Albiglutide in type 2 diabetes: Hint of minor added benefit

Study data for a combination with metformin show a hint of a minor added benefit because symptomatic hypoglycemia occurs less frequently, experts report after an investigation.

Could gut microbes help treat brain disorders? Mounting research tightens their connection with the brain

The community of microbes that inhabits the body, known as the microbiome, has a powerful influence on the brain and may offer a pathway to new therapies for psychiatric and neurological disorders, according to researchers.

Exposure to nanoparticles may threaten heart health

While nanotechnology has led to countless advancements, a group of researchers is now raising a flag of caution about its effects on our health. They say exposure to tiny silica-based particles can play a big role in increasing heart attack and stroke risks.

Mapping snake venom variety reveals unexpected evolutionary pattern

Venom from an eastern diamondback rattlesnake in the Everglades is distinct from the cocktail of toxins delivered by the same species in the Florida panhandle area, some 500 miles away. But no matter where you go in the Southeastern United States, the venom of the eastern coral snake is always the same. The results challenge common assumptions in venom evolution research, provide crucial information for rattlesnake conservation, and will help coral snake antivenom development.

Nutrient sensor in key growth-regulating metabolic pathway identified

For the first time, scientists have identified a protein that appears to be a nutrient sensor for the key growth-regulating mTORC1 metabolic pathway.

Brain imaging may help predict future behavior

Noninvasive brain scans have led to basic science discoveries about the human brain, but they've had only limited impacts on people's day-to-day lives. A review article highlights a number of recent studies showing that brain imaging can help predict an individual's future learning, criminality, health-related behaviors, and response to drug or behavioral treatments. The technology may offer opportunities to personalize educational and clinical practices.

Epigenomics analysis reveals surprising new clues to insulin resistance

In studying the cellular structure and function of insulin, a research team has uncovered previously unknown steps in the development of insulin resistance. Previous investigations of insulin resistance have focused almost exclusively on proteins and cellular functions at or near the surface of cells, where insulin binds. However, epidemiological and molecular data have suggested that events leading to insulin resistance might also take place in the nucleus, where the DNA blueprint is stored.

'Imaginary meal' tricks body into losing weight

A more effective diet pill has been developed by scientists. Unlike most diet pills on the market, this new pill, called fexaramine, doesn't dissolve into the blood like appetite suppressants or caffeine-based diet drugs, but remains in the intestines, causing fewer side effects, like an "imaginary meal," the researchers explain.

Exposure to cold reveals 'switch' that controls formation of brown, white fat

The roles that white fat and brown fat play in metabolism is well documented, but new research presents a new wrinkle: each type of fat may change into the other, depending on the temperature. In particular, cold temperatures may encourage 'unhealthy' white fat to change into 'healthy' brown fat.

Human enzyme (CD 39) targets Achilles heel of sepsis

Scientists use mice to show that a human membrane-bound enzyme called CD39, which can clear the dangerous buildup of adenosine triphosphate from the bloodstream, significantly improves survival of mice in sepsis. "Finding a more effective treatment for sepsis would be a major step forward," said one researcher, "since far too many people still die from overwhelming microbial infection. If CD 39 proves to be as critical a factor in humans as in mice, this is a major discovery."

Certain T-cells may play a role in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes

New research in mice suggests that an unusual type of immune cell may be a new drug and research target for treating or preventing type 2 diabetes caused by obesity. The research report suggests that certain T-cells are necessary for obesity-induced accumulation of macrophages, which are associated with promoting inflammation in fat tissue.

Melanoma: Scientists find new link between pigment production, mitochondrial function

New research helps explain what goes wrong to when someone gets skin cancer and the relationship between changing skin pigment and the cancer itself. In particular, this research shows that there is a direct link between changes in mitochondrial function and melanin production in cancerous skin cells. This link may also serve as a viable drug target for the disease.

New version of common antibiotic could eliminate risk of hearing loss

A commonly used antibiotic can be modified to eliminate the risk that it will cause hearing loss, a study in mice has demonstrated. The newly patented antibiotic, N1MS, cured urinary tract infection in mice just as well as sisomcicin, but did not cause deafness, study results show. The study presents a promising new approach to generating a new class of novel, nontoxic antibiotics, researchers say.

Predicting superbugs' countermoves to new drugs

With drug-resistant bacteria on the rise, even common infections that were easily controlled for decades are proving trickier to treat with standard antibiotics. New drugs are desperately needed, but so are ways to maximize the effective lifespan of these drugs. To accomplish that, researchers used software they developed to predict a constantly-evolving infectious bacterium's counter-moves to one of these new drugs ahead of time, before the drug is even tested on patients.

Findings point to potential approach to treat virus causing illness, possible paralysis

New research findings point toward a class of compounds that could be effective in combating infections caused by enterovirus D68, which has stricken children with serious respiratory infections and might be associated with polio-like symptoms in the United States and elsewhere.

Patient stem cells used to make dementia-in-a-dish; help identify new treatment strategy

A new strategy for treating an inherited form of dementia has been identified after researchers attempted to turn stem cells derived from patients into the neurons most affected by the disease. In patient-derived stem cells carrying a mutation predisposing them to frontotemporal dementia, the scientists found a targetable defect that prevents normal neurodevelopment. These stem cells partially return to normal when the defect is corrected.