11 Oct, 2013 | by Labroots
Natural Painkillers in the Brain Ease Social RejectionChemicals in human brains are released to help us feel better after being rejected in a social situation. Researchers at the University of Michiganâs Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute used brain-scanning techniques to track chemical release combined with social rejection testing to look at what is happening in the brain when a person is socially rejected. The study focused on the mu-opioid...... Read More
10 Oct, 2013 | by Labroots
Centipede Venom Blocks PainThe Chinese Red-Headed Centipede has potent venom that can block nerves in insects to allow the centipedes to prey on them. A molecule in this venom could potentially be used as a painkiller in humans, similar to morphine. Researchers from the University of Queenslandâs Institute for Molecular Bioscience have demonstrated that centipede venom is loaded with molecules that can alter the function...... Read More
09 Oct, 2013 | by Labroots
Ballet Dancers’ Brains Stop DizzinessThe dance and science worlds collided recently when a study from Londonâs Imperial College showed that ballet dancersâ brains adapt to keep them from feeling dizzy while they perform pirouettes. According to the neuroscience study, years of ballet training enables a dancer to suppress signals to the brain originating from the balance organs located within the inner ear. The findings could lead...... Read More
08 Oct, 2013 | by Labroots
Human Brain Processes “Larger” Words FasterSometimes, bigger really is better. A new scientific study from the University of Glasgow reveals that the human brain processes words that refer to big things faster than the words for small things. According to the study, when it comes to both concrete and abstract words, the brain will read and understand words that describe bigger things and ideas faster than those for small objects. In other...... Read More
07 Oct, 2013 | by Labroots
New Alzheimer’s Drug on the HorizonThe findings of a recent study out of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies may lead to the first therapeutic drug to slow and treat advanced Alzheimerâs disease. Scientists developed a drug, known for now simply as J147, which was proven to reverse memory deficits in aged and aging mice models after short-term treatment. After more research and development, J147 might make news again â this...... Read More
04 Oct, 2013 | by Labroots
Alzheimer’s and Gum Disease linkedGum disease, or gingivitis, is present in 97% of our population and is one of the most common diseases in humans. An estimated 64% of seniors 65 years and older have some sort of periodontal disease. Another common disease, Alzheimerâs disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. Researchers from the University of Florida have found an association between gum disease and Alzheimerâs....... Read More
03 Oct, 2013 | by Labroots
Why Naked Mole Rats Live for 30 YearsWell-built proteins might contribute to the long and healthy lives of naked mole rats. Proteins are a part of most functions in animal cells, but first need to fold correctly to allow them to do their jobs. A new study from the University of Rochester shows that naked mole rats create close to perfect proteins. Researchers stumbled upon the discovery while working on ribosomes and their RNA. They...... Read More
01 Oct, 2013 | by Labroots
Szechuan Peppers Tap at Nerve FibersChefs, foodies, and international diners can all attest to the fact that Szechuan peppers give you a food experience unlike any other. Chinaâs favorite spicy condiment, Szechuan peppers deliver a tingly experience straight to your lips. Not necessarily spicy on their own, the lemony Szechuan peppers are often paired with hot chilies and spices to really bring home the tingling, numbing sensation...... Read More
30 Sep, 2013 | by Labroots
MERS Virus Jumped from Animals to HumansMiddle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS, is a coronavirus. It first made news in 2012, when a man in Saudi Arabia was found to have âSARS-like symptomsâ and later died. Coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory illness in mammals, including humans. And while corona viruses are often responsible for things like the common cold, MERS has proven itself much more deadly than any coronavirus...... Read More
27 Sep, 2013 | by Labroots
Babies React to Age-Old Danger SoundsThe sounds of a hissing snake or the crackle of a forest fire are enough to give any smart adult a fright. And parents everywhere know the importance of teaching their children the sounds of nearby peril. A new study shows that babies only months old are already paying attention to these types of audible danger signals. In fact, the bodyâs response to frightening sounds has evolved over thousands...... Read More