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Why Zebras Have Stripes

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:34:53 +0000


Grant's Zebras Credit: Gary M. Stolz / USFWS

Researchers have developed an interesting theory as to why zebras have stripes. As reported in the Journal of Experimental Biology, zebra's stripes help to ward off biting insects such as horseflies. Also known as tabanids, horseflies use horizontally polarized light to direct them toward water for laying eggs and to locate animals. The researchers state that horseflies are more attracted to horses with dark hides than those with white hides. They concluded that the development of white stripes prior to birth helps to make zebras less attractive to biting insects.

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Preventing Gum Disease

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:33:01 +0000


Image: Bill Branson / National Cancer Institute

Researchers have discovered that the oral bacterium Treponema denticola plays an important role in the development of periodontal disease. A molecule known as CTLP is located on the surface of these bacteria. CTLP enables Treponema denticola to attach to other oral bacteria. CTLP then works in conjunction with other bacterial molecules to cause plaque buildup, bleeding gums, and tissue damage. These conditions are factors that lead to the development of gum disease and even tooth loss.

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Growing Muscle From Fat

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:36 +0000


Two fat-derived stem cells display a continuous cytoskeleton, indicating that they have fused together. Credit: Yu Suk Choi / UC San Diego

Researchers have discovered that stem cells generated from fat do a better job of forming functional muscle cells than stem cells from other sources. Unlike muscle cells from other sources, fat-derived muscle cells fuse together and form a continuous cytoskeleton under certain conditions. In addition, the fused cells remain integrated even when transferred to a stiff surface. This is good news in that these cells have the potential to repair and replace damaged muscle tissue which tends to be stiff.

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Diet Sodas Linked to Vascular Trouble

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:26:04 +0000


Credit: Rawich / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Many people see diet soft drinks as a good alternative to high calorie, sugary sodas. Could consuming too many diet sodas however pose a health risk? A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine suggests that drinking diet sodas daily increases your chances of having a vascular event. Vascular events are blood vessel related incidents and include heart attack, stroke and vascular death. The results of the study showed that those who drank diet sodas daily had a 43 percent increased chance of suffering a vascular event than those who drank no diet sodas. Interestingly enough, it was also found that those who drank regular sodas had no increased chance of suffering a vascular event.

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The Body's Organ Systems

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:56:28 +0000


Digestive System Image: Don Bliss/National Cancer Institute

The human body is made up of several organ systems that work together as one unit. Some of these systems include the:

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Adult Stem Cells May Save the Snow Leopard

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:25:37 +0000


Snow leopard Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Monash University researchers have discovered a way to help the endangered snow leopard by producing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from ear tissue cells of adult snow leopards. Induced pluripotent stem cells are genetically altered adult stem cells that can develop into a variety of different types of cells. The researchers hope to be able to coax the iPS cells into forming gametes for the future reproduction of these animals through cloning or other methods.

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Appetite and Lack of Sleep

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:44:05 +0000


Image: Graur Razvan Ionut FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Can lack of sleep cause you to gain weight? Research from Uppsala University indicates that those who don't get about eight hours of sleep a night have higher activation levels in the area of the brain that controls appetite. Through the use of magnetic imaging, researchers were able to view brain images of study participants as they viewed images of food. Those participants who suffered from a lack of sleep experienced increased levels of hunger and brain activity.

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Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Study Breakthrough

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:04:20 +0000


Brain Cell: Oligodendrocyte Credit: Jurjen Broeke / Public Domain Image

Researchers have had a breakthrough in umbilical cord stem cell studies. Different cell types have been created for the first time from umbilical cord stem cells. In the study, umbilical cord stem cells were induced into developing into cells called oligodendrocytes. These cells are a type of glial cell which help to insulate nerve cells in the central nervous system. This discovery may help in the development of new treatments for spinal cord injuries and diseases of the nervous system.

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Alcohol Consumption Releases Brain Endorphins

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:14:06 +0000


Credit: John Kasawa / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

One reason people give for drinking alcohol is that it makes them feel good. Researchers have confirmed that the reason for this is that alcohol induces the brain to release endorphins in the part of the brain...

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Bandage Promotes Blood Vessel Growth

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:00:27 +0000


After the microvascular stamp is removed, its pattern is revealed in the pattern of blood vessels above. Credit: University of Illinois Micro and Nanotechnology Lab

Researchers have developed a special type of bandage that initiates and orchestrates blood vessel growth. Live cells are incorporated into the bandage that has been termed a microvascular stamp. The cells release growth factors into the wound allowing new blood vessels to grow in the damaged tissue in the pattern of the channels on the stamp. This new bandage allows researchers to control the growth and spacing of new blood vessels.

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