Clipmarks | Silkweaver's 'medicine' clips

Scientists adapt economics theory to trace brain's information flow

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:01:19 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver
clipper's remarks: Scientists believed the frontoparietal cortex was influencing the visual cortex, but the brain scanning approach they were using, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), can only complete scans about once every two seconds, which was much too slow to catch that influence in action. When researchers applied Granger causality, though, they were able to show conclusively that as volunteers waited for the stimulus to appear, the frontoparietal cortex was influencing the visual cortex, not the reverse.

Clip Source: www.physorg.com

Scientists have used a technique originally developed for economic study to become the first to overcome a significant challenge in brain research: determining the flow of information from one part of the brain to another.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Florida Atlantic University report the new capability in The Journal of Neuroscience. It will provide important insights into brain organization and function, advancing efforts to help patients recover from brain injuries and mental disorders.

The approach involves comparisons of streams of data known as time series, such as fluctuations in the stock market index and changes in employment levels.

author Steven L. Bressler, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Florida Atlantic University, suspected the technique might help reveal if one brain area was passing data to or influencing another brain area.

Tags: brain, information flow in the brain

Gait may be associated with orgasmic ability

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:22:21 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver
clipper's remarks: There are several plausible explanations for the results shown by this study. One possibility is that a woman's anatomical features may predispose her to greater or lesser tendency to experience vaginal orgasm. According to Brody, "Blocked pelvic muscles, which might be associated with psychosexual impairments, could both impair vaginal orgasmic response and gait." In addition, vaginally orgasmic women may feel more confident about their sexuality, which might be reflected in their gait. "Such confidence might also be related to the relationship(s) that a woman has had, given the finding that specifically penile-vaginal orgasm is associated with indices of better relationship quality," the authors state. Research has linked vaginal orgasm to better mental health.

The study provides some support for assumptions of a link between muscle blocks and sexual function, according to the authors. They conclude that it may lend credibility to the idea of incorporating training in movement, br

Clip Source: www.physorg.com

A new study found that trained sexologists could infer a woman's history of vaginal orgasm by observing the way she walks. The study is published in the September 2008 issue of The Journal of Sexual Medicine

Subjects completed a questionnaire on their sexual behavior and were then videotaped from a distance while walking in a public place. The videotapes were rated by two professors of sexology and two research assistants trained in the functional-sexological approach to sexology, who were not aware of the women's orgasmic history

The results showed that the appropriately trained sexologists were able to correctly infer vaginal orgasm through watching the way the women walked over 80 percent of the time

Further analysis revealed that the sum of stride length and vertebral rotation was greater for the vaginally orgasmic women. "This could reflect the free, unblocked energetic flow from the legs through the pelvis to the spine," the authors note.

Tags: sexology, human behavior

Zen training speeds the mind's return after distraction, brain scans reveal

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:32:01 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver
clipper's remarks: Can you hear the sound of one hand clapping ?
Yes, but keep on clapping, it does not distract me at all...

Clip Source: thezenfrog.files.wordpress.com

Clip Source: www.physorg.com

Experienced Zen meditators can clear their minds of distractions more quickly than novices, according to a new brain imaging study.

After being interrupted by a word-recognition task, experienced meditators' brains returned faster to their pre-interruption condition, researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found.

Giuseppe Pagnoni, PhD, Emory assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and co-workers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine changes in blood flow in the brain when people meditating were interrupted by stimuli designed to mimic the appearance of spontaneous thoughts.

The study compared 12 people from the Atlanta area with more than three years of daily practice in Zen meditation with 12 others who had never practiced meditation.

"This suggests that the regular practice of meditation may enhance the capacity to limit the influence of distracting thoughts.

Tags: meditation, neuroscience

68 Molecules that hold the key to all Cellular Life

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:01:12 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver
clipper's remarks: Currently, the vast majority of medical research looks to the human genome and proteome for answers, but those answers remain elusive, and perhaps for good reason.

“We have now found instances where the pathogenesis of widespread and chronic diseases can be attributed to a change in the glycome, for example, in the absence of definable changes in the genome or proteome,” Marth said, adding that, as biomedical researchers, “we need to begin to cultivate the integration of disciplines in a holistic and rigorous way in order to perceive and most effectively manipulate the biological mechanisms of health and disease.”

Marth believes that biology should become more integrative both in academic and research settings. “I’m one who believes that we don’t need to sacrifice breadth of knowledge in order to acquire depth of understanding.”

