A recent study led by USC Stem Cell scientist Janos Peti-Peterdi reveals that a loss of salt and body fluid can stimulate kidney regeneration and repair in mice. This groundbreaking research, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, uncovers an innate regenerative response driven by a small population of kidney cells known as the macula … Read more
Whether it’s a first-time visit to a zoo or learning to ride a bicycle, childhood memories often stay with us well into adulthood. But what explains the persistence of these memories over a lifetime? A study published in Science Advances by an international team of researchers sheds light on this question, uncovering a biological mechanism … Read more
Our brains seamlessly process streams of visual information from the world around us while simultaneously understanding the causal structure of events. These essential cognitive functions, known as external sensory processing and internal world modeling, are critical for navigating complex environments. The brain achieves this through large-scale functional systems responsible for these processes. Recently, an international … Read more
Within each of our cells, long strands of DNA are folded into chromosomes and capped with protective structures called telomeres. Telomeres shorten as we age, eventually becoming so diminished that our chromosomes are exposed, leading to cell death. The specifics of this shortening process, and whether certain chromosomes are more affected than others, have remained … Read more
Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) announced the discovery of a novel immune-based biomarker that could pave the way for potential lifesaving early detection of high-grade ovarian cancer (HGOC). The findings were published today in the journal Cell Reports Medicine. High-grade ovarian cancer (HGOC) is the fifth-leading cause of cancer-related death among women. More than 90% of … Read more
Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital have developed a new nanomedicine therapy that delivers anticancer drugs to lung cancer cells and enhances the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. The team showed promising results for the new therapy in cancer cells in the lab and in mouse lung tumor models, with potential applications for improving … Read more
Imagine you’re a student, it’s finals week, and you’re preparing for a big exam: do you pull an all-nighter or do you get some rest? As many a groggy-eyed person who’s stared blankly at a test knows, a lack of sleep can make it extraordinarily difficult to retain information. Two new studies from University of … Read more
The ability to adapt one’s beliefs about actions and their consequences in a constantly changing environment is a hallmark of advanced cognition. Disruptions to this ability can negatively impact cognition and behavior, potentially leading to states of mind such as paranoia, where there is a belief that others intend to cause harm. In a groundbreaking … Read more
A groundbreaking study has found compelling evidence linking the consumption of small fish, eaten whole, with a lower risk of all-cause and cancer mortality in Japanese women. Spearheaded by Dr. Chinatsu Kasahara, Associate Professor Takashi Tamura, and Professor Kenji Wakai at Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, this research underscores the potential health benefits of … Read more
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) have made a significant breakthrough by isolating human monoclonal antibodies against influenza B. This virus is a notable public health threat, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. While seasonal flu vaccines provide coverage against both influenza A and B, they do not always … Read more
Scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered groundbreaking evidence that astrocyte receptors can have opposite effects on cognitive function in male and female preclinical models. This finding highlights the significant role of astrocytes—brain cells that support and regulate neurons—in sex-specific brain mechanisms. Traditionally, studies have focused on the behavioral effects of astrocytic receptors, predominantly in … Read more
A groundbreaking study underscores the importance of addressing concerns about persistent memory loss with a healthcare provider. Conducted by researchers from Mass General Brigham, the study reveals that reports of cognitive decline by patients and their close family members or study partners may indicate early changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This discovery … Read more
Research led by Weill Cornell Medicine has uncovered pivotal evidence suggesting that most colorectal cancers originate from the loss of intestinal stem cells prior to the onset of cancer-causing genetic mutations. This breakthrough, detailed in a study published on May 29 in Developmental Cell, challenges the longstanding theory of colorectal tumor initiation and opens new … Read more
For the first time, researchers have successfully visualized the intricate network of blood vessels spanning the cortex of awake mice. Their groundbreaking observations revealed that these blood vessels rhythmically expand and contract, creating “waves” that wash across the brain’s surface. This discovery, published in the journal Neuron, significantly enhances our understanding of cerebral blood flow, … Read more
Orange peels, often discarded as waste, might hold a vital key to enhancing cardiovascular health, according to new research led by the University of Florida. The groundbreaking findings have been published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men, women, and people across most racial … Read more
Within the intricate landscape of cell membrane lipids and the kinase enzymes that regulate them, phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) have long dominated scientific research, particularly due to their roles in cancer, diabetes, and various cellular functions. However, the spotlight on PI3Ks has often overshadowed other crucial members of this lipid enzyme family, including phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphate 4-kinases (PI5P4Ks). … Read more
Low-level light therapy (LLLT) appears to promote healing in the brains of individuals with significant brain injuries, according to a study published in the journal Radiology. For years, researchers have explored the wound-healing properties of light of various wavelengths. In a recent study, scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) applied LLLT to 38 patients who … Read more
Our brains are made of tens of billions of nerve cells called neurons. These cells communicate with each other through biomolecules called neurotransmitters. Serotonin, a type of neurotransmitter, is produced by serotonin neurons in our brains and influences many of our behavioral and cognitive functions such as memory, sleep, and mood. Using mice, scientists at … Read more
In the global quest for effective cancer treatments, researchers are uncovering promising strategies in the most unexpected of places: the very viruses we typically strive to avoid. Pathogens such as the common cold and influenza, once seen solely as threats to our health, are now being studied for their potential to target and destroy cancer … Read more
New research from scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) suggests people who received COVID-19 vaccines and then experienced “breakthrough” infections are especially well armed against future SARS-CoV-2 infections. By analyzing blood samples from study volunteers, the LJI researchers discovered that people who experienced symptomatic breakthrough infections develop T cells that are better at … Read more