Stem Cell :: 3-D scaffold for growing stem cells
Stem cells grew, multiplied and differentiated into brain cells on a new three-dimensional scaffold of tiny protein fragments designed to be more like a living body than any other cell culture system.
Heart
Stroke :: Incidence of stroke decreases over last 50 years
The incidence of stroke in the US over the past 50 years has declined, although the severity of stroke has not, according to a study in the December 27 issue of JAMA.
Liver :: Liver X Receptor’s role in glucose metabolism and fat synthesis
In a new study, scientists at the Scripps Research Institute have described for the first time a glucose-activated sensor that acts as a switch to decrease production of endogenous glucose in the liver, and increase conversion of glucose to fat for storage in adipose tissue. This dual action makes the sensor, Liver X Receptor, a potential target for new therapies aimed at obesity and diabetes. The research may also have implications for heart disease and stroke.
Malnutrition :: Deaths of severely malnourished children – identifying those most at risk
Severe malnutrition is responsible for the deaths of millions of children every year. Even when such children are admitted to hospital, up to one in five of them will die. Research published in PLoS Medicine has shown that certain clinical signs in severely malnourished children can predict those who are most likely to die. This should help health care workers focus their attentions on those who are most at risk.
Gene :: Longevity gene also preserves ability to think clearly
A gene variant linked to living a very long life–to 90 and beyond–also serves to help very old people think clearly and retain their memories, according to new research by scientists at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. Their findings are published in the December 26, 2006 issue of Neurology.
Hypertension :: Risk factors for hypertension start young
By age 10, some black children already have high nighttime blood pressure, an early signal of impending cardiovascular disease, a new study shows.
Trans Fat :: Trans fat ban – Watch saturated fats and calories too
The New York City trans fat ban is a step in the right direction, but the regulation that requires some restaurants to display calories as prominently as price is just as important. Also missing in the discussion? Replacing trans fat will saturated fat would be problematic.
Injury :: Sword swallowers more likely to be injured when distracted or swallowing ‘unusual’ swords
Sword swallowers are more likely to sustain an injury — such as a perforation of the oesophagus — if they are distracted or are using multiple or unusual swords, finds a study in this week’s Christmas issue of the BMJ.
Five new technologies that promise to transform medicine
Fat zapping to shed excess weight, miniature telescopes to restore vision, and smart nappies to detect common childhood infections — these are some of the new technologies that promise to transform medicine, according to this week’s Christmas issue of the BMJ.
Gene :: Studying genetic traits of India-born populations in US
Researchers conducting genetic analysis of India-born individuals in the US may have begun to shed light on the genetic variations of the diverse population of India.