Georgia State University

Not only did gamers perform better on a decision-making task, but their brains responded differently compared to non-gamers

Science

Video games can enhance decision-making skills, brain imaging study finds

A great deal of attention is often given to the negative effects of video games. But for several years researchers have discovered games also have the capacity to generate a number of cognitive benefits, including improvements to decision-making skills.

Hamsters genetically engineered to lack a key hormone receptor showed unexpected social behaviors

Biology

CRISPR-edited hamsters exhibit unexpected social behavior changes

The biology behind social behavior may be more complex than we thought. Researchers have used CRISPR to block a certain neurochemical signaling pathway in hamsters, and found that the animals’ social behaviors changed in unexpected ways.

Mouse experiments revealed an influenza nasal vaccine induced strong immune responses in the nose and lungs

Infectious Diseases

Nanoparticle-enhanced nasal flu vaccine delivers promising early data

Researchers have produced a novel nanoparticle-enhanced intranasal influenza vaccine. The results of a preclinical study demonstrate the unique nasal spray inducing robust local and systemic immune responses for over six months in animal models.

New research looked at how a common food additive used as an emulsifier influences the gut microbiome

Wellness & Healthy Living

Human trial finds common food additive alters gut microbiome

A first-of-its-kind study investigating the effects of a food additive on human gut bacteria has found the emulsifier carboxymethylcellulose can alter the quality and composition of the microbiome and potentially increase risk of chronic inflammation.

Cancer

Breakthrough MRI imaging method promises early-stage cancer detection

Researchers are reporting the development of a new imaging method to detect metastatic cancer in the liver. The MRI method could be applied to a number of other cancers, offering an entirely novel way to detect metastatic disease at its early stages.

A universal flu vaccine is a step closer thanks to a new dual-layer nanoparticle drug

Infectious Diseases

Dual-layer nanoparticle vaccine lays foundation for universal flu shot

The flu virus mutates quickly and unpredictably, making it hard to develop effective vaccines. Now, researchers have created a drug that protects mice against six different strains of the flu, potentially paving the way for a universal flu vaccine.

Scientists have discovered how a molecule produced by the body during fasting puts the brakes on aging of vascular cells at just the right time

Body & Mind

Molecule produced during fasting has anti-aging effect on vascular system

Diets like intermittent fasting are proving wildly popular for their rapid weight-loss effects, but scientists are also starting to uncover how they might benefit the body in other ways. A molecule produced during fasting has now been found to apply the brakes to aging of the vascular system.

Researchers at Georgia State University have developed a promising universal flu vaccine

Infectious Diseases

Universal flu vaccine targets backbone of the virus

It’s hard to fight a virus that’s always mutating, but new research out of Georgia State University is closing in on a universal vaccine. The study uses nanoparticles containing proteins that are common to all influenza A viruses.

Ginger-derived nanoparticles have exhibited impressive therapeutic effects in mice

Body & Mind

Ginger-derived nanoparticles attack the roots of inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers have taken fresh ginger and converted it into a nanoparticle that exhibits real potential to treat inflammatory bowel disease, and might even help fight cancer, too.