27 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
DNA Study Suggests New Territory for Ancient AmericansIt has long been an accepted theory among paleontologists that the Americas were first populated by nomadic tribes of hunter-gatherers who emigrated from the far east of Asia during the last Ice Age nearly 15,000 years ago. With ocean levels reduced worldwide because of glaciations drawing a vast portion of water into the ice, a dry âland bridgeâ emerged from the shallow waters to connect the...... Read More
23 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Going Forward with GenomicsAfter the sequencing of the human genome a decade ago, hopes of massive discoveries of new drugs to treat all types of diseases fell short. Now, a partnership between an up-and-coming biotechnology company, Regeneron, and the Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania is generating new hope and a great deal of excitement, with their plans to push genomics forward with an ambitious effort to get the results...... Read More
22 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Enhance Memory with CaffeineThe majority of people wake up to a new day by drinking at least one caffeine-containing beverage of choice. From tea, to coffee, to carbonated beverages, a variety of drinks served warm, hot or cold, are made with caffeine to meet the needs of millions of people for an instant wake-me-up. Although we all know how effective caffeine can be at getting us up and keeping us alert, the stimulant has now...... Read More
21 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Concussions Could Lead to Depression in TeensTwo serious conditions in teens could be related. Those teens who have suffered from a concussion, which is considered to be a mild, traumatic brain injury, have also been found more likely to suffer from psychological effects, including depression, afterwards. The study was performed using data from the 2007 to 2008 National Survey of Childrenâs Health, according to an article in Science Daily...... Read More
20 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
A High Fiber Diet Can Help You Avoid AsthmaIn a study where mice were fed a diet rich in fiber, they became more resistant to allergy-induced airway inflammation. This came as a result of the production of fatty acids by gut bacteria that cause a calming of the immune system. According to a recent article in Scientific American, the food you eat can have an impact on the entire body. The specific study on which the article is based showed that...... Read More
17 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Insect Experts Taking Advantage of Winter FreezeWhile most people hit by the unusually low temperatures in much of the country express frustration and discomfort at the conditions and inconveniences the freezing temperatures brought with them, entomologists, foresters and naturalists took advantage of the opportunity to impact some of the invasive insects that have been threatening popular tree and plant species. These professionals play an important...... Read More
16 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Cancer Drug Shown to Protect Against Type 1 DiabetesMedicine that is already used to treat cancer patients has been shown effective at preventing the development of type 1 diabetes, while also protecting insulin-producing cells from being destroyed. Findings from the study performed by researchers from the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen were published in the distinguished science journal Proceedings of the National...... Read More
15 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Jet Lag Could Increase Susceptibility to InfectionThe body is an amazing machine, with many processes that turn on and off naturally with unbelievable precision. The bodyâs circadian rhythms ensure that the various processes follow the cycles that keep the body operating efficiently. Scientists have now found that confusing the master clock that drives the bodyâs processes might impair a personâs immune system and prevent them from being able...... Read More
14 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Study Leads to Better Understanding of the Dog-PaddleIt has long been believed that dogs do not actually swim, but instead trot to propel them through water. A trot means that the front paw rises and falls in sync with the opposite hind paw. After looking at six breeds of dogs as they propelled through water, however, it looks more like they are running. This preliminary discovery was made by Frank Fish of West Chester University in Pennsylvania, before...... Read More
13 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Faster Aging may be Another Side Effect of RacismRacial disparities in health are well-documented, predicting a shorter life expectancy and an increased risk of age-related illnesses at younger ages for African Americans, in comparison to those in whites. Now, a new study shows that there may be a link between accelerated aging at the biological level to the impact that racism has on individuals at the cellular level. Findings from the study were...... Read More