Health News

Novel cellular mechanism sheds light on causes of childhood developmental disorder

A new study provides insights into the cellular mechanisms involved in Christianson syndrome, an X-linked genetic disorder characterized by delayed development, cognitive disability and epileptic seizures as well as difficulties with speech, balance and mobility. This research, published online in the Journal of Neuroscience on Wednesday, Sept. 15, demonstrates how a cellular process known as […]

Health News

Novel mechanism links genetic defect in IBD patients to gut leakiness

A team of researchers led by a biomedical scientist at the University of California, Riverside, has identified a novel mechanism by which loss-of-function mutations in the gene PTPN2, found in many patients with inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, affect how intestinal epithelial cells maintain a barrier. The intestinal epithelium, a single layer of cells, plays […]

Health News

Mechanism behind compulsive alcohol use

A small group of nerve cells in the brain determines whether an individual continues to consume alcohol even when it has negative consequences. This is the conclusion of a study carried out on rats by researchers at Linköping University, Sweden. The scientists have identified a previously unknown mechanism that may be a suitable target for […]

Health News

Researchers find mechanism underlying muscle weakness in Becker disease

Muscle weakness in patients with Becker disease is caused by unusual electrical activity in muscle fibers termed ‘plateau potentials’ that make them temporarily inactive, says a study published today in eLife. An understanding of these mechanisms and the ion channels involved may help the search for more effective therapies for weakness in Becker disease and […]

Health News

Mechanism of abnormal movements induced by drug treatment of Parkinson’s disease

Many people with Parkinson’s disease develop abnormal movements called L-DOPA induced dyskinesia, a major side effect of long-term medication. The mechanism underlying this side effect has been unknown. In this study, researchers have revealed relation between changes of neuronal activities and dyskinesia. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the common age-related neurological disorder affecting 7-10 million people […]

Health News

Mutation mechanism discovered for neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer

Although neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas are rare, the available treatment options are currently limited. Researchers have now managed to identify the mutation mechanism, namely a mutation on the gene that activates the telomerase enzyme TERT, and this will potentially give rise to new treatment options. This discovery could lead to a more targeted treatment […]