Circadian rhythms in mammalian behavior, physiology, and biochemistry are controlled by the central clock within a brain structure known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The clock is synchronized to environmental cycles of light and dark. It is well known, from everyday experience, that adjusting to new light schedules takes several days, though the details of how this adaptation takes place are not well understood.
Researchers now report findings that suggest this adaptatio
The worldwide popularity of garlic as a food ingredient and its therapeutic stature in folklore both stem in part from the distinctive pungency associated with its raw, uncooked state. Researchers this week report that this pungency, manifested as a characteristic mixture of burning and prickling sensations and flavor, can be ascribed largely to the effects of a particular compound and its ability to activate specific protein thermoreceptors in the mouth.
The findings are reported
As a treatment for advanced cancer, shark cartilage fails to benefit patients and its adverse effects lead to poor compliance. A clinical trial published in the July 1, 2005 issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, finds there was no difference in overall survival or quality of life between patients who received shark cartilage and those who received a placebo.
Some experiments have shown that some forms of shark cartilage possess a modest ability
A new therapy that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate the brain may improve recovery after a stroke, according to a study published in the May 24 issue of Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
The treatment, called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, improved motor function in a small group of people. For the stimulation, an insulated wire coil is placed on the scalp, and a brief electrical current is passed through the coil, creating
College students who get drunk at least once a week are significantly more likely to be hurt or injured than other student drinkers, according to new research from Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
The research suggests that a simple screening question – “In a typical week, how many days do you get drunk?” – may help identify at-risk students.
“Each year approximately 1,700 college students die from alcohol-related injuries,” said Mary Claire O’Brien,
Obesity appears to increase the risk of prostate cancer, particularly aggressive disease, and may make it harder to find, researchers say.
Smaller prostates also increase the risk of aggressive disease, they say.
Both findings are being presented at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association May 21-26 in San Antonio.
The obesity study examined the association between body mass index – weight to height ratio – and prostate cancer in 787 men underg
Online learning resources and mentoring programmes could boost the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds entering higher education, according to a pioneering Kingston University study. Measures like these could also improve undergraduates’ chances of getting a good degree. The Widening Access and Success research project has investigated how e-learning can encourage students from a more diverse range of backgrounds to apply for university as well as improving overall student success
A new research radar based in Antarctica is giving scientists the chance to study the highest layer of the earth’s atmosphere at the very edge of space.
Using the new radar, scientists will be able to investigate climate change and explore the theory that while the lower atmosphere is warming, the upper atmosphere is cooling by as much as 1 degree Centigrade each year.
They will also be able to find out more about the complex waves, tides and other mechanisms that link th
Findings have implications for tracking disease, drugs at the molecular level
Researchers in the laboratory of Boston College Chemistry Professor John T. Fourkas have demonstrated that gold particles comparable in size to a molecule can be induced to emit light so strongly that it is readily possible to observe a single nanoparticle. Fourkas, in collaboration with postdoctoral researcher Richard Farrer and BC undergraduates Francis Butterfield and Vincent Chen, coaxed the particles
Nurse practitioners detect health problems not addressed by caregivers
Some 4.5 million Americans have a developmental disability. As people live longer, adults with developmental disabilities are no exception, yet their conditions also bring aging-related challenges. A new study by UCLA and Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation reports that a geriatric evaluation and follow-up visits by a nurse practitioner can detect and reduce health problems in this population that often go
Being married or in a relationship significantly improves quality of life for prostate cancer patients following treatment, according to a study by researchers at UCLA’s Jonsson Cancer Center and the Department of Urology. Partnered men reported better psychosocial and spiritual well-being, suffered fewer adverse effects from treatment and had less fear and anxiety about their cancer coming back than did their single counterparts, the study found. The research appears in the July 1, 2005, issue
Informationsveranstaltung zum berufsbegleitenden Fernstudiengang Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen am RheinAhrCampus in Remagen
Am Samstag, den 04. Juni 2005 lädt der RheinAhrCampus, ein Standort der Fachhochschule Koblenz, alle Interessierten zu einer ausführlichen Informationsveranstaltung zum berufsbegleitenden Fernstudiengang Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen ein. Studiengangsleiter Prof. Dr. Hugo Grote wird Inhalte, Aufbau und Organisation des Fernstudiengangs, der in Kooperation mit de
The social support provided by having a partner significantly improves the quality of life of prostate cancer patients, according to a study published in the July 1, 2005 issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society. Researchers say men with prostate cancer who are in a relationship report significantly better psychosocial and spiritual well-being and fewer disease-specific and general cancer-related adverse effects. In fact, partnered men were better able to tolerate
The anti-inflammatory protein annexin 1 may protect patients from the detrimental effects of severe inflammatory response syndrome, as reported by researchers at Barts and the London, Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry. The paper by Damazo et al., “Critical protective role for annexin 1 gene expression in the endotoxemic murine microcirculation,” appears in the June issue of The American Journal of Pathology and is accompanied by a commentary.
Severe inflammator
Amid the debate over which combination of immunosuppressive agents works best in helping patients fight off rejection of their new heart after transplant surgery, a new study led by researchers at the UCLA Heart Transplant Program showed that one particular combination using tacrolimus (TAC or PrografÒ) had significant anti-rejection benefits for heart transplant patients over other combinations.
A mix of immunosuppressive therapies is typically used to prevent a recipient’
An online asthma management program can help asthma patients get top-rate care and overcome barriers to healthcare access, according to a study to be presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference on May 22.
Irvin Mayers, M.D., Professor of Medicine at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, created an interactive online asthma management program that allows a Certified Asthma Educator to communicate daily with patients, provide feedback and assist
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