Insulin is secreted from the beta cells located in the pancreas, and the hormone is crucial for the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels. Deficiency of insulin leads to diabetes, characterized by elevated blood sugar. Diabetes most commonly presents in childhood as type 1 diabetes and in adults as type 2 diabetes. Sometimes diabetes is […]
Researchers discover unique immune cell likely drives chronic inflammation
For the first time, researchers have identified that an immune cell subset called gamma delta T cells that may be causing and/or perpetuating the systemic inflammation found in normal aging in the general geriatric population and in HIV-infected people who are responding well to drugs (anti-retrovirals). Even with effective viral control, HIV-infected individuals are at […]
Scientists find that sensory neurons can be used to discover therapies for ALS
Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute scientists have shown that mutations in specific genes that destroy motor neurons and thereby cause the devastating effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis— also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease—also attack sensory neurons. The discovery in today’s Scientific Reports indicates that studying sensory neurons could provide new mechanistic insights to […]
Scientists discover traces of weed killer glyphosate in pet food
Now they’ve found it in dog food! Scientists discover traces of controversial weed killer glyphosate linked to cancer in popular pet food 18 different types of pet food were found to have low levels of glyphosate One product tested even stated on the bag that it was certified GMO-free Glyphosate is the active ingredient in […]
Researchers discover possible cause for Alzheimer’s and traumatic brain injury
Rutgers researchers have discovered a new mechanism that may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic brain injury. They now hope to launch a clinical trial to test the treatment in humans. What causes Alzheimer’s is unknown, but a popular theory suggests a protein known as amyloid-beta slowly builds up a plaque in the brains of […]
Scientists discover a way to diagnose types of fear of falling in Parkinson’s patients
Parkinson’s disease, a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, causes one of the highest risks of falling among all neurological conditions. Due to this, many patients develop a fear of falling (FOF), even if they have never fallen. For some the fear can be excessive. Patients become prisoners in their own homes, scared to […]
Researchers discover novel subtype of multiple sclerosis
Cleveland Clinic researchers have discovered a new subtype of multiple sclerosis (MS), providing a better understanding of the individualized nature of the disease. MS has long been characterized as a disease of the brain’s white matter, where immune cells destroy myelin—the fatty protective covering on nerve cells. The destruction of myelin (called demyelination) was believed […]
Ebola virus experts discover powerful, new approach for future therapeutics
A one-two punch of powerful antibodies may be the best way to stop Ebola virus, reports an international team of scientists in the journal Cell. Their findings suggest new therapies should disable Ebola virus’s infection machinery and spark the patient’s immune system to call in reinforcements. “This study presents results from an unprecedented international collaboration […]
Scientists discover a mechanism of drug resistance in breast and ovarian cancer
There is a highly sophisticated way to treat some breast and ovarian cancers—a class of drugs called PARP inhibitors, designed to exploit the very defects that make tumors with certain mutations especially deadly. Yet this targeted approach to cancer therapy sometimes fails, and scientists have anxiously sought to understand why. Now, research at The Rockefeller […]
Hope for menopausal women: Scientists find how to banish hot flashes
Hope for menopausal women: Scientists discover a way to banish hot flashes without raising a woman’s stroke risk Scientists have shown we could target a neuron rather than estrogen levels with drugs Hormone replacement therapy reduces hot flashes but increases stroke risk Hot flashes are the most commonly-discussed symptom of menopause. And yet, despite years […]