mtDNA: Key Component of Energy Production and Trigger of Inflammation

Entity responsible for powering our cellular functions and in keeping us going is mitochondria. These powerhouses are little sausage-shaped organelles in most types of cells that have a nucleus. These organelles convert chemical energy from the food that we ingest into usable form of energy. This energy is termed as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the fuel that we require to carry out the regular activities at cellular level.

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Protein Overload: Amino Acid Blamed for Arterial Health Risks

Interesting research from University of Pittsburgh show that too much dietary protein might actually up the risk of atherosclerosis. So, while protein is good for our bodies but consuming in abundance might not be the best idea when it comes to keeping our arteries happy and healthy. The experiment not only combined the human trials but researchers roped in mice and cells in a Petri dish for the study. When the consumption increases to more than 22% of their daily calories from protein, it kicked off a chain reaction. Consequently,…

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Heart Healing: Microenvironment’s Role in Cardiac Recovery

A group of scientists led by James F. Martin, has been delving deep into the intricacies of cardiac function at The Texas Heart Institute. Their objective is to illuminate the innate regenerative potential of the heart. At a global level, the primary challenges associated with heart attacks, also known as myocardial infarctions, stem from unhealthy lifestyle choices and genetic predispositions. Also, surviving a heart attack doesn’t guarantee immunity from severe damage to the heart muscles. The cardiomyocytes are severely affected.

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MK03: Key Player in Multiple Sclerosis Pathway

To achieve a holistic understanding of multiple sclerosis, an international team of scientists led by the Department of Medicine and Life Sciences (MELIS) at Pompeu Fabra University, has devised a computational biology instrument. This innovation also holds potential for probing into other intricate illnesses, like various forms of dementia. Understanding multiple sclerosis is not that easy. It’s an autoimmune condition. In such a situation, the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain and spinal cord. Gaining insights as to why it happens is slightly tricky, as it involves everything, from genes…

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Gut Defense: Microbiome Blocks Pathogens’ Nutrient Access

Deep within our stomach, a lively neighborhood thrives. The community is known as the gut microbiome. It is housing hundreds of bacterial species. The fascinating world of the gut microbiome steps up to shield us from nasty invaders called pathogens. Details of its protective powers have been a bit fuzzy until now. Scientists have been tackling and exploring which bacterial players hold the secret to its protective magic.

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Omega-3 Slow ALS Progression: Fatty Acid has Neuroprotective Effects

Recent study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that a diet high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) may have potential benefits for individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells responsible for controlling muscle movement.

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Book Review: Running Rewired by Jay Dicharry

Running Rewired: Reinvent Your Run for Stability, Strength, and Speed by Jay Dicharry is more of a workable program than a book to read. Jay is a physical therapist, teacher, biomechanics researcher, in Oregon, USA. His REP Lab is a national destination for elite athletes because he diagnoses and rebuilds injured endurance athletes. Along with Running Rewired, he has also written Anatomy for Runners: Unlocking Your Athletic Potential for Health, Speed, and Injury Prevention, which I’ll be reading and of course reviewing in the near future.

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Book Review: Genius Foods by Max Lugavere

Human brain, is one of the most remarkable developments of evolution. Research has shown that it is capable to develop and adapt throughout our lives. New experiences and environmental changes are instrumental to its ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections and pathways. Also called as neural plasticity or brain plasticity. Yet, there are factors that could be detrimental to our brain health. Poor diet, no physical activity, chronic stress, and insufficient sleep are some triggers that can have negative effects on brain function and cognitive performance.

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Vitamin D Deficiency Associated with Melanoma: Skin and Bone Health

Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating normal function of human body. It helps the body to absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus, which are critical for building bone. In addition, it also helps in boosting energy levels. Epidemiological studies too, have shown that Vit-D deficiency is closely associated with common chronic diseases such as bone metabolic disorders, tumors, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. In addition, similar corelation between vitamin D and skin cancers have also been investigated.

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Bionic Eye allows blind man to see again: The Eyeborg

Experts at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital have successfully restored the vision of 80 years old Ray Flynn, through implanting ‘bionic eye’. For the last eight years, Mr Flynn suffered from dry age-related muscular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a condition in which photoreceptor cells in the central region of the retina are damaged leading to loss of central vision. The condition is very common, affecting nearly 5,00,000 people in the UK.

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