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Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are cartilage-like structures that surround inhibitory neurons in the brain, and their primary function is to control the level of plasticity in the brain. They contain chondroitin sulphates, some of which—like chondroitin 4-sulphate—inhibit neuroplasticity, while others like chondroitin 6-sulphate promote neuroplasticity. The balance of these compounds changes …

  Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, U.S.A., have found that zinc or vitamin C, singly or in combination, do not significantly decrease the severity or duration of symptoms in COVID-19- patients, when compared to standard care. Zinc, which is important for immune function, has a role in antibody and white …

Scientists are exploring whether vaccination in necessary for people who’ve already been infected with SARS-CoV-2 infection. While some recommend that they still get a single dose of vaccine, a new study from the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio has found that people who’ve already had COVID-19 may not require vaccination. They …

NIFTY® (Non-Invasive Fetal TrisomY test) of BGI Diagnosis Co. Ltd., China, is a non-invasive prenatal test that offers screening for certain genetic conditions due to extra or missing genetic information in the baby’s DNA. The test uses the latest genetic sequencing technology and has over 99% accuracy for the three …

President Donald Trump was the first to accuse China of being responsible for leaking the SARS-CoV-2 virus from its laboratory in Wuhan. He was ridiculed by one and all for what mainstream media called propagation of a ridiculous conspiracy theory. Now, a year-and-a-half later, his successor President Biden has been …

Sirtuins are a family of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide+) dependent enzymes that are the principal regulators of the lifespan in lower life. There are seven different sirtuins in mammals—SIRT1 through SIRT7—which have a broad range of cell functions concerning energy balance, stress resistance to the cells, genomic stability, and aging. …

In a 2019 CRN (Council for Responsible Nutrition) consumer survey on dietary supplements done in the U.S., 77% of Americans said that they take dietary supplements, with the 35 – 54 age group being the biggest users. Vitamins and minerals were the most popular supplement category, followed by specialty supplements, …

          In a survey by US and World Report, 129 out of 191 medical and osteopathic* schools accredited in 2020 provided data required to calculate their rankings. Here are the results:   Best for Research 1. Harvard University, Boston 2. New York University Grossman School of …

Early menopause is described as the cessation of ovarian function at or before the age of 45 years. About 12.2% of women experience early menopause, and for them, donor eggs are the only option for becoming pregnant. In the past, women with primary ovarian insufficiency have been treated with treatment …

In his book, Burn: The Misunderstood Science of Metabolism, evolutionary biologist Herman Pontzer writes about the misunderstood science of metabolism based on his time living with the Hadza tribe in Tanzania. His objective was to measure the amount of energy burned by the Hadza people, who follow a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, …