Platelet-like particles augment natural blood clotting for treating trauma

Associate Professor Tom Barker and Research Scientist Ashley Brown examine bacteria growing on a plate, part of a technique for evolving antibodies in their work on platelet-like particles. Credit: Georgia Tech Photo A new class of synthetic platelet-like particles could augment natural blood clotting for the emergency treatment of traumatic injuries -- and potentially offer doctors a new opt

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New genetic clues found in fragile X syndrome

Research by Vitaly Klyachko, PhD, and colleagues has shed new light on brain dysfunctions associated with fragile X syndrome. Credit: Robert Boston Scientists have gained new insight into fragile X syndrome -- the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability -- by studying the case of a person without the disorder, but with two of its classic symptoms. In patients with fragile X

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'Microlesions' in epilepsy discovered by novel technique

Clusters of differentially expressed genes predict cellular abnormalities. Credit: Jeffrey Loeb Using an innovative technique combining genetic analysis and mathematical modeling with some basic sleuthing, researchers have identified previously undescribed microlesions in brain tissue from epileptic patients. The millimeter-sized abnormalities may explain why areas of the brain that appear no

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'Darwinian' test uncovers an antidepressant's hidden toxicity

A University of Utah test detects hidden toxic effects by subjecting mice to competition for resources. Biology professor Wayne K. Potts and biologist Shannon M. Gaukler, who recently completed a doctoral degree at the U, stand in front of the test enclosure, illuminated in red light that mice perceive as nightfall. Credit: Andy Brimhall / University of Utah Because of undetected toxicity pro

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Alcohol interferes with body's ability to regulate sleep

At right: Mahesh Thakkar, PhD, associate professor and director of research in the MU School of Medicine’s Department of Neurology, and Pradeep Sahota, MD, chair of the MU School of Medicine’s Department of Neurology, have studied alcohol’s effects on sleep for more than five years. Their study found that drinking interferes with the brain’s built-in system for regulating a person’s need for s

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An end to needle phobia: Device could make painless injections possible

"As many as 1 in 10 people experience needle phobia, which may have negative consequences, such as decreasing the rate of vaccinations and blood donation," said William McKay, M.D., lead author of the study. Credit: © uwimages / Fotolia Imagine no tears during infant vaccines and no fear of the needle for those old enough to know what's coming. Such painless injections could be possible with

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Back pain killing your sex life? Study reveals best positions to save your spine

Contrary to popular belief, spooning is not always the best sex position for those with a bad back, according to new research from the University of Waterloo. For the first time ever, scientists have successfully documented the way the spine moves during sex and discovered exactly why certain positions are better than others when it comes to avoiding back pain. The pioneering study combined in

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New technology may identify tiny strains in body tissues before injuries occur

The top image shows how the new algorithm is able to identify an area (in red) where stress has created a weak spot in a small piece of plastic wrap. The older method (shown in the bottom half of the picture) is unable to pinpoint the place where the plastic wrap is weakening. Credit: John Boyle, © The Royal Society (used with permission) Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have

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Neck manipulation may be associated with stroke

Vertebral artery as it passes through the neck vertebrae of the spine and enters the skull base. Arrows indicate head movement during lateral rotation and lateral flexion, motions that may be performed as part of a neck manipulation. Credit: © 2013 Trial FX. Manipulating the neck has been associated with cervical dissection, a type of arterial tear that can lead to stroke. Although a direct c

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Correct seat belt use saves children's lives

Nine out of ten children are seriously or fatally injured in traffic accidents because they are incorrectly restrained or because of loose objects in cars. Credit: Marianne Skjerven-Martinsen, NIPH Nine out of ten children are seriously or fatally injured in traffic accidents because they are incorrectly restrained or because of loose objects in cars. Correct use of safety equipment will save

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'Darting' mice may hold clues to ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder

Mice inserted with a rare human genetic variation in the dopamine transporter could lead to improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders. Credit: Image courtesy of Vanderbilt University Medical Center A darting mouse may hold an important clue in the development of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism and bipolar disorder, according to a study by a Vanderb

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ADHD: Brains not recognizing angry expressions

These two faces were presented to children. Credit: © National Institutes of Natural Sciences Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior in children with ADHD can result in social problems and they tend to be excluded from peer activities. They have been found to have impaired recognition of emotional expression from other faces. The research group of Professor Ryusuke Kakigi of t

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Slow to mature, quick to distract: ADHD brain study finds slower development of key connections

By examining hundreds of fMRI brain scans of children with ADHD and those without, the researchers identified key connections between brain networks that matured more slowly in ADHD brains. Credit: Sripada lab, University of Michigan A peek inside the brains of more than 750 children and teens reveals a key difference in brain architecture between those with attention deficit hyperactivity di

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