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By Gillian D’Souza, MSc Retroposons are repetitive DNA fragments that are inserted into a host chromosome after reverse transcription from an RNA molecule. Credit: Katryna Kon/Shutterstock.com Retroposons that share structural similarities with retroviruses, such as the HIV virus, are called ‘viral retroposons’. Viral retroposons are movable genetic elements that undergo reverse transcription and integrate into the host genome. The viral […]
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Many hormones that are important to energy homeostasis have been found to be secreted by the gastrointestinal tract, which is thus the largest endocrine organ in the body. These hormones regulate food intake and energy expenditure, and have been studied extensively in the context of treating obesity. Among these is peptide YY (PYY), a 36 amino acid peptide, which is […]
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While diagnosing abdominal adhesions, it is important to take a thorough clinical history in order to substantiate suspicions. This is crucial because a confident diagnosis will not be obtained by any other means, except intraoperatively. Image Credit: flywish / Shutterstock.com Adhesions may occur anywhere in the body but are most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract, heart, and pelvis. Tissue […]
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One of the most fundamental differences between animal and plant cells is the cell wall – a rigid structure surrounding the plant cells. The cell wall provides strength and structural support, but it also hinders the plant cells from being in direct contact with one another. To overcome this, plants have “plasmodesmata” – intercellular connections which bridge the cytoplasm of […]
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Various research teams are investigating the impact chemical substances have on human behavior and how these results can be harnessed for improved medical care. The studies below illustrate the wide variety of research currently being carried out in study teams across the world. Connections between psychedelic drugs and domestic violence reduction Researchers at the University of British Colombia have determined […]
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Menopause is defined as the cessation of a woman’s menstrual periods for more than 12 consecutive months and is due to the non-functioning of her ovaries. It may occur spontaneously, the average age of onset being 51 years. However, it may also occur following surgery or cancer treatment. Surgical menopause refers to the onset of menopause after the surgical removal […]
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By Jeyashree Sundaram (MBA) Angiosarcoma patients are mostly diagnosed after the tumor has spread all over the body and this type of late identification may result in a poor prognosis. According to various studies, improved prognosis is achieved when patients have smaller tumors that can be easily removed from the body. Better prognosis is usually seen in low-grade breast angiosarcoma. […]
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Acquired digital fibrokeratoma (ADFK) is a benign tumor typically seen on the fingers and toes. It is an uncommon condition most often seen in middle-aged people. The tumors are usually dome-shaped, but can also look like elongated projections in some cases of ADFK. ADFK lesions are usually isolated, canadian pharmacies advair but rarely can be associated with other tumors. While […]
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By Jeyashree Sundaram, MBA Social anxiety disorder (SAD) refers to an anxiety disorder triggered by social situations. People with SAD have symptoms like fast heartbeat, sweating, and stomach upset when they are anxious. They have a fear that people might scrutinize their performance and evaluate them negatively. Credit: Khakimullin Aleksandr/ Shutterstock.com The main causes of SAD are past negative experiences, […]
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Postnatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being found to be an important mental health issue among new mothers. Usually presenting within a month of childbirth, it occasionally takes up to a year to manifest. It is preceded by a perception of trauma during labor and delivery, which presents a threat to the life or health of either the mother or […]
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