Could targeting Parkinson's outside of the brain improve symptoms?

Parkinson's doesn't just affect movement and the brain -- it may also impact the heart, according to new research. Scientists suggest that targeting a key protein outside of the brain could help manage Parkinson's-related heart issues.

Mouse study identifies shared genes involved in hearing and vision regeneration

The same genes could hold the key to regenerating cells in the ear and eye, according to a new mouse study. Researchers focused on a group of interacting genes called the Hippo pathway, which serve as a 'stop growing' signal that the lab has shown to inhibit cell proliferation in the ear during embryonic development. The scientists demonstrated that the Hippo pathway also suppresses the regeneration of damaged sensory receptors in the ear and eye of adult mice.

Enzyme engineering opens door to novel therapies for Parkinson's, cancers and other hard-to-target protein diseases

Scientists have long struggled to target proteins that lack defined structure and are involved in cancer, neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease, and other serious illnesses. Now, a new study demonstrates a proof of concept for a new strategy: engineering proteases -- enzymes that cut proteins at specific sites -- to selectively degrade these elusive targets with high precision in the proteome of human cells.

Postpartum female preference for cooler temperatures linked to brain changes

Mothers experience major metabolic adaptations during pregnancy and lactation to support the development and growth of the new life. Although many metabolic changes have been studied, body temperature regulation and environmental temperature preference during and after pregnancy remain poorly understood. Researchers show that postpartum female mice develop new environmental temperature preferences and reveal brain changes mediating these changes.

Safety and security: Study shines light on factors behind refugees' resilience

A systematic review has identified several strong protective and promotive factors that are associated with better mental health outcomes among refugee adults.