Clip Source: www.physorg.com

Clip Source: www.sciencedaily.com

Why is it that the origins of many serious diseases remain a mystery? In considering that question, a scientist at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has come up with a unified molecular view of the indivisible unit of life, the cell, which may provide an answer.

Reviewing findings from multiple disciplines, Jamey Marth, Ph.D., UC San Diego Professor of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, realized that only 68 molecular building blocks are used to construct these four fundamental components of cells: the nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), proteins, glycans and lipids.

Like the periodic table of elements, first published in 1869 by Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev, is to chemistry, Marth’s visual metaphor offers a new framework for biologists.

These 68 building blocks provide the structural basis for the molecular choreography that constitutes the entire life of a cell

Tags: biology, cell biology

Researchers turn one form of adult mouse cell directly into another

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:18:44 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver
clipper's remarks: Joan Brugge, Chair of the Department of Cell Biology at Harvard Medical School, said the new study "provides exciting new insights into yet another aspect of cell plasticity that was not appreciated previously and that offers great potential therapeutically. Direct reprogramming represents a more straight-forward strategy to treat diseases involving loss of function of specific cell populations than approaches requiring an intermediate embryonic stem cell," she said.

Clip Source: www.physorg.com

In a feat of biological prestidigitation likely to turn the field of regenerative medicine on its head, Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) co-director Doug Melton and post doctoral fellow Qiao "Joe" Zhou report having achieved what has long been a dream and ultimate goal of developmental biologists – directly turning one type of fully formed adult cell into another type of adult cell.

The Melton team reports in today's online edition of the journal Nature that, using a technique it is calling "direct reprogramming," the team is able to turn mouse exocrine cells, which make up about 95 percent of the pancreas, into precious and rare insulin-producing beta cells. These beta cells, which comrpise about one percent of the pancreas, are the cells that die off in Type I diabetes.

In addition to its value for the field of regenerative medicine, the work also is a major step forward toward eventually developing a treatment for Type II – and eventually Type I – diabetes

Tags: molecular biology, cell plasticity, regenerative medicine

Cradle of maternity in the brain discovered

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:53:47 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver
clipper's remarks: The study also showed that a partial restoration of Pet-1 function in the developing brain of females partially restored their serotonin levels, and maternal behaviour in adulthood.
The finding indicated that subtle changes in the embryonic formation of the brain serotonin system in females could impact the quality of the maternal care they later provide for their offspring.
The researchers say that future studies with Pet-1 deficient mothers may help to further elucidate the link between serotonin and maternal behaviour, and lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches for treatment of post-partum depression and child neglect.

Clip Source: www.thaindian.com

A new study on mice conducted at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has shown that the inactivation of brain serotonin in the mothers may affect the quality of the maternal care, and in turn offspring survival.

During the study, the researchers genetically engineered mice to carry a mutation in a gene called Pet-1, which directs the development of the brain serotonin neurotransmitter system.

Though Pet-1 deficient mice mothers showed normal rates of pregnancy and gave birth to normal numbers of offspring, it was observed that not of their offspring survived to five days of age.

Further studies indicated that a specific deficiency of maternal care was the cause of pup mortality.

The researchers found that Pet-1 deficient mothers, though nursed their offspring, often failed to build suitable nests and never organized offspring in a huddle.

Tags: behavior, brain, neuroscience, maternity

Potential Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Cure Found In Century-old Drug

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:19:16 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver
clipper's remarks: Also impressed is one of Dr. Atamna's co-authors, Bruce Ames, PhD, a senior scientist at Children's and world-renowned expert in nutrition and aging. "What we potentially have is a wonder drug." said Dr. Ames. "To find that such a common and inexpensive drug can be used to increase and prolong the quality of life by treating such serious diseases is truly exciting."

Dr. Atamna's research is the first to show that low concentrations of the drug have the ability to slow cellular aging in cultured cells in the laboratory and in live mice. He believes methylene blue has the potential to become another commonplace low-cost treatment like aspirin, prescribed as a blood thinner for people with heart disorders.

Clip Source: www.sciencedaily.com

A new study conducted by researchers at Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland shows that a century-old drug, methylene blue, may be able to slow or even cure Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Used at a very low concentration – about the equivalent of a few raindrops in four Olympic-sized swimming pools of water – the drug slows cellular aging and enhances mitochondrial function, potentially allowing those with the diseases to live longer, healthier lives.

