Individuals who make concrete plans to meet their goals may engage in more physical activity, including visits to the gym, compared to those who don’t plan quite so far ahead, research shows. These research findings, published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, suggest that self-reported…
Scientists discover new breakthrough in treatment for cancer hair loss
Scientists have determined a new way to protect the hair follicle from chemotherapy in an effort to prevent hair loss as a result of cancer treatments. Researchers based at The University of Manchester have discovered a new strategy for how to protect hair follicles from chemotherapy, which could lead to…
Scientists identify bombali ebolavirus in bats in Guinea
The sixth ebolavirus, Bombali virus, has been detected in insect-eating bats in Guinea. In addition to findings reported by researchers earlier this month, scientists from the University of California, Davis, detected the virus in Angolan free-tailed bats roosting inside people’s houses in Guéckedou and Kissidougou. UC Davis One Health Institute…
What’s the right way for scientists to edit human genes? 5 essential reads
Since scientists first figured out how to edit genes with precision using a technology called CRISPR, they’ve been grappling with when and how to do it ethically. Is it reasonable to edit human genes with CRISPR? What about human genes in reproductive cells that pass the edits on to future…
Scientists identify metabolic features specific to the autistic brain
Skoltech scientists looked into the differences in the concentrations of multiple metabolites in healthy humans and individuals suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), gaining a deeper insight into the molecular processes that take place in the brain of autistic individuals. The results of the study were published in Nature’s Communications…
Scientists map high-risk areas for hepatitis E
EPFL scientists have created the first world map of regions with the highest prevalence of the hepatitis E virus (HEV). They hope that their map—freely available online—will help governments and NGOs design more effective prevention campaigns based on reliable data, particularly when it comes to setting up refugee camps. The…
Scientists developing way to help premature babies breathe easier
Researchers suggest a possible cell-based therapy to stimulate lung development in fragile premature infants who suffer from a rare condition called Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD), which in the most severe cases can lead to lifelong breathing problems and even death. Scientists at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center report in the American…
‘Cannabis addiction’ gene has been discovered by scientists
‘Cannabis addiction gene’ that could make people more likely to abuse the drug is discovered by scientists in a ‘really important’ breakthrough Gene CHRNA2 regulates a ‘nicotine receptor’ in the brain, scientists have said Low levels of this receptor has been linked to an increased of marijuana abuse Discovery could…
Scientists discover complex connections between social dynamics and diseases
Large gatherings—from music festivals to religious pilgrimages to sporting events—have long been known to increase risks of infectious disease outbreaks. Now results from an NSF-funded study led by UC Berkeley researchers associate even small-scale community gatherings with increased transmission of diarrheal diseases. The results are published in the American Journal…
Scientists Offer Another Theory About Why Coffee Makes Us Poop
If you’re like a lot of guys, your morning cup of Joe leaves you bright-eyed and ready to take on the day—just as soon as you’re done pooping. But what is it about the brew that blasts your bowels? Many people think caffeine gets things going, but that may not…
Scientists home in on microRNA processing for novel cancer therapies
More than a decade of research on the mda-7/IL-24 gene has shown that it helps to suppress a majority of cancer types, and now scientists are focusing on how the gene drives this process by influencing microRNAs. Published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,…