‘Cellular Antennae’ On Algae Give Clues To How Human Cells Receive Signals May 6, 2006
By studying microscopic hairs called cilia on algae, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that an internal structure that helps build cilia is also responsible for a cell’s response to external signals.
Viral Genomic Material Remains In The Human Body Long After Infection
The researchers at the University of Helsinki, Finland, and the University Hospital of Bonn, Germany, have coined the novel term "Bioportfolio" to describe viral genomic material remaining in the human body after infection. Using human erythrovirus as the example, the authors have demonstrated that viral genomic material persisting in the human body yields valuable information on viral phylogeny and on molecular epidemiology of infection.
Scientists Discover That Ancient Genes Dictate Flowering, Fall Bud Set
Scientists at the Umea Plant Science Centre at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and at Virginia Tech and Oregon State University in the United State report that the gene previously shown to control flowering time in annual plants also controls tree flowering, and trees can be stimulated to flower in weeks instead of years.
Bold Three-stage Brain Operation For Intractable Seizures Appears Promising
A boy plagued by seizures since he was 2 months old rarely experiences seizures now and his development has improved dramatically thanks to a bold three-stage brain operation being performed at NYU Medical Center.
In 3D, Early Fat Development First Requires ‘Remodeling’
In the May 5, 2006 Cell, researchers report the serendipitous discovery that the initial development of fat requires a "remodeling" protein that must first make way for the lipid-laden tissue’s growth. An enzyme that "chews" through collagen fibers sculpts the matrix surrounding fat cells, allowing them to expand and mature, the team reports.
Halting Histamine Action Means Hallelujah For Hay Fever Sufferers
Histamine release during asthma and hay fever causes itching and wheezing. Northwestern University researchers examined a mouse model of asthma and found that mice lacking the histamine 1 receptor (H1R) could still mount a Th2 immune response to allergic antigens, but did not develop airway inflammation. Without histamine binding to H1R, T cells were not recruited to the site of allergen exposure — the lung. Blocking H1R with currently available drugs might have benefit for patients.
Researchers Report Technique For Freezing And Preserving Genetically Enhanced Pig Embryos
Researchers led by a University of Missouri-Columbia professor of reproductive biotechnology have reported success in freezing and preserving swine embryos that were created by in vitro techniques and that carried modified genetic material. After thawing and transfer to a surrogate mother, some of the embryos went on to produce live piglets with new genetic traits… click link for more info.
PMS - A Fact Of Life Or All In The Mind?
In her keynote talk: "Premenstrual Syndrome and Self-policing: Constructing and Deconstructing Premenstrual Distress in Lesbian and Heterosexual relationships", Professor Jane M Ussher, puts forward her views to delegates of an international 3-day conference for psychologists held at the University of Leicester, entitled "Qualitative Research and Marginalisation… click link for more info.
Results With Newer Bladeless LASIK Equivalent To Standard Microkeratome LASIK
A Mayo Clinic study comparing femtosecond (bladeless) and mechanical microkeratome LASIK surgeries has found equal results from both types six months post-surgery, using a variety of vision and eye health measurements. The study’s findings will be presented next week in three abstracts at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Fla… click link for more info.
New Research Reveals Australians Too Busy For Lunch
While most Australians think that eating a substantial, healthy lunch is important, one in three skip this vital meal at least once a week, and one in 10 rarely or never have it.A new ACNeilsen Omnibus poll of 1400 Australians shows that people engaged in home duties are most likely to skip lunch; with almost half those surveyed (46%) doing so at least once in the past week… click link for more info.
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