Newly discovered brain cells explain a prosocial effect of oxytocin

Medicine & Technology Oct 13, 2014

Oxytocin, the body's natural love potion, helps couples fall in love, makes mothers bond with their babies, and encourages teams to work together. Now new research at Rockefeller University reveals a mechanism by which this prosocial hormone has its effect on interactions between the sexes, at least in certain situations. The key, it turns out, is a newly discovered class of brain cells.

Entire female reproductive tract susceptible to HIV infection in macaque model

Oct 13, 2014

Most women are infected with HIV through vaginal intercourse, and without effective vaccines or microbicides, women who cannot negotiate condom use by their partners remain vulnerable. How exactly the virus establishes infection in the female reproductive tract (FRT) remains poorly understood. A study published on October 9th in PLOS Pathogens reports surprising results from a study of HIV transmission in the FRT of rhesus macaques.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals alter thyroid hormone activity during pregnancy

Oct 13, 2014

Affected hormone plays key role in infants' brain development

Hunger games: How the brain 'browns' fat to aid weight loss

Oct 13, 2014

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have uncovered a molecular process in the brain known to control eating that transforms white fat into brown fat. This process impacts how much energy we burn and how much weight we can lose. The results are published in the Oct. 9 issue of the journal Cell.

Researchers reveal lung cancer can stay hidden for over 20 years

Oct 13, 2014

CANCER RESEARCH UK scientists have discovered that lung cancers can lie dormant for over 20 years before suddenly turning into an aggressive form of the disease, according to a study published in Science* today (Thursday).

From human embryonic stem cells to billions of human insulin producing cells

Oct 13, 2014

Giant step toward new diabetes treatment

Quantifying physical changes in red blood cells as they mature in the bloodstream

Oct 13, 2014

During their approximately 100-day lifespan in the bloodstream, red blood cells lose membrane surface area, volume, and hemoglobin content. A study publishing this week in PLOS Computational Biology finds that of these three changes, only the observed surface-area loss can be explained by RBCs shedding small hemoglobin-containing vesicles budding off their cells' membrane.

Hillary Rodham Clinton to unveil early literacy toolkit for pediatricians and parents

Oct 13, 2014

Pediatrician-authored toolkit aims to help doctors talk with parents and caregivers about the importance of early communication in order to build vocabulary and boost brain development

Novel culture system replicates course of Alzheimer's disease, confirms amyloid hypothesis

Oct 13, 2014

3-D system should significantly reduce time and costs of drug development

Bioinspired Coating for Medical Devices Repels Blood and Bacteria

Oct 13, 2014

Developed using FDA-approved materials, the coating prevented flowing blood from clotting in a large animal efficacy study

Researchers develop new cells meant to form blood vessels, treat peripheral artery disease

Oct 13, 2014

Researchers have developed a technique to jump-start the body's systems for creating blood vessels, opening the door for potential new treatments for diseases whose impacts include amputation and blindness.

A second Ebola virus case in Dallas involves Thomas Eric Duncan's female health caregiver

Oct 12, 2014

Another ebola case in Dallas involves Duncan's female health care giver after she was tested positive for the ebola virus.

Human health, wealth require expanded marine science, experts say

Oct 12, 2014

In Rome, European experts publish a 'common vision' of priorities for marine research and action through 2020

Special chromosomal structures control key genes

Oct 12, 2014

Within almost every human cell is a nucleus six microns in diameter-about one 300th of a human hair's width-that is filled with roughly three meters of DNA.

Cold exposure prompts body to convert white fat to calorie-burning beige fat

Oct 12, 2014

Obesity, inflammation limit body's ability to produce beneficial tissue