Category Archives: Research
Sandwiches to better understand cells
The human body is formed by complex organ systems. These organ systems are moreover composed by cells of different types that have to co-operate in order to make the body work properly. This is the reason why
Mitochondrial ROS and cancer drug resistance
The repetitive and continuous circle of resistance to anti-cancer agents was a primary focus of the above-titled articles recently published in Pharmacological Research. Gaining a basic understanding of why so many (possibly all) drugs currently available against
The First Fe-based sodium-ion cathode with two distinct type of polyanions
The current lithium-ion battery technology finds wide applications, powering cell phones, laptops, and electric vehicles. In 1991, Sony announced the first-generation of commercial Li-ion batteries, which composed of LiCoO2 cathode and graphite anode. Such cells have the
“Metal cats”: on the presence of chemical elements in feline reproductive system
Our cats may have their own ways but they still have a lot in common with humans. For example they suffer from similar diseases: diabetes mellitus, overactive thyroid or Alzheimers. However, most importantly, they often inhabit nearly
What, why, how? Everyday sunscreen protection
The electromagnetic radiation which reaches the Earth from the Sun has an extensive impact on life. Very high energy components of the solar spectrum, gamma rays and X-rays for example, are reflected by Earth’s upper atmosphere, protecting
Breast cancer cells change and adapt during disease progression
A diagnosis of breast cancer usually includes characterisation of the breast cancer cells: determining if the tumour cells have hormone receptors and other proteins which will help to decide the best treatment options for the patient. This
The “luminous” gold nanorod: direct observation of electron transfer
Photoluminescence (PL), in which photon is emitted after the absorption of another photon, has been important for many technologies. The first observation of visible PL of gold dates back to 1969, when Mooradian studied bulk gold and
A reproductive technology to reduce cancer risk
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) allowing individuals/ couples to choose which fertilized embryos, created through in vitro fertilization (IVF), are implanted into a woman’s uterus for further gestation. Since its
Scanning Microwave Microscopy: nanoscale imaging of material electrical properties using microwaves
In 1965 Gordon Moore estimated that the number of components on electronic chips would double every 2 years. This prediction has so far been respected. Today’s microprocessors included in our mobile phones and laptops use transistors on
A novel approach to characterizing the type of three-factorial combined toxicity
We carried out an experiment in which outbred white rats were subjected to repeated injections with water solutions of either one of the toxics (Mn, Ni or Cr salts) in doses isoeffective in respect to the lethal
Omega-3 fatty acids ameliorate age-related hearing loss
We have evaluated the effects of a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids on age-related hearing loss using a mouse model. These mice present early hearing loss, the symptoms appearing normally at 4 to 6 months of
A key molecule for embryonic bone development is dysregulated in cancer
Bone is an endocrine organ with important biological functions. The skeleton produces hormones, such as FGF23 and osteocalcin, which regulate an extensive list of normal functions. Some of these functions include glucose metabolism, male fertility, blood cell
Does neuropathic pain restrict the cortical plasticity after spinal cord injury?
Many studies in animals and humans have shown that the brain reacts with some reorganization (called neuro-adaptive processes) to the amputation of limbs and following a spinal cord injury that leaves the patients with severe motor and
Fat content surrounding your heart may cause your arrhythmia to recur
Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a metabolically active fat depot surrounding the heart. It is located between the outer wall of myocardium and the visceral pericardium. Its proximity to cardiac structures (i.e. vessels, myocardium) and its shared
Cardiac arrests – a thing of the past?
Over the last 20 years rapid response systems (RRSs) have been introduced in the majority of hospitals around the world. Before they existed, many patients would slowly deteriorate and of those, many would either die or have
Vaccinating pregnant women – a global perspective
The World Health Organization (WHO) influenza vaccine policy recommendations aim to protect vulnerable high-risk groups from severe disease. In a 2012 update of its influenza vaccine position, WHO recommended that countries considering the initiation or expansion of
Producing recombinant proteins for human use
Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell lines are the most frequently used cell lines in the biopharmaceutical industry for the production of therapeutic recombinant proteins, because they can be easily genetically manipulated, grow quickly, can be easily adapted
Researchers describe “imm-unifying theory” capable of explaining multiple medical problems
About a year ago, investigators at the Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, MD found that patients who had organ transplants fared quite well after traumatic events. The authors of the manuscript, which was published in the Journal
Human dignity and the physician’s conscience
Human dignity is a term with multiple interpretations. Often it is used in connection with self-determination by viewing autonomy as an expression of dignity. However, human dignity is not only seen as a human capability but also
Antiepileptic property of vitamin B12 in one animal model
Epilepsy –a serious neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide– is usually associated with a disturbance of normal activity of the brain, and in most typical form, is accompanied by seizures. Various antiepileptic drugs with different
