Daily Archives: January 11, 2016
Theta burst like stimulations lead to formation of BDNF dependent memory traces
Creating and storing memory traces in our brains is essential for learning, logical thinking, creativity, and for being able to recall persons, events, and facts throughout life. Memory traces are created by joint electrical activity in nerve
ZNRF1: a key molecule activated by reactive oxygen species to cause neuronal degeneration
Neurons, the major component of our brain, have long processes (called “axons” and “dendrites”) to communicate with other neurons and cells. In many brain diseases that old people get suffered from, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease,
A growing epidemic: HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinoma
The incidence of Human Papillomavirus(HPV)related oropharyngeal cancer has increased by epidemic proportions (225%) over the past 30 years. If it continues to increase at the current rate, the incidence of HPVrelated oropharyngeal cancer will be even greater
Lung mechanics and pulmonary function testing in cetaceans
Marine mammals live a life of dual constraints. These air breathing animals need to spend time at the surface to replenish O2 used and remove CO2 produced by metabolism. However, food is underwater and the longer they
Microfluidic live-cell microarrays
In recent years, the development of new drugs and therapies has decelerated despite the application of combinatorial biochemistry and new therapeutic strategies, such as nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. Although the numbers of newly developed compounds have steadily
Why do people undergo genetic testing – for personal benefits, for family, or for science and society?
Genetic testing is an important tool to detect gene mutations (e.g., BRCA1/2) that increase the risk of cancer, especially among those who are known to have higher chances of carrying these mutations such as Ashkenazi Jewish individuals.
Prader-Willi syndrome: most common genetic cause of life-threatening obesity
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare complex multisystem genetic disorder. It is recognized as the most common known genetic cause of obesity in humans which can be life-threatening, if not controlled. PWS affects about 1 in 15,000
Thiamine supplementation reduces anxiety in severely alcohol dependent men
The caustic effects of alcohol on the gastrointestinal tract as well as lifestyle factors impacting dietary habits can lead to severe nutritional and vitamin deficiency in individuals with chronic alcoholism. Vitamin B1 deficiency, also known as thiamine,
A formula for better asthma, cold and heart medications
Imagine that you had found a way to drop the dose of your asthma medication ten-fold, increase its duration of activity from a couple of hours to all day, and still get the same relief as before.
Impact of phosphate mining on the hydrology and water quality of a river basin in China
Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient to plant production. Phosphate mining (PM) activities have been strongly motivated by the increased marketing of fertilizer produced by PM. The PM activities (i.e., processes of exploitation, exploration, and beneficiation) can
