Every dog and cat knows that scratching relieves an itch. But for ages, not even neuroscientists knew why. Now, a new study shows that scratching turns off activity in spinal cord nerves that transmit the itching sensation to the brain. The researchers hope eventually to learn just how the inhibition works.
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Statins, drugs widely prescribed to lower cholesterol, may have protective effects on prostate health.
These days, chemical analysts are expected to track down even single molecules. To do this highly sensitive detective work, nano researchers have developed minute strings that resonate in characteristic fashion. If a molecule docks onto one of the strings, then it becomes heavier, and its oscillations become measurably slower. However, such “nano-electromechanical systems”, or NEMS, [...]
Sometimes less is more: Lower doses of an Alzheimer’s drug delivered via skin patches improve cognition with fewer serious side effects than higher doses, researchers have found in an updated review.
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In 2006, a concrete panel weighing several thousand pounds fell onto traffic in Boston’s Big Dig tunnel, crushing a car and killing a motorist. The alleged cause — and subject of a multi-million dollar settlement — was faulty epoxy that allowed bolts in the ceiling to wiggle loose.
Continue reading about Singing Screws Reveal Sick Structures
Researchers have shown that depression is linked with the accumulation of visceral fat, the kind of fat packed between internal organs at the waistline, which has long been known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
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Comets have always fascinated us. A mysterious appearance could symbolize God’s displeasure or mean a sure failure in battle, at least for one side. Now new research justifies our fascination — comets might have provided the elements for the emergence of life on our planet.
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An influenza vaccine that protects against death and serious complications from different strains of flu is a little closer to reality, vaccine researchers have found. This is a significant first step in developing a universal vaccine to help protect against pandemic influenza, according to researchers.
Satellite images show that icebergs have begun to calve from the northern front of the Wilkins Ice Shelf – indicating that the huge shelf has become unstable. This follows the collapse three weeks ago of the ice bridge that had previously linked the Antarctic mainland to Charcot Island.
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The implications of a new study could improve the outcomes, and potentially survival rates, for some of the thousands of individuals who undergo kidney transplants each year. The study concluded that donor-related risk factors, yet to be identified, make a measurable contribution to the ultimate success or failure of a kidney transplant.
Continue reading about ‘Nature Vs. Nurture’ Study Of Deceased Donor Pairs In Kidney Transplantation