Scientists ID molecular 'switch' in liver that triggers harmful effects of saturated and trans fats
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers have identified a molecular mechanism in the liver that explains, for the first time, how consuming foods rich in saturated fats and trans-fatty acids causes elevated blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and increases one's risk of heart disease and certain cancers. In the Jan. 28 issue of Cell, scientists led by Bruce Spiegelman, PhD, rep...Source of molecular triggers in cutaneous T cell lymphoma identified
In a study published in the journal Blood, Yale scientists identify the molecular triggers that stimulate Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) cells to clonally expand into large populations of malignant lymphocytes. CTCL is the most common adult malignancy of T lymphocytes, the white blood cells of the immune system. Finding CTCL triggering factors has been a major goal of Richard L. Edelson...A whole lot of shaking goin' on triggers early hatching in red-eyed tree frogs
Embryos distinguish vibrational differences, hatching early to snake attacks but not to rain At the edge of Ocelot Pond, Panama, red-eyed tree frog embryos still in their eggs are about to make a life-or-death decision. The egg clutch, a gelatinous blob clinging to a leaf overhanging the water, has been spied by a bright green parrot snake. In a twinkling, the snake tears a few eggs from...Nicotine triggers the same brain reward circuitry as opiates
In experiments with mice, researchers have found that nicotine triggers the same neural pathways that give opiates such as heroin their addictively rewarding properties--including associating an environment with the drug's reward. However, unlike opiates, nicotine does not directly activate the brain's opiate receptors, but activates the natural opioid reward pathway in the brain. The rese...Sudden change in social status triggers genetic response in male fish, study finds
Throughout the animal kingdom, rival males routinely challenge one another for the right to reproduce. From the head-on collisions between bighorn rams to the ritualized wrestling matches of male rattlesnakes, combat is often the key to reproductive success. But now scientists studying a species of African cichlid fish have discovered that low-ranking male cichlids can quickly become lead...Mysterious Death Of Seabirds Triggers Bird Flu Concern
The mysterious death of several seabirds on the Gulf of Carpentaria in Australia has triggered concerns that these dead birds could be harboring the bird flu virus//. However, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service said that there was no cause for panic and that they were sending out a team as a precautionary measure, but the Courier Mail reports that a second team with a mili...Alcohol Intoxication Triggers Violent Behaviour
A new study at the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden reveals shocking results that all the people who had consumed alcohol behaved violently. This study had infact supported the already confirmed notion that alcohol incites violent// behaviour. The study included 133 violent offenders out of which 78 people (56%) were intoxicated with alcohol within 24 hours prior to the violent act. Usuall...Fuel Price Hike Triggers Violent Protests In Nepal
Fuel price hikes in Nepal have irked student organizations who came out on the streets to protest this move in Katmandu//. The protestors blocked roads and stoned vehicles and burnt tyres on the streets. They also demanded the resignation of the commerce minister. The population of Nepal is furious with the price hike, which has made fuel 11 to 25 percent costlier. The student wings of...