science newsletter: Science News SciGuru.com

Σάββατο 15 Σεπτεμβρίου 2012

Science News SciGuru.com

Surgery Has a More Profound Effect than Anesthesia on Brain Pathology and Cognition in Alzheimer's Animal Model
New study of stem cell differentiation could help researchers better understand the genetic basis of heart disease
Getting drugs under your skin using ultrasound waves
Scientists Show Protein Linked to Hunger Also Implicated in Alcoholism
Study reveals how common gene mutation affects kids with autism spectrum disorders
Should I marry him?

Surgery Has a More Profound Effect than Anesthesia on Brain Pathology and Cognition in Alzheimer's Animal Model

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 09:19 AM PDT

A syndrome called “post-operative cognitive decline” has been coined to refer to the commonly reported loss of cognitive abilities, usually in older adults, in the days to weeks after surgery. In fact, some patients time the onset of their Alzheimer’s disease symptoms from a surgical procedure. Exactly how the trio of anesthesia, surgery, and dementia interact is clinically inconclusive, yet of great concern to patients, their families and physicians.

New study of stem cell differentiation could help researchers better understand the genetic basis of heart disease

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 09:09 AM PDT

The fate of an embryonic stem cell, which has the potential to become any type of body cell, is determined by a complex interaction of genes, proteins that bind DNA, and molecules that modify those genes and proteins.

Getting drugs under your skin using ultrasound waves

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 08:17 AM PDT

Using ultrasound waves, MIT engineers have found a way to enhance the permeability of skin to drugs, making transdermal drug delivery more efficient. This technology could pave the way for noninvasive drug delivery or needle-free vaccinations, according to the researchers.

Scientists Show Protein Linked to Hunger Also Implicated in Alcoholism

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 08:08 AM PDT

Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute have found new links between a protein that controls our urge to eat and brain cells involved in the development of alcoholism. The discovery points to new possibilities for designing drugs to treat alcoholism and other addictions.

The new study, published online ahead of print by the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, focuses on the peptide ghrelin, which is known to stimulate eating.

Study reveals how common gene mutation affects kids with autism spectrum disorders

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 08:03 AM PDT

Over the past decade, researchers have made great strides in identifying genes that lead to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which result in a continuum of social deficits, communication difficulties and cognitive delays. But it's still critical to determine how exactly these genetic risk factors impact the brain's structure and function so that better treatments and interventions can be developed.

Should I marry him?

Posted: 14 Sep 2012 07:57 AM PDT

In the first scientific study to test whether doubts about getting married are more likely to lead to an unhappy marriage and divorce, UCLA psychologists report that when women have doubts before their wedding, their misgivings are often a warning sign of trouble if they go ahead with the marriage.