Stem Cell :: Study Reveals How Stem Cells Decide To Become Either Skeletal or Smooth Muscle

Researchers have discovered a key protein that controls how stem cells “choose” to become either skeletal muscle cells that move limbs, or smooth muscle cells that support blood vessels, according to a study published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Diabetes :: New IDF guidelines raise importance of post-meal glucose control

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has published new guidelines on the contribution and impact of post-meal glucose in diabetes disease management at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) on September_19, 2007. The IDF recognises the growing evidence that post-meal glucose is a key contributor to overall glycaemic control – particularly with respect to HbA1C levels, and that reducing post-meal glucose has a significant impact on the risk of developing diabetic complications.

Kidney :: Double cardiovascular benefit for people with chronic kidney disease

New research, published today in the Journal of American Society of Nephrology by the George Institute for International Health in Sydney, has found that lowering blood pressure protects stroke victims with chronic kidney disease from further strokes or heart attacks. Given the high risk of cardiovascular complications in people with chronic kidney disease, these results have significant implications for millions of people across the world.

Pain :: Treatment Blocks Pain Without Disrupting Other Functions

A combination of two drugs can selectively block pain-sensing neurons in rats without impairing movement or other sensations such as touch, according to a new study by National Institutes of Health (NIH)-supported investigators. The finding suggests an improved way to treat pain from childbirth and surgical procedures. It may also lead to new treatments to help the millions of Americans who suffer from chronic pain.

Chronic Pain :: Treatment blocks pain without disrupting other functions

A combination of two drugs can selectively block pain-sensing neurons in rats without impairing movement or other sensations such as touch, according to a new study by National Institutes of Health-supported investigators. The finding suggests an improved way to treat pain from childbirth and surgical procedures. It may also lead to new treatments to help the millions of Americans who suffer from chronic pain.

Sleep :: Disturbed sleep linked to poorer daytime function in older women

One of the first large-scale studies to examine the association of sleep behaviors, neuromuscular performance and daytime function in a community dwelling of older women finds that poorer sleep is associated with worse physical function in older women during the daytime, according to a study published in the October 1 issue of the journal SLEEP.