Molecule found in Oranges could Reduce Obesity and prevent Heart disease and Diabetes

Researchers at Western University are studying a molecule found in sweet oranges and tangerines called nobiletin, which they have shown to drastically reduce obesity and reverse its negative side-effects. But why it works remains a mystery.

Researchers at Western University are studying a molecule found in sweet oranges and tangerines called nobiletin, which they have shown to drastically reduce obesity in mice and reverse its negative side-effects.

But why it works remains a mystery.

New research published in the Journal of Lipid Research demonstrates that mice fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet that were also given nobiletin were noticeably leaner and had reduced levels of insulin resistance and blood fats compared to mice that were fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet al...

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Robot uses Artificial Intelligence and imaging to Draw Blood

This tabletop robotic device can accurately steer needles and catheters into tiny blood vessels with minimal supervision.
This tabletop robotic device can accurately steer needles and catheters into tiny blood vessels with minimal supervision. Photo: Martin Yarmush and Alvin Chen

Engineers create device that can also insert catheters. Rutgers engineers have created a tabletop device that combines a robot, AI and near-infrared and ultrasound imaging to draw blood or insert catheters to deliver fluids and drugs.

Their most recent research results, published in the journal Nature Machine Intelligence, suggest that autonomous systems like the image-guided robotic device could outperform people on some complex medical tasks.

Medical robots could reduce injuries and improve the efficiency and outcomes of procedures, as well as carry out tasks with minimal supervision when resources are limited...

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Organic molecules discovered by Curiosity Rover consistent with Early Life on Mars: study

Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Organic compounds called thiophenes are found on Earth in coal, crude oil and oddly enough, in white truffles, the mushroom beloved by epicureans and wild pigs.

Thiophenes were also recently discovered on Mars, and Washington State University astrobiologist Dirk Schulze-Makuch thinks their presence would be consistent with the presence of early life on Mars.

Schulze-Makuch and Jacob Heinz with the Technische Universität in Berlin explore some of the possible pathways for thiophenes’ origins on the red planet in a new paper published in the journal Astrobiology. Their work suggests that a biological process, most likely involving bacteria rather than a truffle though, may have played a role in the organic compound’s existence in the Martian soil.

“We ...

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New DNA Origami Motor Breaks Speed Record for Nano Machines

Sixteen strands of DNA, stacked four-by-four, form the beam-shaped “chassis” of the DNA motor (in gray). Bits of DNA (in green) protrude from the chassis like little feet. The motor is fueled by RNA laid on a track. The RNA binds with the DNA feet on the bottom face of the chassis. An enzyme targeting bound RNA then destroys these RNA molecules (grey and red). The process repeats, as more RNA pulls the DNA feet, tipping the chassis forward, causing it to roll. (Stephanie Jones, bio-illustrations.com)

Scientists pave way for ‘nano bots’ to one day diagnose and treat disease. Through a technique known as DNA origami, scientists have created the fastest, most persistent DNA nano motor yet...

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