Using a new molecular genetic technique, scientists have
turned procrastinating primates into workaholics by
temporarily suppressing a gene in a brain circuit involved
in reward learning. Without the gene, the monkeys lost
their sense of balance between reward and the work required
to get it, say researchers at the NIH’s National Institute
of Mental Health (NIMH).
The tiniest blood vessels of the eye can provide a glimpse that may warn of future high blood pressure, Australian researchers report.
Thousands of people are believed to suffer pain in different parts of the body which, despite numerous tests and often costly investigations, cannot be explained by doctors.
FDA approved the drug Campral (acamprosate), for treating alcohol dependent individuals seeking to continue to remain alcohol-free after they have stopped drinking. Campral may not be effective in patients who are actively drinking at the start of treatment, or in patients who abuse other substances in addition to alcohol.
A genetic mechanism leading that makes people more or less prone to some psychiatric disorders, including depression was discovered by scientists from the Duke University Medical Center, U.S.
Artificial sweeteners confuse the brain’s ability to regulate body weight and could encourage people to over-eat. A studt reveals low calorie soft drinks may do more harm than good for people desperate to shed excess pounds.
During the conference in Berlin organized by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology researchers from the Center for Reproduction, Endocrinology and Diabetes at King’s College London, told that khat leaves have a chemical which causes sperm to become fertile faster, and stay fertile longer.
Carbohydrates are vital to health. Extremely low-carb diets can lead to serious health problems such as kidney stress, liver disorders and gout. Short-term side effects may include constipation, gastrointestinal problems, nausea, repeated headaches, difficulty in concentrating and the loss of energy.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system in which gradual destruction of myelin occurs in patches throughout the brain or spinal cord (or both), interfering with the nerve pathways and causing muscular weakness, loss of coordination and speech and visual disturbances. Yoga has been found in reducing fatigue.
A leading British brain specialist is calling for a ban on computer games as a way to help prevent epileptic fits. Graham Harding spoke out after finding certain popular games contained light patterns which cause seizures in one in 4,000 people, the London Sun said.