Dr. Atamna's research found that methylene blue can prevent or slow the decline of mitochondrial function, specifically an important enzyme called complex IV. Because mitochondria are the principal suppliers of energy to all animal and human cells, their healthy function is critical.

"The results are very encouraging," said Dr. Atamna. "We'd eventually like to try to prevent the physical and cognitive decline associated with aging, with a focus on people with Alzheimer's disease.

Tags: medicine, aging, alzheimer

Researchers discover technology that silences genes

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:01:29 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver
clipper's remarks: A safe and reliable gene silencing technology might be a component of a larger arsenal of gene therapies. It is a ground breaking research.

Clip Source: www.physorg.com

Mount Sinai researchers have developed a new gene silencing technology that could be used to target genes that can lead to the development of certain diseases.

This technology could pave the way for preventing diseases where gene dysfunction plays a role.

By being able to silence certain genes, we may be able to suppress genes that can cause diseases such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, inflammation and diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

In the study

discovered that Paramecium bursaria chlorella virus uses a viral protein to modify host DNA packing chromatin and switch host transcription machinery for viral replication.

Based on this finding, researchers were able to develop a new gene targeting technology that effectively suppresses transcriptional expression of targeted genes in human cells, including genes that are linked to the onset of a number of diseases.

Tags: gnetics, medicine, molecular biology

Scientists stop the ageing process

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:09:53 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver
clipper's remarks: Interesting results that may one day become the basis of 'age therapies'.

Clip Source: www.abc.net.au

Scientists have stopped the ageing process in an entire organ for the first time, a study released today says.

Published in today's online edition of Nature Medicine, researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University in New York City also say the older organs function as well as they did when the host animal was younger.

The researchers, led by Associate Professor Ana Maria Cuervo, blocked the ageing process in mice livers by stopping the build-up of harmful proteins inside the organ's cells.

The researchers say the findings suggest that therapies for boosting protein clearance might help stave off some of the declines in function that accompanies old age.

In experiments, livers in genetically modified mice 22 to 26 months old, the equivalent of octogenarians in human years, cleaned blood as efficiently as those in animals a quarter their age.

Our findings are particularly relevant for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's," she says.

Tags: medicine, aging, molecular biology

Breakthrough In understanding Cancer and other Inflammatory Conditions

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:03:45 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver

Clip Source: www.news.com.au

AUSTRALIAN scientists are hoping to cure leukaemia, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis after their breakthrough discovery of how to stop killer blood cells growing.

The team has unlocked the secrets behind the protein which controls the way the blood cancer cells spread when it is damaged - and have found a way to stop its deadly process.

Work is now starting to design a drug to prevent the damaged proteins operating, effectively stopping the cancer as well as asthma and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

The major breakthrough came when the researchers realised the proteins linked together to form networks on the surface of white blood cells after being activated by the hormone, and that by stopping the networks forming they could also stop the growth.

When damaged, the protein's messages cause an over-production of cells or cells which persist too long, resulting in diseases such as leukaemia as well as some inflammatory conditions.

Tags: medicine, molecular biology, cancer

Study shows playing video games can change behaviour and biology

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:02:50 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver
clipper's remarks: Interesting result hinting towards the future benefits of interacting with virtual environments.

Clip Source: www.physorg.com

Video games are among the most popular entertainment media in the world. Now, groundbreaking research involving McMaster University researchers shows that a specially designed video game can promote positive behaviour in young cancer patients that enhances the effectiveness of medical treatment.

The research published in the medical journal Pediatrics provides scientific evidence for a growing field of product development that taps into the positive potential of video games and other popular technology to improve human health.

This study shows that a strategically designed video game can be a powerful new tool to enhance the impact of medical treatment by motivating healthy behaviour in the patient

Participants in the study who used the video game maintained higher levels of chemotherapy in their blood and took their antibiotics more consistently than those in the control group, demonstrating the game's impact at a biological level.

Tags: medicine, behavior, gaming

A Tiny Robot to Peer into the Guts, and Heal

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:40:18 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver

Clip Source: www.technologyreview.com

For the past few years, medical researchers have been trying to develop ways to peer painlessly inside the human body, from a swallowable sensor to a magnetically controlled image-snapping capsule.

