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New analytical tool for fluorescence detection of double-stranded RNA

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) binding fluorescent probes have been powerful and important analytical tools for the study of RNA structures and functions.

A research group led by Professor Seiichi Nishizawa at Tohoku University's Graduate School of Science has reported a new RNA probe that binds to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in a sequence-specific manner.

A fluorescent dye, thiazole orange (TO), is added to peptide nucleic acid (PNA). The probe exhibits a remarkable light-up response upon binding to the dsRNA by triplex formation (Figure 1).

Thirty years of research translates into new treatment strategies for polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) afflicts over 14 million women in the United States. The disorder increases the risk of endometrial cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, asthma, obesity, depression and anxiety, as well as infertility and a variety of reproductive disorders.

Researchers find how proteins control gene expression by binding both DNA and RNA

Proteins that bind DNA or RNA are usually put in different categories, but researchers at Umeå University in Sweden and Inserm in France recently showed how the p53 protein has the capacity to bind both and how this controls gene expression on the levels of both transcription (RNA synthesis) and mRNA translation (protein synthesis). The discovery was presented in the July issue of the journal Oncogene.

Head partitions reduce stress in goats during feeding

Competition in the goat pen is especially high during feeding time. Social tension rises and there is an increased frequency of agonistic interactions. A significant influence here is the available space. Goats prefer to maintain a minimum distance, termed "individual distance", to other goats. But this amount of feeding space is only rarely available. "To get to their food, the animals 'involuntarily' come into closer proximity than they would like.

Fibroblast growth factor signalling controls fin regeneration in zebrafish

Unlike mammals, certain species of amphibians and fish have the remarkable ability to regenerate tissue. Advances in molecular biological analyses have allowed researchers to identify specific molecules and signalling mechanisms involved in tissue regeneration. Fgf signalling is one such key mechanism.

A surplus with consequences

The transcription factor Myc has two faces: On the one hand, the protein is indispensable for cell growth and division. On the other hand, it is prevalent in virtually all cancer cells - however in a much higher concentration. So it is obvious to suspect Myc of playing a key role when cells turn cancerous. However, there have been conflicting theories as to how this process takes place in detail.

Study at the Biocenter

IU study finds despite expectations of privacy, one in four share sexts

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- A new study from Indiana University researchers shows that although most people who engage in sexting expect their messages to remain private, nearly one in four people are sharing the sexual messages they receive.

The study, "Sexting among singles in the USA: Prevalence of sending, receiving, and sharing sexual messages and images," was led by Justin Garcia, Ruth Halls Assistant Professor for Gender Studies and research scientist at the Kinsey Institute. It was recently published in the journal Sexual Health online.

Study links increased ovarian cancer risk with lower socioeconomic status in African American women

Higher socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with lower ovarian cancer risk in African American women, according to the results of a study by investigators at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and elsewhere reported online August 3 by the American Journal of Epidemiology. It showed that the risk of ovarian cancer was 29 percent lower among women with a college degree or more compared with those who had a high school degree or less.

Blocking the migration of cancer cells to destroy them

Lymphoma is a cancer that affects lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. The disease originates in a lymphoid organ (lymph node, spleen, or bone marrow) before spreading through the blood to infiltrate not only other lymphoid organs but also other tissues. Every year, nearly 2,000 people in Switzerland are diagnosed with lymphoma, a disease that can be very aggressive, resisting standard treatments with chemotherapeutic drugs. Today, researchers at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Switerland, give a new hope to patients.

Duke team identifies new 'mega-complex' involved in cell signaling

DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke Health-led researchers have discovered new information about the signaling mechanism of cells that could one day help guide development of more specific drug therapies.

For years, well-established science detailed the intricacies of how cells change function after receiving chemical signals from hormones, neurotransmitters or even drugs.

A sweeter way of teaching health and safety

A new study shows using chocolate as a test material in experimental, hands-on practical work increases student engagement. It provides a much better way than previous methods for helping students understand the importance of health and safety in their ongoing studies and future careers.

Don't freestyle 'swimmer's shoulder' injuries

ROSEMONT, Ill. (August 4, 2016)--Elite and competitive swimmers log between 60,000 and 80,000 meters weekly--swimming the length of an Olympic-sized pool 1,200 times--which places significant stress on their shoulder joints. "The upper body provides 90 percent of the propulsive force to move through the water. Due to the amount of force generated and the range of motion required to swim efficiently, the shoulder needs to have perfect mechanics to avoid injury," says Dr.

Study analyses how epigenetics regulate vital functions from bacteria to humans

(Boston) -- After the emergence of single-celled organisms some billions of years ago, nature started experimenting with how to diversify gene function without changing the sequence of the DNA, such that the blue print remains conserved, but allows gene products to have different functions. As multicellular organisms evolved, this process of maintenance and function were provided by mechanisms which are called "epigenetics". Epigenetics allow genes to function differently by adding chemical 'tags' to DNA or to proteins that surround the DNA.

Higher BMI not associated with bigger heart attack, death risk in heavier twin

A study of monozygotic Swedish twins suggests that while a higher BMI was not associated with increased risk of heart attack or death for the heavier twin, it was associated with increased risk for the onset of diabetes for that twin, according to an article published online by JAMA Internal Medicine.

Monozygotic twins are genetically identical so they provide a unique tool for evaluating risks associated with obesity independent of genetic factors.

Toe-tapping to better health: Fidgeting helps prevent arterial dysfunction from sitting

COLUMBIA, Mo. (Aug. 4, 2016) -- Previous research has shown that sitting for an extended period of time at a computer or during a long airline flight reduces blood flow to the legs, which may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. Now, researchers from the University of Missouri have found that fidgeting while sitting can protect the arteries in legs and potentially help prevent arterial disease.