My Blue Dots – Page 167

Serotonin functions as ‘prospective code for value’ in brain’s reward processing system

MyBlueDots5 months ago01 mins

In our day-to-day lives, we’re constantly making a slew of decisions, from immediate matters to prospects on the far horizon. But the evolutionary nuts-and-bolts of how our brains weigh these numerous daily decisions and what role is played by the neurotransmitter serotonin has been shrouded in mystery.

Pancreatic cells ‘remember’ cancer-linked epigenetic marks without mutations, study shows

MyBlueDots5 months ago01 mins

Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists say they have found a pattern of so-called epigenetic “marks” in a transition state between normal and pancreatic cancer cells in mice, and that the normal cells may keep at least a temporary “memory” of those cancer-linked marks.

First step for pandemic prevention: Experts comment on WHO’s first binding national agreement

MyBlueDots5 months ago01 mins

The World Health Organization (WHO) is on the verge of adopting the world’s first binding international agreement focused on pandemic prevention. This landmark development, schedule for potential ratification at the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025, adopts a crucial One Health approach, emphasizing the global need to curb pandemic risks at the human-animal-environment interface. Dr. Raina Plowright, Rudolf J. and Katharine L. Steffen Professor of Veterinary Medicine, along with colleagues on The Lancet Commission on Prevention of Viral Spillover, published their comment piece on the agreement in The Lancet on April 3.

Switching from dulaglutide to tirzepatide improves HbA1c reduction in type 2 diabetes

MyBlueDots5 months ago01 mins

For patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes receiving dulaglutide, switching to tirzepatide is associated with additional hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reduction and weight loss compared with escalating treatment with dulaglutide, according to a study published online April 4 in the Annals of Internal Medicine to coincide with the Internal Medicine Meeting, the annual meeting of the American College of Physicians, held from April 3 to 5 in New Orleans.

Judge blocks cuts to $11 billion in public health funding

MyBlueDots5 months ago01 mins

A federal judge has stopped the Trump administration from cutting $11 billion in public health funding—at least for now.

Guinea pigs offer new model for studying early embryonic development

MyBlueDots5 months ago01 mins

Studying the early development of human embryos is challenging due to ethical constraints and technical difficulties. Therefore, animal models are often used to understand the biological processes that govern embryo development before it implants in the uterus.

Molecular messenger of sight: Scientists investigate protein structure RBP3’s role in vision

MyBlueDots5 months ago01 mins

Scientists have for the first time looked deep into the protein structure that may determine our vision—and discovered that it is much more dynamic than previously thought. RBP3 not only changes its shape depending on its load but may also play a role in protecting the retina from diseases ranging from diabetic retinopathy to retinitis pigmentosa.

Immune system’s age-related changes mapped with unprecedented detail

MyBlueDots5 months ago01 mins

Why are older people more susceptible to infections than younger people? Why do vaccinations sometimes have less of an effect on them? In order to better understand the mechanisms of the aging immune system, the RESIST-Senior Individuals Cohort was set up as part of the Cluster of Excellence RESIST—a study with 550 citizens over the age of 60 and 100 younger participants aged between 20 and 40, all of whom come from the Hannover Region.

Preeclampsia associated with earlier onset and higher incidence of cardiovascular risk factors

MyBlueDots5 months ago01 mins

Women who have experienced preeclampsia have accelerated accumulation of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors compared with women who had pregnancies without preeclampsia according to research presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Preventive Cardiology congress 2025.

AI screening for opioid use disorder associated with fewer hospital readmissions

MyBlueDots5 months ago01 mins

An artificial intelligence (AI)-driven screening tool successfully identified hospitalized adults at risk for opioid use disorder and recommended referral to inpatient addiction specialists.

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RFK Jr. said ‘everybody can get’ a COVID vaccine: Is that true?

Most Americans favor MMR vaccine requirement for public school, survey finds

Researchers identify new method to protect against sepsis

Mental health effects of exposure to firearm violence persist long after direct exposure, global review indicates

Mediterranean diet may reduce gum disease

‘Preventable deaths will continue’ without action to make NHS more accessible for autistic people, say experts

Serotonin functions as ‘prospective code for value’ in brain’s reward processing system

Pancreatic cells ‘remember’ cancer-linked epigenetic marks without mutations, study shows

First step for pandemic prevention: Experts comment on WHO’s first binding national agreement

Switching from dulaglutide to tirzepatide improves HbA1c reduction in type 2 diabetes

Judge blocks cuts to $11 billion in public health funding

Guinea pigs offer new model for studying early embryonic development

Molecular messenger of sight: Scientists investigate protein structure RBP3’s role in vision

Immune system’s age-related changes mapped with unprecedented detail

Preeclampsia associated with earlier onset and higher incidence of cardiovascular risk factors

AI screening for opioid use disorder associated with fewer hospital readmissions

Useful Links

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