Now, a group at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has shown that a tiny capsule robot is adhesive enough to anchor inside an intestine and yet gentle enough not to tear soft tissue

The anchoring robot would be swallowed like a normal pill and move through the body until it reached the gut. Then a doctor, using a wireless control, would tell the robot when to expand its legs and anchor.

It would be good not only for snapping images, but also potentially for biopsies, drug delivery, heat treatment, and other treatment applications.

The trick to making the robot was finding an adhesive that would "stick repeatedly to tissues like intestines, esophagus, stomach, heart, and kidney surfaces,"

Tags: medicine, robotics, nanomedicine

Houston doctors say they may have found a way to destroy HIV

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:14:49 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver
clipper's remarks: Basically, their idea could be used to control the disease for people who already have it and prevent infection for those at risk.

The theory has held up in lab and animal testing. The next step is human trials.

Clip Source: www.kvue.com

There is real hope that what’s happening in a Houston lab might lead to a cure for HIV

We have found an innovative way to kill the virus by finding this small region of HIV that is unchangeable,” Dr. Sudhir Paul of the University of Texas Medical School at Houston said

Dr. Paul and Dr. Miguel Escobar aren’t talking about just suppressing HIV – they’re talking about destroying it permanently by arming the immune system with a new weapon lab tests have shown to be effective

The virus is truly complex and has many tricks up its sleeve

But Dr. Paul thinks he’s cracked a code

We’ve discovered the weak spot of HIV,” he said

Paul and his team have zeroed in on a section of a key protein in HIV’s structure that does not mutate

That Achilles heel is the doctors’ way in. They take advantage of it with something called an abzyme

It’s naturally produced by people, like lupus patients. When they applied that abzyme to the HIV virus, it permanently disarmed it.

Tags: medicine, hiv

Possible 'Sleep Gene' Identified

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:15:37 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver
clipper's remarks: When closed, the channel shuts down and the fly sleeps. The insomniac fruit flies had less of the Sleepless-produced protein.

The lack of sleep didn't come without consequences. The Sleepless fruit flies lived about half as long as fruit flies that did not carry the mutation. They also experience impaired coordination and restlessness in their few hours of sleep.

Clip Source: www.sciencedaily.com

While scientists and physicians know what happens if you don't get six to eight hours of shut-eye a night, investigators have long been puzzled about what controls the actual need for sleep.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine might have an answer, at least in fruit flies. In a recent study of fruit flies, they identified a gene that controls sleep.

The idea that so much time is spent in sleep is intriguing. Also, sleep deprivation has serious health consequences and impairs cognitive function.

Fruit flies typically sleep 12 hours a day

Sehgal and her team studied 3,500 fruit flies and found mutants that survived on little to no sleep

The sleepless flies had a mutation of a gene that Sehgal and her team have named Sleepless.

They believe the Sleepless gene encodes a protein that affects whether potassium ion channels in the brain stay open or closed. When the channels are open, the brain is connected and working – the fly is awake.

Tags: genetics, sleep, brain

Prevailing theory of aging challenged in Stanford worm study

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 23:07:35 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver
clipper's remarks: To see whether these signal molecules were part of a wear-and-tear aging mechanism, the researchers exposed worms to stresses thought to cause aging, such as heat (a known stressor for nematode worms), free-radical oxidation, radiation and disease. But none of the stressors affected the genes that make the worms get old.

So it looked as though worm aging wasn’t a storm of chemical damage. Instead, Kim said, key regulatory pathways optimized for youth have drifted off track in older animals. Natural selection can’t fix problems that arise late in the animals’ life spans, so the genetic pathways for aging become entrenched by mistake. Kim’s team refers to this slide as “developmental drift.”

Clip Source: www.thinkgene.com

Age may not be rust after all. Specific genetic instructions drive aging in worms, report researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Their discovery contradicts the prevailing theory that aging is a buildup of tissue damage akin to rust, and implies science might eventually halt or even reverse the ravages of age.

The question of what causes aging has spawned competing schools of thought.

One side says inborn genetic programs make organisms grow old.

This theory has had trouble gaining traction

The alternate theory holds that aging is an inevitable consequence of accumulated wear and tear

But the Stanford team’s findings told a different story. “Our data just didn’t fit the current model of damage accumulation, and so we had to consider the alternative model of developmental drift

They found hundreds of age-regulated genes switched on and off by a single transcription factor called elt-3, which becomes more abundant with age.

Tags: aging, molecular biology, genetics