Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by the occurrence of involuntary obsessive thoughts (obsessions) and attempts to get rid of them by means of obsessive actions (compulsions). The scientists of the University of Würzburg have revealed a protein that plays an important role in the development of OCD, UPI.com reports.
According to Zee News, an international team of experts has found that CDH2 gene mutation causes arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. This rare hereditary heart disease is the main cause of sudden death in seemingly healthy young people
The Medical University of Guangzhou has conducted an unusual experiment. The scientists corrected genetic mutations in the cells of viable human embryos using CRISPR genome correction method. Previously, no one research group carried out such experiment. The main difference of this experiment was the use of normal embryos. Previously, CRISPR was tested only on genetically defective embryos that cannot develop into a fetus. It turned out that the method works much better with normal embryos.
For the first time the biologists have managed to induce a powerful immune response to animal version of HIV (monkey immunodeficiency virus) in the body of macaques. Two recently discovered antibodies were helped the scientists in this experiment. These two antibodies affect most strains of HIV. The principle is the same as with immunotherapy for cancer - the body begins to control the disease by itself, RIA News reports.
A team of specialists has found that bone cells produce a hormone called lipocalin 2, which affects the brain areas responsible for a hunger. The levels of this hormone are reduced in people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight and have high blood sugar levels. The study has shown that daily injections of lipocalin 2 help to reduce an appetite and weight, the Daily Mail says.
Cavemen had quite deep knowledge of medicinal plants. A genetic research has shown that they used dietary supplements for the treatment of toothache about 42000-50000 years ago. Only think about it. According to The Mirror, scientists from the University of Adelaide have examined some deposits on the teeth of Neanderthals found in caves (locations - Spa city in Belgium and El Sidron in Spain).
According to The Times of India air pollution makes bacteria more dangerous. Specialists from the University of Leicester made this conclusion. A black carbon is one of the major air pollutants. Studies have shown that black carbon affects the growth and formation of bacterial communities.
Cambridge University has made a real breakthrough. The scientists for the first time in history have managed to create an artificial mouse embryo, "Remedium" reports. Now the scientists have a huge amount of data that will help to study the mechanisms of early embryonic development and some causes of spontaneous abortion.
The University of California has developed a special sensor system that is able to evaluate the changes in electrolytes and metabolites, as well as the level of heavy metals by means of a human sweat. According to Xinhua, scientists have combined innovative materials, sensor technology and integrated electronic circuits. The result was a unique product.
According to UPI.com, scientists from Cardiff University have discovered a genetic variant associated with a hyperactive inflammatory response of the immune system to viruses. It is a variant of Ifitm3 gene. Previous studies have shown that the probability to catch the flu depends on Ifitm3. A certain variant of this gene increases the risk of viral infections.