It’s long been known that correctly timing an embryo transfer is critical to the chance of achieving pregnancy. Identifying the right moment in a woman’s cycle with absolute precision remains a challenge however, contributing to low IVF success rates, which remain on average under 50%. But now RMIT University researchers may have found a way […]
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Discovery of a new form of a brain protein has clinical implications
A new study by University at Buffalo researchers has revealed that the absence of a single interaction within a brain receptor reduces its activity. The discovery advances the understanding of how certain brain diseases arise, and could lead to developing precision medicines for treating them. The study was published Dec. 31 in Proceedings of the […]
COVID-19 drug prospects boosted by discovery of short form of coronavirus’s ‘entry point’
A shadow over the promising inhaled interferon beta COVID-19 therapy has been cleared with the discovery that although it appears to increase levels of ACE2 protein—coronavirus’ key entry point into nose and lung cells—it predominantly increases levels of a short version of that protein, which the virus cannot bind to. The virus that causes COVID-19, […]
Discovery shows promise for treating Huntington’s disease
Huntington’s disease is a progressive and aggressively debilitating brain disorder that causes uncontrolled movements, psychological problems, and loss of cognition. It is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes the protein huntingtin, causing it to build an abnormally long tail of the amino acid glutamine. This tail prevents huntingtin from folding properly and […]
New gene segment discovery has potential against cancer, autoimmune disorders
A small segment of a human gene STING, stimulator of interferon genes, could hold the key to treating autoimmune diseases and cancer, according to a study by Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists. Dr. Pingwei Li, AgriLife Research biochemist and structural biologist, College Station; post doctorates Drs. Baoyu Zhao, and Fenglei Du and graduate student Pengbiao […]
Groundbreaking genetic discovery shows why Lupus develops
In a world first, researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) have shown previously ignored rare genetic mutations are a major cause of lupus. The discovery is set to change our understanding of the causes of disease and potentially save lives. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that has no cure. It targets the body’s healthy […]
Discovery of a mechanism responsible for chronic inflammation in multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system turns on its own cells and attacks them for reasons that are not yet known. Scientists from the Institut Pasteur have shown that ancient viruses are involved in the acute inflammatory defense response that may contribute to the disease. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is […]
Discovery of a crucial immune reaction when solid food is introduced that prevents inflammatory disorders
Microbes colonize all body surfaces and balance the immune system. In newborn infants, the gut microbiome is first conditioned by breast milk components. When solid food is introduced, gut microbiota develops and bacteria proliferate. Scientists from the Institut Pasteur and Inserm have discovered that a key immune response is generated in mice when solid food […]
Simple directions from parents can guide children’s discovery
Whether it’s probing a child’s understanding of a topic through questions or engaging in hands-on activities alongside them, parents can guide their children to learn in new ways through simple directions, according to a study by psychology researchers at The University of Texas at Austin. Prior research shows that children use both exploration and explanation […]
Blood clot discovery could pave way for treatment of blood diseases
Scientists have discovered new ways in which the body regulates blood clots, in a discovery which could one day lead to the development of better treatments that could help prevent and treat conditions including heart diseases, stroke and vascular dementia. Led by the University of Exeter and funded by the British Heart Foundation, the team […]