Injection of nanoparticle-based retina restores vision to blind rats

Impressive new work has demonstrated a potential way to restore vision in those suffering from degenerative diseases of the retina. A single injection of nanoparticles was found to create a working artificial retina, restoring vision to blind rats.

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Fireworks leave toxic metals lingering in the air, study finds

Fireworks are a surefire way to create a spectacle of color and light, but research has revealed these dazzling displays could pose a health risk by releasing a range of harmful toxins that can linger in the air once the lights go out.

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Glowing bacteria could slow the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs

Scientists at the University of Exeter have developed a promising technique that could help slow the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, by quickly illuminating bacteria when antibiotics are having the desired effect.

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New drug helps reduce brain damage from a stroke in mice

Strokes can leave lifelong lingering issues, as neurons are damaged and die. But now, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have identified a new drug that could help prevent damage even after a stroke, with tests in mice showing promise.

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Gut bacteria signature reveals liver disease with over 90% accuracy

A research team working to unravel the secrets of the gut microbiome has happened upon a specific signature of bacterial species that can be used to detect liver fibrosis and cirrhosis with an accuracy of greater than 90 percent.

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Activating brown fat receptors helps mice burn fat, build muscle

By triggering receptors on a fast-burning form of fat, researchers were able to give older mice less fat and more muscle, making them as healthy as much younger mice. And better yet, humans seem to have a similar pathway.

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Deep red light reboots aging retinas like “recharging a battery”

A new study has demonstrated how a form of deep red light therapy can help address age-related decline in vision. Hitting the retina with just the right wavelength of light was found to recharge its energy system in those over 40 years old.

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The brain clearing out dead neurons captured in video first

Tens of billions of cells in your body die everyday. It’s a natural process, important for keeping the body healthy. Now, in a world first, researchers have directly imaged the death of neurons in mice, and as how the body clears them out afterwards.

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Exploding microbubbles tear apart cancer cells like “targeted warheads”

Adding to the burgeoning potential of ultrasound to treat cancer is a new study that combines the technology with microbubbles, which can be blasted apart like a “targeted warhead” to destroy the majority of tumor cells in breast cancer models.

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Fasting, or low-cal diets, may improve efficacy of cancer chemotherapy

The results of a trial investigating fasting as an adjunct to chemotherapy have been published, finding the simple dietary intervention can improve the outcome of cancer chemotherapy and potentially reduce cellular damage associated with the therapy.

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