Scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine and their collaborators followed a cohort of more than 100 people over several years, tracking the biology of what makes them them. Now, after collecting extensive data on the group’s genetic and molecular makeup, the researchers are piecing together a new understanding of what it means to […]
Pushing early beta-cell proliferation can halt autoimmune attack in type 1 diabetes model
Many in-development cures for type 1 diabetes have understandably focused on tackling the autoimmune aspect of the disease before figuring out a way to replace the destroyed beta cells. But what if focusing on the beta cells first could prevent their destruction altogether? Researchers at Joslin have found that increasing the proliferation and turnover of […]
The dirt on dirt: Why being squeaky clean can harm your health
Pity Pope Francis. When video footage emerged last month of him repeatedly pulling his right hand away as worshipper after worshipper moved forward from a long queue to kiss his ring, conservatives blasted him for disrespecting church tradition. The Pope later explained he was simply trying to reduce the risk of his flock picking up […]
Health check: can caffeine improve your exercise performance?
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Nearly half the adult population in Australia drink it. Aside from enjoying the taste, the main reason we drink coffee is to get caffeine into our bloodstream. Caffeine can help keep you awake, increase alertness, improve your concentration, enhance cognitive performance, and sharpen short-term […]
New study finds Montmorency cherries can aid fight against cardio-metabolic disease
A groundbreaking study by a researcher at the University of Hertfordshire has found that drinking the juice of Montmorency cherries can help to prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Discovered by the Romans, Montmorency cherries have strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, as powerful as anything in common pharmaceutical drugs. As there was little research in the […]
Artificial intelligence singles out neurons faster than a human can
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed an automated process that can trace the shapes of active neurons as accurately as human researchers can, but in a fraction of the time. This new technique, based on using artificial intelligence to interpret video images, addresses a critical roadblock in neuron analysis, allowing researchers to rapidly gather […]
Leap to middle school is hard, but can be a fresh start for socially anxious children
For young people, the transition from elementary to middle school can be a time of stress, disruption and discomfort. For children who already have trouble interacting with their peers, the transition can be particularly fraught. In a study published online earlier this year in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, Florida State University developmental psychologist […]
Teeth whitening products can harm protein-rich tooth layer
Americans spend more than a billion dollars on teeth whitening products each year. Although these products can make smiles brighter, new research shows that they might also be causing tooth damage. In three new studies, researchers found that hydrogen peroxide, the active ingredient in over-the-counter whitening strips, can damage the protein-rich dentin tissue found beneath […]
Acetaminophen can reduce positive empathy for others
A new study by an Ohio University faculty member showed that acetaminophen limited positive empathy a person has for others while taking it. The study, titled “A Social Analgesic? Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) Reduces Positive Empathy” was conducted by Visiting Assistant Professor Dominik Mischkowski. In the study, 114 participants were either given 1000 milligrams of acetaminophen or […]
It can take a village to feed hungry kids in schools
One in 6 American children faces hunger and 3 out of 4 teachers report regularly seeing hungry kids in their classrooms. In response, school meals make up a large fraction of federal food assistance. The National School Lunch Program is the second-largest federal food assistance program, serving 30.4 million children. It is complemented by the […]