Author Archives: karen
How do chaperones save protein folding?
Protein folding both in vitro and in vivo goes via formation of intermediate states. These “molten globule”-like states fluctuate, expose their hydrophobic sites and therefore easily aggregate. This retards or even inhibits formation of protein native structures,
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
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
With a little help from friends: how plastids aid the ER to deal with misfolded proteins
Almost a third of all proteins in eukaryotic cells are synthesized and folded in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) before being secreted and redistributed to other organelles, such as the Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and the plasma membrane. To
Heart disease in cancer patients (onco-cardiology / cardio-oncology)
In the United States, heart disease and cancer have been the 2 leading causes of death from 1935 through 2013. In 2010, both diseases accounted for almost half of all deaths in the U.S. Notwithstanding, much success
Plasmid-mediated carbapenem and colistin resistance in E. coli – toward a dead end
The increasing trend in antibiotic resistance continues to threaten global health. Presently, multidrug resistance (MDR) in gram-negative rods is frequently observed not only with the occurrence of extended-spectrum ß – lactamase but also with producers of enzymes
Sensory deprivation early in life has lasting impacts
What happens to a brain area when it is underutilized when a person or animal is growing up? Does this kind of deprivation of experiences lead to negative effects for brain development? For a long time, the
Parkinson disease and duodenal levodopa infusion: why patients withdraw the treatment?
Parkinson disease is a chronic and progressive movement disorder associated to degeneration of neurons in the brain, particularly in a region called substantia nigra. These neurons produce dopamine, a neural transmitter that is involved in the control
Does traffic noise increase the risk of obesity?
There is an association between road traffic noise and the risk of obesity among people who are particularly sensitive to noise, according to a study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Previously, a Swedish study reported
Identification of drusen characteristics in age-related macular degeneration
In this study, we investigated the morphologic characteristics of drusen in order to determine their composition, using an in-vivo technique, the optical coherence tomography (OCT). The development of drusen is an important characteristic of age-related macular degeneration
