Health News
Enhancing brain mechanisms triggered by stress raised the resilience of mice to stress and relieved depression-like behaviors. The surprising results suggest novel approaches to promoting mental health. »
Researchers identified areas of the brain that help us target our attention to objects, such as faces. The finding offers insight into how our brains are able to focus attention on key tasks amid a barrage of distracting sensory information. »
Researchers found that electroacupuncture in mice reduced the inflammation responsible for sepsis. The mechanisms underlying the therapy hint at new approaches to treat inflammatory disorders. »
A new study identified a set of 10 compounds in the blood that might be used to identify older adults at risk for developing memory deficits or Alzheimer’s disease. More research is needed to confirm the findings, but the study suggests one possible approach for the early identification and treatment of cognitive decline. »
Among people with early-stage multiple sclerosis (MS), those with higher blood levels of vitamin D had better outcomes during 5 years of follow-up. Identifying and correcting vitamin D insufficiency could aid in the early treatment of MS. »
Scientists released the first comprehensive 3-D atlas of gene expression in the developing human brain. The resource will help reveal the early roots of brain-based disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. »
A high-protein diet during middle age was associated with higher mortality in a new study. In adults over 65, however, a high-protein diet was linked to lower mortality. A team led by Dr. Valter Longo at the University of Southern California set out to explore the link between dietary protein and mortality. »
Ancient Earth might have had an extraterrestrial supply of vitamin B3 delivered by carbon-rich meteorites, according to a new analysis by NASA-funded researchers. The result supports a theory that the origin of life may have been assisted by a supply of key molecules created in space and brought to Earth by comet and meteor impacts. »
Many of us would love to believe that chocolate is a health food. Maybe you’ve heard or read about its potential benefits. Eating chocolate may have some health pluses, but the research is far from certain. The drawbacks, on the other hand, are clear. Think twice before you reach for that tempting treat. »
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder that afflicts 6 million American adults. It's characterized by unexpected, repeated episodes of intense fear. These can be accompanied by physical symptoms including chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness or abdominal distress. Panic disorder is also a risk factor for suicidal behavior. »
Anyone who's taken a biology class knows that a gene's sequence precisely dictates the order of amino acids that must be linked together to make a protein. A new study reveals that, in the face of an invading virus or bacteria, or an irritating chemical, the cell's protein-making machinery goes off-script, inserting more of an amino acid known to help defend proteins against damage. »
Researchers have identified a key mechanism in the brain that helps explain cocaine's addictiveness. The finding may lead to new therapeutic approaches. »
Most migraine sufferers know that light can intensify headache pain. A new study of blind patients with migraine may help explain why. The finding ultimately may lead to new approaches for calming severe light-induced headaches. »
