Health & Fitness

Neurons in the brain coexist with and rely on many other cell types to function properly. Astrocytes, which take their name from their star shape, ensure the survival of neurons by feeding and detoxifying them with the help of a multifunctional protein, APOE. One of three forms of this protein, APOE4, significantly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, but the mechanisms at play are unknown.

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A new study suggests genetic material from E. coli bacteria in farm animals could be contributing to the evolution of deadly strains of E. coli in humans.

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The incident has renewed concerns about the appeal of fruity vape flavours to children.

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A signature found in the cheek cells of mothers and fathers of preterm infants may help develop a test to determine whether a pregnancy may end too early. Such a test could help prevent premature births and the many resulting health impacts on infants by alerting medical providers to the need for early intervention measures. In a proof of concept study, researchers documented more than 100 epigenetic biomarkers in mothers of preterm babies that were distinct from mothers of babies carried to term. Fathers had fewer biomarkers but enough to indicate a likely paternal role in preterm birth. They also found that the preterm female babies carried more than 100 of these biomarkers, indicating the propensity to have a preterm baby may be passed down.

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A ubiquitous protein called sigma 1 receptor, which is known to protect cells from stress, appears key to the function and survival of the neurons most impacted by glaucoma, scientists report.

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Doing less exercise could deactivate a vital protein in the body, causing further inactivity and making exercise more difficult, new research suggests.  Deactivating the Piezo1 protein, a blood flow sensor, reduces the density of capillaries carrying blood to the muscles.  This restricted blood flow means activity becomes more difficult and can lead to a reduction in how much exercise is possible. This helps to explain the biology of why exercise becomes harder the less you do.

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