Washington

Urban birds have developed coping mechanisms to survive in cities: Study

Washington, Sept 26 : Birds that hang out in large urban areas have adapted to survive in a much larger range of conditions than their rural counterparts, a new study by researchers from the University of Washington has found.

And not only do they survive, but as the researchers found out, they also thrive.

This, the researchers say, is a sign that urban birds have developed coping mechanisms that rural birds might not have.

Hormone system that regulates food intake also increases stress

Washington, Sept 26 : A new study has found that a hormone system that regulates food intake makes people eat less by increasing stress-related behaviours.

The study conducted by Vaishali Bakshi and Ned Kalin, professors in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health said that the system has attracted interest for its role in regulating food intake as it is mediated by a hormone receptor protein known as the corticotropin-releasing factor type 2 (CRF2) receptor.

Prospects of new, successful relationship reduce after divorce

Washington, Sept 26: According to a new study, chances of remarriage or cohabiting decrease after a separation or divorce.

And, what further reduces the chances of moving on and finding a new love is children from a previous marriage or relationship.

The study, by Dutch researcher Anne-Rigt Poortman, has revealed that the prospects of having a relationship were slimmer for women as compared to men. A possible explanation for such kind of behaviour could be that past experiences make people cautious following a divorce.

New Aloe Vera nose spray may help treat flu

Washington, Sept 26: Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing an Aloe Vera nose spray that can effectively treat influenza.

Dr. Ian Tizard, professor of pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences says that the method in which the vaccine gets delivered right into the body is the key to the new treatment.

Tizard explained the procedure for the production of the medicine and also the way it is combined with flu vaccine.

COX2 gene mutation can double risk of ovarian cancer

Washington, Sept 26 : Researchers in Portugal have found that a specific mutation of the COX2 gene may play a role in the onset of ovarian cancer, escalating a woman’s chances of developing the disease.

The discovery means that it might be possible to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, which are used already for other conditions, to prevent ovarian cancer developing in women with the COX2 mutation.

Eating fish may keep type 1 diabetes at bay in kids

Washington, Sept 26 : A new study has revealed that for children with increased risk for type 1 diabetes, eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, may lead to a reduced risk of pancreatic islet autoimmunity, which is linked to the development of the disease.

Certain dietary factors have been associated with the onset of type 1 diabetes as well as the autoimmune process that leads to the disease.

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