When an individual suffers from cancer, the process of programmed cell death called apoptosis does not occur normally, permitting abnormal cells to thrive. In a new study, Clay Clark, chair and professor of biology at The University of Texas at Arlington, explores the ancestry of a class of enzymes responsible for killing cells. These enzymes,…

Repeated exposure to major disasters does not make people mentally stronger, a recent study found: individuals who have been repeatedly exposed to major disasters show a reduction in mental health scores. Additionally, the research team found that the more experience the individuals had with such events, the lower their mental health was. «We discovered the…

A new study shows that functional sperm cells can be made in a dish using primate embryonic stem cells. The study, which was published recently in Fertility and Sterility Science, is the first to show that functional sperm cells can be made in a dish using primate embryonic stem cells. «This is a major breakthrough…

Researchers using mouse models found that stress hormones suppressed the innate immune system that normally protects the gut from invasive Enterobacteriaceae, a group of bacteria including E. coli which has been linked to Crohn’s disease. Researchers using mouse models found that stress hormones suppressed the innate immune system that normally protects the gut from invasive…

People rely on a highly tuned sense of touch to manipulate objects, but injuries to the skin and the simple act of wearing gloves can impair this ability. Scientists report the development of a new tactile-enhancement system based on a highly sensitive sensor. The sensor has remarkable sensitivity, allowing the wearer to detect the light…

Researchers have created ‘living medicine’ to treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria growing on the surfaces of medical implants. The researchers created the treatment by removing a common bacteria’s ability to cause disease and repurposing it to attack harmful microbes instead. The findings are an important first step for the development of new treatments for these type of…

In a new study designed to better understand and combat these structures, scientists identified some of the key proteins in biofilms of the fungus Candida albicans that control both how they resist antifungal drugs and how they become dispersed throughout the body. This defense works, sometimes in tragic ways. For example, biofilms form readily and…

Social work professors found that a mental health intervention called Caregivers Journey of Hope can bolster social service workers’ emotional resilience and ability to cope with the stress and trauma associated with disasters such as Superstorm Sandy. There’s a significant need for mental health interventions for social service workers, who are at high risk of…

Alexander disease is a progressive and rare neurological disorder with no cure or standard course of treatment. But a new study involving a rat model of the disease offers a potential treatment for the typically fatal condition. It’s a significant step in efforts to help people with the disease, says UW-Madison Waisman Center senior scientist…

A researcher has developed a tiny window that allows investigators to get clearer, long-term imaging of the brain’s visual network. To do this kind of work, researchers need a reliable «map» of all the visual brain areas with specific coordinates for each unique brain. Drawing the map requires monitoring and recording data from an active,…