Articles tagged with: new study
Benzodiazepine Often Used in Older People Despite Risks Benzodiazepines include the medications alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan). These drugs are widely prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep problems. But while effective, they have serious risks—especially when used over long periods. Long-term use can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when discontinued. Benzodiazepines can […]
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Immune System Reset May Halt Multiple Sclerosis Progression MS is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system. It results in damage to nerve fibers, disrupting communication between the brain and the body. The disease’s widely varying symptoms can include tingling or numbness in extremities, motor and speech difficulties, weakness, […]
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Pathways Underlying the Benefits of Calorie Restriction Calorie restriction is the process of reducing food intake—typically by at least 30% from a normal diet—without malnutrition. Researchers have known since the 1930’s that this regimen, also referred to as dietary restriction, has numerous health benefits. It can extend the lifespan of yeast, worms, flies, and some […]
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Vitamin D Levels Predict Multiple Sclerosis Progression Among people with early-stage multiple sclerosis (MS), those with higher blood levels of vitamin D had better outcomes during 5 years of follow-up. Identifying and correcting vitamin D insufficiency could aid in the early treatment of MS. MS is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that […]
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Toxin Kills HIV-Infected Cells An HIV-specific poison can kill cells in which the virus is still reproducing despite antiretroviral therapy, a study in mice showed. Such targeted therapies could become a tool in strategies to combat HIV. Electron micrograph of HIV (colored green) on human lymphocytes. Image by C. Goldsmith, P. Feorino, E. L. […]
Nature-Inspired Surgical Glue Mends Hearts Researchers developed a new tissue adhesive that is biodegradable, biocompatible, and easily manipulated. It could allow for less invasive surgeries that don’t require sutures or staples. The waterproof, light-activated glue can successfully secure biodegradable patches to seal holes in a beating heart. Image courtesy of Karp Laboratory. During surgery, reconnecting […]
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Distracted Driving Raises Crash Risk Researchers used video technology and in-vehicle sensors to show that distracted driving, particularly among new drivers, substantially raises the risk for car crashes and near crashes. They also found that drivers eat, reach for the phone, text, or otherwise take their eyes off the road about 10% of the time. […]
Arthritis Genetics Analysis Aids Drug Discovery An international research team identified 42 new areas in the human genome associated with rheumatoid arthritis—and found that many are already the targets of drugs approved for other conditions. The findings hint at new treatment approaches for the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can cause […]
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Oxytocin Affects Facial Recognition A genetic variation in the receptor for oxytocin, a hormone involved in social bonding, affects the ability to remember faces in families with a child who has autism. The finding points the way to a better understanding of oxytocin’s role in social behavior. Animals that live in social groups need to […]
Creative Minds: Can Microbes Influence Mental Health? While sitting in microbiology class as a college sophomore, Elaine Hsiao was stunned to learn that the human gut held between as much as 6 pounds of bacteria—twice the weight of an adult human brain. She went on to learn during her graduate studies in neurobiology that these microbes […]
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