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metabolism

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 4, 2019·4 min read

Gene mutation evolved to cope with modern high-sugar diets

A variant of the CHC22 gene evolved to help people adapt to the modern, higher sugar diet. However, many people still retain the older version of the genetic variant, which does not allow for correct metabolism of modern diets and may be linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes.

This is a drawing of a swiss army knife covered in bacteria

Featured Neuroscience

·June 4, 2019·3 min read

Gut check: Researchers describe role of gut bacteria in drug response

Researchers have identified causal links between microbiota gene content and metabolic activity which impacts personal differences in drug metabolism. The findings help explain why some people don't respond to, or have adverse side effects from taking medications, while others don't.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 4, 2019·3 min read

How chronic inflammation may drive down dopamine and motivation

Computational model sheds light on the impact chronic, low-grade inflammation has on the mesolimbic dopamine system and motivational impairments.

This shows a diagram of how the drug works

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 3, 2019·3 min read

Diabetes drug alleviates anxiety in mice

Metformin, a common diabetes medication, shows promise for the treatment of anxiety and depression.

This shows a young boy taking a nap on his school desk

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·June 2, 2019·5 min read

Children who nap midday are happier, excel academically, and have fewer behavioral problems

Children aged 10 to 12 have greater happiness, self-control, fewer behavioral problems, increased cognitive performance and academic achievement when they take a brief midday nap, a new study reports.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 2, 2019·2 min read

Astrocytes protect neurons from toxic buildup

Stimulating mouse neurons in a dish lead to a build-up to fatty acids and lipid particle release. Astrocytes engulfed the particles and increased genetic activity associated with detoxification.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 30, 2019·4 min read

Eating blueberries every day improves heart health

Eating 150 grams of blueberries a day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 15%.

This shows the researcher next to a head made of clocks

Featured Neuroscience

·May 30, 2019·3 min read

Body parts respond to day and night independently from brain

Skin and liver cells appear to have their own circadian clock. Both the liver and skin respond to changes in light and maintain critical function, independent of the brain's circadian rhythm.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 28, 2019·4 min read

Does your health in middle age predict how healthy you’ll be later in life?

Vascular and inflammatory problems during middle age, as well as some minor injuries, could be a biomarker for poor brain health in older age. However, brain aging may be delayed by maintaining a healthy diet, weight and level of physical activity as we age.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 28, 2019·6 min read

High LDL cholesterol linked to early-onset Alzheimer’s

Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol has been linked to an increased risk of early-onset Alzheimer's disease, in those with and without a genetic risk factor. This suggests cholesterol could be an independent risk factor for dementia. Additionally, researchers identified a potential new genetic risk factor for early-onset Alzheimer's, a rare variant of the APOB gene.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 23, 2019·3 min read

Bacteria in fermented food signal the human immune system, explaining health benefits

A metabolite produced by lactic acid bacteria binds to the third hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor (HCA), signalling the immune system. Researchers believe the receptor evolved to allow great apes to consume foods that were starting to decay. They suggest the receptor could mediate some beneficial and anti-inflammatory effects of lactic acid in humans, and could serve as a target to treat inflammatory diseases.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 21, 2019·4 min read

Link between air pollution and anxiety in children investigated

Children exposed to higher levels of air pollution from traffic have increased levels of myo-inositol in the brain. The increase in myo-inositol was associated with higher risk of generalized anxiety in children.