Monthly Archives: February 2016
Medieval chainmail motif stabilizes DNA nanostructures
The field of nanotechnology refers to all objects in the size range between 1 and 100 nanometers, which correspond to one billionth of a meter. This dimension is hard to imagine and it can be defined as
What predicts who will do well in treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychological response following a traumatic event and affects about 8% of the population. Effective psychological treatments do exist and should be made available to anyone who is diagnosed with PTSD.
The antibacterials that have yet to be found
Science has contributed greatly to prolong the lifespan and health conditions of humans. However, close to the coming of age of the XXI Century, humankind is confronting the global war against infectious diseases. Leaving aside other microorganisms-associated
Low salt intake during pregnancy
All cells of an organism share the same DNA sequence from the time they are stem cells until they are fully differentiated, differing greatly in relation to the profile of expressed genes. Changes in gene expression which
Stag beetles restrain bite force to prevent breaking their own jaws
Males have evolved such strong bite muscles, that they risk breaking their own jaws while pinching. They prevent damage by modulating their bite force with a network of tiny sensors in their jaws. The distribution of these
A photothermal optical sensor enables measurement of hemoglobin concentration in unprocessed, nanoliter blood sample
Examining blood sample is like looking over the index of a book on the health of humans. For example, measuring cholesterol concentration in blood enables detection of hyperlipidemia, which is related to pancreatitis and cardiovascular disease, and
Risk modifier(s) of susceptibility to pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is an acute form of cancer of the white blood cells, characterized by the overproduction and accumulation of immature precursors known as lymphoblasts. ALL is the most common type of leukemia in children
Removal of small tonsils helps children with obstructive sleep apnea
Approximately 2% to 4% of children are affected by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that can result in decreased memory, bad grades and behavioral problems in school when it is not treated. Large tonsils and adenoids
How antioxidants may have a pro-oxidant effect?
The main function of the consumption of antioxidants is to strengthen the activity of enzymatic antioxidant systems of our cells and this is intended to prevent or delay oxidative stress caused by the increase of reactive oxygen
A new technique for quantification of small RNA variants with a single-nucleotide resolution
Non – protein – coding regions of the genome are widely transcribed to produce non – coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which play a crucial role in various biological processes and diseases. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have
AZGP1, a new candidate for the treatment of chronic kidney disease
In elderly populations, chronic kidney disease is a common clinical problem associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality. When the kidney is injured by, for example, low blood flow, the human body has a remarkable
How does the brain manage our anger?
Aristotle is quoted to have said: “Anybody can become angry, that is easy; but to be angry with the right person, and to the right degree, and at the right time, for the right purpose, and in
Crystalline solids towards enzymatic behaviour
Flexibility is the essence of many naturally developed self-assembled systems which drives several key biological processes. This attribute is reflected precisely in the specific function of an enzyme. An enzyme does have flexible pocket which helps to
Novel presenilin 1 mutation in familial late-onset Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive dementia, affecting over 20 million people worldwide, mainly adult subjects in advanced age characterized by loss of neurons and the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain. Several families have been
Generation of a microbial factory for direct biofuel production from plant cellulose waste
Biofuels have attracted increasing interest due to economic, geopolitical and environmental concerns caused by fossil fuels. It has been proposed as a renewable, sustainable and environmental-friendly fuel to replace fossil fuel or be used as fuel additive.
A simple calculation using routine blood test results can identify eosinophilic asthma patients
Complete blood count (CBC) with differential, a standard test that enumerates different types of white cells in peripheral blood, is often performed during routine patient visits in clinics and hospitals. The test can be used to differentiate
CAD/CAM-fabricated fixed dental prostheses made from acrylic resin as long-term temporaries
CAD/CAM technology made great strides within the last 15 years. Not only software and hardware of the computers, but also the integration in milling machines drives manufacturers to provide continuously improved systems to the market. These fabrication
A sound understanding of inner ear balance organs
Sound is normally conducted to the inner ear where it excites receptors within the cochlea and produces the sensation of hearing. The inner ear consists of two main receptor types – the cochlea and the five vestibular
Cell vacuum: measuring micro-newton cell adhesion forces using micropipette suction
The force with which cells adhere to their substrate is of interest in the study of various diseases. For example, in the case of atherosclerosis, the disease that leads to heart attacks and strokes, the “leakiness” of
Does humour undervalue the importance of safety information contained in pre-flight safety briefings?
Most readers would agree they experience variations in mood from time to time. In some circumstances, the trigger or origins of this change in mood is difficult to determine. What research has revealed, is that mood is
