how deep sleep (also called slow-wave sleep) may be promoting the consolidation of recent memories.
Troubles Mount for Theranos, Feds Threaten Sanctions
April 15, 2024 9:55 am | by Seth Augenstein, Digital Reporter | CommentsScientific and regulatory troubles continue to mount for Theranos, the much-touted blood-testing startup. A letter from federal regulators is now threatening to strip away the company’s ability to run its two laboratories, according to the latest update in The Wall Street Journal.
