Scientists create artificial nerve cell connections with plastic beadsOctober 8th, 2009 WASHINGTON - In a breakthrough study, scientists have successfully created nerve cell connections with the help of artificial substances, a major advance, which the researchers say, will help make nerve cell repair possible. Scientists from Montreal NeurologicaI Institute and Hospital (The Neuro) and McGill University created the artificial nerve cell connections using plastic beads coated with a substance that encourages adhesion, and attracts nerve cells.
Natural killer cells help keep immune system in balanceOctober 2nd, 2009 WASHINGTON - Natural killer (NK) cells, part of our immune system, kill cells infected with a given virus. Researchers have now found that the cells also help keep T-cells from over-responding.
Scientists uncover origin of Merkel cellsSeptember 29th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Scientists claim to have unravelled the mystery surrounding the developmental origin of specialized skin cells involved in touch sensation. Merkel cells are neuroendocrine cells that reside in the vertebrate epidermis, passing mechanical stimuli on to sensory neurons.
Here's why smokers 'itch' to kick the buttSeptember 16th, 2009 LONDON - Scientists claim to have pointed the reason why people who are actively trying to stop smoking often itch uncontrollably. Belgian researchers, who studied the effect of nicotine in mice, found that it activates a molecular pathway in membranes in the skin, nose and mouth known to play a role in inflammation.
Cell isolated from bio-clock can still keep timeSeptember 10th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Alexis Webb enters a small room painted dark green, turns off the lights and bends over a microscope over a black box to see a single nerve cell on a glass cover slip glowing dimly - indicating the isolated cell is busy keeping time. Researchers at Washington University in St.
'Liposuction leftovers' better than skin cells to regenerate tissuesSeptember 8th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Fat that is left after liposuction is a huge bank of versatile cells that could be more quickly and easily coaxed to become induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells than the often used skin cells, according to a study by researchers at Stanford's School of Medicine. Lead researcher Dr.
An 'eye catching' discovery made among fishJuly 27th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Nearly all animals can detect light, thanks to three types of retinal cells that allow us to see images or distinguish between night and day. Now researchers have discovered in fish yet another type of cell that can sense light and contribute to vision.
Scientists find cell in fish that can sense light and contribute to visionJuly 27th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, US, have discovered in fish yet another type of cell that can sense light and contribute to vision. The team of neuroscientists shows that retinal horizontal cells, which are nerve cells once thought only to talk to neighboring nerve cells and not even to the brain, are light sensitive themselves.
Circulating blood cells can form bone outside the normal skeletonJuly 24th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Circulating cells in the blood have the ability to form bone at sites distant from the original skeleton, according to a new research. It is believed that bone-forming cells, derived from the body's connective tissue, are the only cells able to form the skeleton.
What makes us coughJuly 9th, 2009 LONDON - Scientists at the University of Hull have identified a new group of molecules on the surface of nerve cells that make people cough when they are irritated. According to the researchers, the findings could lead to new drugs to treat coughing.
Artificial nerve cells come closer to realityJuly 8th, 2009 LONDON - Taking a step closer towards the creation of artificial nerve cells, scientists have now found that neurotransmitters can be used to communicate between the nerve cells in the body. Just like cochlear implants and electrodes, current methods to stimulate nerve signals in the nervous system are based on electrical stimulation.
Lasers can make cheaper, better solar cellsMay 30th, 2009 LONDON - Using lasers to make solar photovoltaic cells that produce electricity from sunshine makes these cells cheaper and better, researchers say. Arnold Gillner, microtechnology head at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology in Germany, said: "Lasers work quickly, precisely, and without contact.
Why touching the skin relieves painApril 15th, 2009 LONDON - Scientists at the Sahlgrenska Academy have found out why touching the skin relieves pain. The researchers have revealed that the skin has specialised nerve fibres called called CT nerves (C-tactile), which travel directly to the areas in the brain that are important in the emergence of feelings.
Why mother's touch is so soothing for a childApril 13th, 2009 LONDON - What makes a mother's touch so comforting for her children? Well, scientists now have an answer to this question. A team of experts from the Unilever company, the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, and the University of North Carolina have identified a class of nerve fibres in the skin which specifically send pleasure messages.
Common infections may trigger leukaemiaApril 2nd, 2009 LONDON - Scientists have revealed that exposure to common infections might lead to the development of childhood leukaemia. The researchers claimed to have identified a molecule called TGF, produced by the body in response to infection, which appears to trigger multiplication of pre-cancerous stem cells at the expense of its healthy counterparts.
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