http://medicalxpress.com/ en-us Medical Xpress internet news portal provides the latest news on Health and Medicine. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) deficits have been implicated in schizophrenia and depression. In schizophrenia, deficits have been particularly well-described for a subtype of GABA neuron, the parvalbumin fast-spiking interneurons. The activity of these neurons is critical for proper cognitive and emotional functioning. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-03-neuron-loss-schizophrenia-depression.html Neuroscience Wed, 13 Mar 2013 07:24:24 EST news282378255 (HealthDay)—Grape polyphenol (PP) supplementation prevents fructose-induced oxidative stress and insulin resistance in healthy volunteers with high metabolic risk, according to research published online Dec. 28 in Diabetes Care. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-02-grape-polyphenols-counteract-fructose-induced-effects.html Diabetes Mon, 04 Feb 2013 05:10:01 EST news279175097 A small molecule known to regulate white blood cells has a surprising second role in protecting brain cells from the deleterious effects of stroke, Johns Hopkins researchers report. The molecule, microRNA-223, affects how cells respond to the temporary loss of blood supply brought on by stroke—and thus the cells' likelihood of suffering permanent damage. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-11-duty-immune-brain-effects.html Immunology Wed, 28 Nov 2012 14:48:07 EST news273336473 Childhood bullying can lead to long term health consequences, including general and mental health issues, behavioral problems, eating disorders, smoking, alcohol use, and homelessness, a study by the Crime Victims' Institute at Sam Houston State University found. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-10-bullying-long-term-health-consequences.html Psychology & Psychiatry Tue, 30 Oct 2012 17:40:02 EST news270836555 (Medical Xpress)—In many pathologies of the nervous system, there is a common event - cells called microglia are activated from surveillant watchmen into fighters.  Microglia are the immune cells of the nervous system, ingesting and destroying pathogens and damaged nerve cells. Until now little was known about the molecular mechanisms of microglia activation despite this being a critical process in the body. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-10-role-microglial-cells-defenders-fighters.html Neuroscience Tue, 16 Oct 2012 07:13:08 EST news269590368 When shopping for dad's Father's Day gift, consider what he gave you when you were conceived. If he smoked, your genes are likely damaged, and your odds for diseases increased. A report in the FASEB Journal shows that men who smoke before conception can damage the genes of their offspring. These inherited changes in DNA could render developing offspring susceptible to later diseases, providing evidence for quitting smoking before trying to conceive. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-06-cigarette-dna-reproductive-cells-fathers.html Medical research Fri, 22 Jun 2012 15:13:33 EST news259596520 A study spearheaded by a Stanford University School of Medicine scientist has tracked the trajectories of key immune cells in response to short-term stress and traced, in great detail, how hormones triggered by such stress enhance immune readiness. The study, conducted in rats, adds weight to evidence that immune responsiveness is heightened, rather than suppressed as many believe, by the so-called "fight-or-flight" response. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-06-stress-boost-immune.html Immunology Thu, 21 Jun 2012 20:00:01 EST news259518484 The oxygen and food we consume are converted into energy by tiny organelles present in each cell, the mitochondria. These 'power plants' must be continuously supplied with fuel, to maintain all vital functions. A team led by Jean-Claude Martinou, professor at the University of Geneva, has identified this fuel's carrier, baptized Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier. The study, published online by Science, henceforth allows the researchers to investigate how the activity of the carrier is modulated. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-05-cells-petrol.html Medical research Thu, 24 May 2012 14:00:04 EST news257081216 A natural lipid in the fluid lining the lungs inhibits influenza infections in both cell cultures and mouse models, according to researchers at National Jewish Health. These findings, combined with previous studies demonstrating effectiveness against respiratory syncytial virus, suggest that the molecule, known as POPG, may have broad antiviral activity. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-11-lipid-blocks-influenza-infection.html Medical research Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:05:52 EST news240066342 (Medical Xpress) -- A growing body of research finds musical training gives students learning advantages in the classroom. Now a Northwestern University study finds musical training can benefit Grandma, too, by offsetting some of the deleterious effects of aging. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2011-05-musical-offsets-aging-effects.html Medical research Wed, 11 May 2011 20:30:01 EST news224353390