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.
'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.
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.
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.
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.
Nicotine patch before quitting smoking doubles success ratesJuly 10th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Smokers wishing to kick the butt can double their success rates by using nicotine patch before quitting smoking, say researchers at Duke University Medical Center. The researchers say that, according to the latest data, changes should be made to nicotine patch labelling.
Light touch does depend on Merkel cells, confirms studyJune 19th, 2009 WASHINGTON - An American study has confirmed that light touch-the sense that lets musicians find the right notes on a keyboard, a seamstress revel in the feel of cool silk, the artisan feel a curve in material and the blind read Braille-depends upon the activity of Merkel cells, which are found in the crescent-shaped clusters in the skin. "Human, primates and any animal that relies on hands for dexterity use their Merkel cells to feel texture and shape.
Colorado police say accused burglar dubbed the 'Nicotine Ninja' prefers brand-name cigarettesMay 13th, 2009 Police: 'Nicotine Ninja' prefers brand-name cigsGOLDEN, Colo. — Jefferson County authorities are looking a man they've dubbed the "Nicotine Ninja" believed to be responsible for stealing $120,000 worth of cigarettes.
Colour of your skin linked to nicotine dependenceMay 9th, 2009 WASHINGTON - The colour of your skin and nicotine dependence could be linked, according to latest research. Smokers with higher concentrations of melanin - the colouring pigment - in their skin and hair may be at an increased risk of nicotine dependence and related carcinogens than lighter skinned smokers.
Scientists coax skin cells to behave like muscle cellsMay 6th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Scientists have now shown that skin cells can be coaxed to behave like muscle cells and muscle cells like skin cells. The fickleness of the cells, and the relative ease with which they make the switch, provide a glimpse into the genetic reprogramming that must occur for a cell to become something it's not.
How smoking relieves stressApril 24th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Smoking to relieve stress is nothing new. But a new study has shown just how nicotine calms people down.
Angry people likely to be addicted to nicotineApril 24th, 2009 WASHINGTON - People who tend to be angry are more susceptible to nicotine's effects, hence more likely to become addicted to cigarettes, according to the latest study. Jean Gehricke led a team of researchers from the University of California (U-C) which studied the effect of nicotine patches on the subjects' tendency to retaliate in response to anger provocation.
Study sheds light on egg cells' unique ability to ensure that sperm don't get too oldMarch 26th, 2009 WASHINGTON - While it is thought that men remain fertile throughout life as compared to women, Swedish researchers have now shown that a fertilising sperm can get help from the egg to rejuvenate. Researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, say that their finding is an important step towards future stem cell therapy.
Discovery to help trick body into accepting transplantsJanuary 23rd, 2009 SYDNEY - A discovery can trick the body into accepting tissues or transplants as its own, eliminating the necessity for immunity suppressing medicines. Stacey Walters, a researcher in immunology at Garvan Institute of Medical Research, has found that mice genetically engineered to produce large amounts of B cell activating factor (BAFF) do not reject transplants.
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