Discovery of Mechanical Itch Protein

Scientists investigating the cellular basis for itching have made an important discovery, and one that could lead to new treatments of chronic conditions like eczema. The breakthrough centers on what’s known as mechanical itching, with the research team behind it demonstrating how a protein can be blocked to alleviate itching sensation in mouse models of the condition. Much of the […]

Wearable Muscles

The ETH team developed the Myoshirt particularly to enhance the strength and endurance of people with restricted or declining mobility, and ran a small test, placing the unit on 10 people without any physical impairments, one with muscular dystrophy, and one with a spinal cord injury. In an endurance test, which required people to lift their arms and/or an object […]

Preventing Hereditary Blindness

Scientists in Europe have discovered a molecular “zipper” mechanism that can lead to cell death in the genetic disease retinitis pigmentosa. The good news is that injecting certain proteins could slow down or prevent vision impairment from the disease. Retinitis pigmentosa is a relatively common hereditary disease that affects the photoreceptors, cells in the eye that register light. As they […]

Weight Training Burns Fat On The Right Diet

A weight loss journey might look markedly different for different people, and studies are continuing to turn up valuable insights into ways exercise regimes can be tailored to the individual. The latest findings in this area come from a team at Australia’s Edith Cowan University, who have shown that when combined with the right diet, resistance training such as body-weight […]

Four Innovative Gadgets Changing the Beauty Industry in 2022

As the beauty industry continues to grow thanks to the popularity and promotion of products and services on social media sites, there are now countless gadgets on the market that are designed to bring the professional and high tech experience of seeking a professional beauty service straight to people’s homes. Nearly any insecurity you have can be worked on with […]

Wearable Measures Alcohol, Lactate & Glucose Levels

While we’ve already seen skin-worn patches that can detect individual substances in the bloodstream, a new one goes considerably further. It simultaneously measures glucose, alcohol and lactate, and could have multiple applications. Designed by a team of engineers at the University of California-San Diego – and building on previous research – the prototype thick-coin-shaped device consists of two linked sections. On the bottom is […]

New Blood Test Predicts Type 2 Diabetes

  Obesity is by far the most common risk factor for type 2 diabetes, but one in five people diagnosed with the disease are of a normal weight. A new test promises a novel way to estimate diabetes risk by looking for patterns of molecules in blood samples that correspond with obesity-related metabolic changes, regardless of a person’s actual weight. […]

Casual Link Between Insomnia & High Blood Sugar

Poor or disrupted sleep has long been associated with a variety of negative health outcomes, from obesity and heart disease to dementia and depression. But there is an ongoing debate amongst researchers over the causal direction of these associations. Does insomnia play a direct role in causing these conditions, or is poor sleep simply a symptom of these diseases? For example, are insomniacs more likely to eat […]

Modulating Insoles Treat Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Because diabetics often lack sensation in their feet, they may not instinctively shift foot pressure as needed, potentially leading to very serious skin ulcers. A set of experimental new insoles were created that problem in mind, as they shift the pressure for the wearer. The dual-layer removable devices are being developed at the University of Texas at Arlington, by a team led […]

Non-Surgical Implant Uses Laser Light to Treat Obesity

While some folks might say that obese people should just exercise more and eat less, things aren’t always quite that simple. With that fact in mind, a new implant is being designed to help boost the weight-loss process, by killing hunger-inducing cells in the stomach. Ghrelin is a naturally produced hormone that stimulates the appetite, increases food intake and promotes the […]