16 Oct, 2013 | by Labroots
Personalized Genomics Available at a PriceThe ability to understand current health conditions and to learn what others might develop down the road is one of the biggest reasons that some people are getting excited about personalized genomics. Although genome sequencing isnât anything new, making it available on a personal level is. At a cost that currently falls just below $10,000, an individual can have their entire genome sequenced. In...... Read More
15 Oct, 2013 | by Labroots
New Hope Emerges from Study on Stem Cells and Organ RegenerationFor the first time, researchers have been successful at reprogramming an animalâs adult cells so that they can grow into various types of tissue. In Madrid, Spain, researchers at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre were successful at accomplishing in mice what had previously only been performed in a petri dish. This research leads to the hope that organs that are diseased or damaged may be...... Read More
14 Oct, 2013 | by Labroots
Prosthetic Limbs Allow Touch SensationRecent experiments show progress toward the development of touch-sensitive prosthetic limbs. What makes these so advanced is their real-time interaction with the brain. Researchers at the University of Chicago are working on the sensory aspects of prosthetic limbs. Touch and pattern experiments with monkeys, who have sensory systems resembling humans, have shown that specific patterns of neural activity...... Read More
11 Oct, 2013 | by Labroots
Natural Painkillers in the Brain Ease Social RejectionChemicals in human brains are released to help us feel better after being rejected in a social situation. Researchers at the University of Michiganâs Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute used brain-scanning techniques to track chemical release combined with social rejection testing to look at what is happening in the brain when a person is socially rejected. The study focused on the mu-opioid...... Read More
10 Oct, 2013 | by Labroots
Centipede Venom Blocks PainThe Chinese Red-Headed Centipede has potent venom that can block nerves in insects to allow the centipedes to prey on them. A molecule in this venom could potentially be used as a painkiller in humans, similar to morphine. Researchers from the University of Queenslandâs Institute for Molecular Bioscience have demonstrated that centipede venom is loaded with molecules that can alter the function...... Read More
09 Oct, 2013 | by Labroots
Ballet Dancers’ Brains Stop DizzinessThe dance and science worlds collided recently when a study from Londonâs Imperial College showed that ballet dancersâ brains adapt to keep them from feeling dizzy while they perform pirouettes. According to the neuroscience study, years of ballet training enables a dancer to suppress signals to the brain originating from the balance organs located within the inner ear. The findings could lead...... Read More
08 Oct, 2013 | by Labroots
Human Brain Processes “Larger” Words FasterSometimes, bigger really is better. A new scientific study from the University of Glasgow reveals that the human brain processes words that refer to big things faster than the words for small things. According to the study, when it comes to both concrete and abstract words, the brain will read and understand words that describe bigger things and ideas faster than those for small objects. In other...... Read More
07 Oct, 2013 | by Labroots
New Alzheimer’s Drug on the HorizonThe findings of a recent study out of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies may lead to the first therapeutic drug to slow and treat advanced Alzheimerâs disease. Scientists developed a drug, known for now simply as J147, which was proven to reverse memory deficits in aged and aging mice models after short-term treatment. After more research and development, J147 might make news again â this...... Read More
04 Oct, 2013 | by Labroots
Alzheimer’s and Gum Disease linkedGum disease, or gingivitis, is present in 97% of our population and is one of the most common diseases in humans. An estimated 64% of seniors 65 years and older have some sort of periodontal disease. Another common disease, Alzheimerâs disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. Researchers from the University of Florida have found an association between gum disease and Alzheimerâs....... Read More
03 Oct, 2013 | by Labroots
Why Naked Mole Rats Live for 30 YearsWell-built proteins might contribute to the long and healthy lives of naked mole rats. Proteins are a part of most functions in animal cells, but first need to fold correctly to allow them to do their jobs. A new study from the University of Rochester shows that naked mole rats create close to perfect proteins. Researchers stumbled upon the discovery while working on ribosomes and their RNA. They...... Read More