Strong magnets put new twist on phonons: Rice lab’s RAMBO reveals unexpected influence on compound’s crystal lattice
Phonons are collective atomic vibrations, or quasiparticles, that act as the main heat carriers in a crystal lattice. Under certain circumstances, their properties can be modified by electric fields or light. But until now, nobody noticed they can respond to magnetic fields as well. That may be because it takes a powerful magnet. Rice University […]
Lichens are in danger of losing the evolutionary race with climate change: The algae part of many common lichens can’t adapt to temperature change as fast as the Earth is warming
Algae are more than just the green scum that shows up on aquarium walls. The tiny plants, when teamed up with a fungus, can form a composite structure called lichen. Lichens grow everywhere, from tundras in the Arctic to the bark of the tree in your yard, and they do everything from creating oxygen to […]
New method for stimulating signaling to improve metabolic health and possibly treat obesity
Following up on a 2018 study that identified an epigenetic modifier known as histone deacetylase 11 (HDAC11) as a potential therapeutic target for treating obesity and diabetes, researchers from the University of Colorado School of Medicine have published new research that finds HDAC11 regulates G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) called beta-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs). The details of […]
7 Ways To Make Self-Affirmations Feel Less Cheesy
Positive self-talk ― such as telling yourself you are doing a great job, that you are strong and important, and other similar words of affirmation ― has some surprising health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, the activity may reduce symptoms of stress, pain and more. But what happens if you can’t get over the […]
What Is Meant by Suicidal Tendencies? Warning Signs
Suicidal tendencies is a term that indicates the propensity of an individual to experience suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide Suicidal tendencies is a term that indicates the propensity of an individual to experience suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide. According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-34, and […]
New clues in the brain linking pain and food
It has long been known that there is an association between food and pain, as people with chronic pain often struggle with their weight. Researchers at the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience may have found an explanation in a new study that suggests that circuitry in the brain responsible for motivation and pleasure is impacted […]
Discovery could enable broad coronavirus vaccine
The COVID-causing virus SARS-CoV-2 harbors a vulnerable site at the base of its spike protein that is found also on closely related coronaviruses, according to a new study from Scripps Research. The discovery, published Feb 8 in Science Translational Medicine, could inform the design of broad-acting vaccines and antibody therapies capable of stopping future coronavirus […]
Calorie restriction trial reveals key factors in extending human health
Decades of research has shown that limits on calorie intake by flies, worms, and mice can enhance life span in laboratory conditions. But whether such calorie restriction can do the same for humans remains unclear. Now a new study led by Yale researchers confirms the health benefits of moderate calorie restrictions in humans — and […]
Eating prunes may help protect against bone loss in older women
It’s already well known that prunes are good for your gut, but new Penn State research suggests they may be good for bone health, too. In a research review, the researchers found that prunes can help prevent or delay bone loss in postmenopausal women, possibly due to their ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, […]
‘Bionic’ pacemaker reverses heart failure
A revolutionary pacemaker that re-establishes the heart’s naturally irregular beat is set to be trialled in New Zealand heart patients this year, following successful animal trials. “Currently, all pacemakers pace the heart metronomically, which means a very steady, even pace. But when you record heart rate in a healthy individual, you see it is constantly […]