Health & Fitness

Loneliness is a painful feeling. If it persists, it can lead to mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety disorders. Researchers have now discovered how loneliness is associated with reduced trust. This is reflected in changes in the activity and interaction of various brain structures, especially the insular cortex. The results therefore provide clues for therapeutic options.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/39mktt1

Cells are characterized to be stable yet highly flexible. They constantly modify their shape and even move through tissue. These vital properties are based on a dynamically organized network of branched actin filaments, which generates pushing forces to move the cell membrane. An interdisciplinary team has now revealed a previously unknown mechanism, explaining how stopping the growth of older actin filaments within the network promotes the formation of new ones, thereby maintaining the structure and function of the cytoskeleton, much like proper pruning of hedges in the garden.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3tVJqot

There may be a link between exposure to light during pregnancy and fetal brain development. New findings may provide better understanding of certain neurological diseases later in life.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3zsykZc

In order to counter the increasing threat posed by multi-drug resistant germs, we need to understand how their resistance mechanisms work. Transport proteins have an important role to play in this process. Scientists have now described the three-dimensional structure of transport protein Pdr5, found also in a similar form in pathogenic fungi. The results could help develop mechanisms to combat dangerous pathogens.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3nQ4wDL

The most significant sources of organic waste in South Africa is sugarcane bagasse (5.35 million metric tonnes), invasive plants (11.30 million metric tonnes) and fruit wastes (1.3 billion metric tonnes). Microbiologists from Stellenbosch University are investigation the use of mammalian rumen in the anaerobic digestive process to break down or separate organic waste into its original building blocks, from where it can subsequently be converted into various high-value products -- just as a cow does with processing the tough plant material into the basic building blocks upon which the production of milk is based.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3lEGQ2B

Malignant tumors can enhance their ability to survive and spread by suppressing anti-tumor immune cells in their vicinity, but a new study has uncovered a new way to counter this immunosuppressive effect.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/39lAlMf

Rice University engineers improve simulations that analyze gadolinium-based contrast agents used in clinical magnetic resonance imaging. More efficient simulations could help make better compounds for imaging technologies.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3nXNNyi