Scientists have discovered how plant stem cells in roots detect soil structure and whether it is favourable for growth. Poor soil structure is a problem in tropical agriculture, where soil becomes compact as it dries out.
The process by which genes are duplicated is mysterious and complex, involving a cast of characters with diverse talents and the ability to play well with others in extremely close quarters. A key player on this stage is an enzyme called a helicase.
Scientists have provided new evidence that using more fish oil than vegetable oil in the diet decreases the formation of chemicals called prostanoids, which, when produced in excess, increase inflammation in various tissues and organs.
Regular prescribing of antibiotics to children in the community is sufficient to sustain a high level of antibiotic resistance in the population, warn experts in a study published on bmj.com today.
Proactive chlamydia screening for young adults is an expensive intervention that probably does not represent good value for money, concludes a study published on bmj.com today.
Gaining or losing weight in between pregnancies can have major health implications for an unborn baby, warn two senior obstetricians in today?s BMJ.
An implanted stimulator being studied at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital may be able to predict and prevent seizures before they start in people with uncontrolled epilepsy.
One potent, immune-based treatment for cancer is total body irradiation (TBI). This approach first depletes the body of the population of immune cells known as lymphocytes and then involves the adoptive transfer of tumor-specific T cells to the patient.
Itching for a better anti-itch remedy — Your wish may soon be granted now that scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified the first gene for the itch sensation in the central nervous system.
With the Centre confirming an outbreak of the H5N1 strain of bird flu in Manipur, the state government today began culling 1.6 lakh birds within five kilometres of the site where the virus was detected.