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Melatonin reduces blood pressure and tunes up disrupted circadian rhythms in the elderly

The older we get, the more likely our circadian rhythms are disrupted. For example, blood pressure (BP), not only tends to increase but as well become more irregular. Luckily, as we show in our research, melatonin helps to ameliorate both trends.

63 senior respondents of a mean age of 80 were studied during 3 consecutive weeks. First week control data were collected for 7 successive days. Over the next 2 weeks, the seniors were administered a low dose of melatonin (1.5 mg) each day by night at 10:30 p.m. On the third week data were monitored again.

Dynamic DNA polymers can be reversed using biocompatible techniques

DNA-based straight and branched polymers or nanomaterials that can be created and dissolved using biocompatible methods are now possible thanks to the work of Penn State biomedical engineers.

Synthetic polymers may lead to advances in a broad range of biological and biomedical applications such as drug delivery, molecular detection and bioimaging.

Habitat quality drives birds' reproductive success

Five songbird species in California's oak woodlands each seek out a different habitat to maximize their reproductive success, according to new research in The Auk: Ornithological Advances.

First national study of US parks finds low use by adults, seniors and females

Neighborhood parks across the United States are geared primarily toward younger people, limiting their use by adults and seniors, but surprisingly attract fewer female youth as well, according to a new RAND Corporation study that offers the first national examination of parks, what they offer, who uses them and how they are used.

Carnegie Mellon develops bio-mimicry method for preparing and labeling stem cells

PITTSBURGH--Researchers led by Carnegie Mellon University Professor of Biological Sciences Chien Ho have developed a new method for preparing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that not only leads to the production of more native stem cells, but also labels them with a FDA approved iron-oxide nanoparticle (Ferumoxytol). The technology could allow researchers to track the cells in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during preclinical and clinical trials. The findings are published by Scientific Reports.

Long-acting cardioplegia solution results in better outcomes for pediatric heart surgery patients

The myocardium (muscular tissue) of the pediatric heart exhibits structural and functional differences as compared to adult myocardium. As a result, different myocardial protection techniques have been developed for clinical use in neonates, infants, and children undergoing cardiac surgery.

Tiny organisms have huge effect on world's atmosphere

Scientists at the University of East Anglia have discovered how a tiny yet abundant ocean organism helps regulate the Earth's climate.

Research published today in Nature Microbiology reveals how a bacterial group called 'Pelagibacterales' plays an important function in keeping the Earth's atmosphere stable.

The project was led by Prof Steve Giovannoni and Dr Jing Sun at Oregon State University, in collaboration with researchers from UEA among others.

UTMB scientists genetically engineered world's first Zika virus infectious cDNA clone

A multidisciplinary team from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston is the first in the world to genetically engineer a clone of the Zika virus strain, a development that could expedite many aspects of Zika research, including vaccine and therapeutics development.

Cloning the virus unlocks scientists' ability to more quickly develop countermeasures and explore whether or how the Zika virus has evolved to spread more quickly and cause more severe diseases in people. This study is now available in Cell Host and Microbe.

BIDMC researchers identify enzyme that contributes to development of lupus

BOSTON - Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) have identified an enzyme that is significantly elevated in mouse models of systemic lupus erythematosus and in blood samples of patients with lupus. Published online today in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, the new findings demonstrate that inhibition of the SHP-2 enzyme can significantly diminish lupus symptoms - including skin lesions, enlarged spleen and kidney failure - and suggest that development of a SHP-2 inhibitor drug could offer a new therapeutic approach for this often debilitating disease.

Ocean bacteria are programmed to alter climate gases

CORVALLIS, Ore. - SAR11, the most abundant plankton in the world's oceans, are pumping out massive amounts of two sulfur gases that play important roles in the Earth's atmosphere, researchers announced today in the journal Nature Microbiology.

"Everyone knows these gases by their smells", said Steve Giovannoni, a distinguished professor of microbiology in the College of Science at Oregon State University, and corresponding author of the study.

What foods can help fight the risk of chronic inflammation?

A new study by the University of Liverpool's Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease has identified food stuffs that can help prevent chronic inflammation that contributes to many leading causes of death.

Inflammation occurs naturally in the body but when it goes wrong or goes on too long, it can trigger disease processes. Uncontrolled inflammation plays a role in many major diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

Report on stillbirth and neonatal death rates for local areas across the UK

Research published today shows the wide regional variation in the incidence of stillbirth and neonatal deaths in the UK.

The MBRRACE-UK report focuses on rates of stillbirth and neonatal death across the UK. MBRRACE-UK focuses on babies born at 24 weeks of gestation or more. The report found that in 2014 there was a slight fall in both the stillbirth and neonatal death rates (4.161 and 1.772) compared to 2013 (4.201 and 1.842) although this pattern was not uniform across the UK.

Statins may shield unborn babies from mother's stress, study suggests

Statins could protect the hearts of babies in the womb from the adverse effects of their mother's stress, research suggests.

Scientists have discovered that the widely-prescribed drugs help to counteract the negative impact of stress hormones on fetal growth and heart development in mice.

The therapy could lower the chances of babies being born underweight and reduce their risk of health problems in later life, including heart disease, researchers say.

Physical activity is 'magic bullet' for pandemics of obesity and cardiovascular disease

In an editorial published in the current issue of Cardiology, professors from the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University have evaluated the totality of evidence and conclude that regular physical activity bears the closest resemblance to a "magic bullet" to combat the worldwide epidemic of obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Exacerbations of COPD accelerate lung-function loss

Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) accelerate the loss of lung function especially among patients with mild disease, according to researchers at National Jewish Health and other institutions. Barry Make, MD, professor of medicine at National Jewish Health and his colleagues in the COPDGene study presented their findings at the 2016 American Thoracic Society International Meeting in San Francisco.