Stevia compound enhances minoxidil for treating hair loss

October 11, 2025 በAI የተዘገበ

Researchers have found that stevioside, a natural sweetener from the Stevia plant, improves the skin absorption of minoxidil, a common treatment for pattern baldness. In mouse tests, a patch combining the two stimulated hair growth by reactivating follicles. This approach could lead to more effective natural therapies for millions affected by androgenetic alopecia.

Cellular switch discovery offers hope for Parkinson's treatment

Scientists have identified a key cellular regulator called PP2A-B55alpha that balances mitochondrial health, potentially leading to new therapies for Parkinson's disease. In preclinical models, reducing its activity improved motor symptoms and mitochondrial function. The findings, published in Science Advances, could extend to other mitochondrial disorders and cancer.

Scientists uncover brain circuit that overrides chronic pain

October 11, 2025 በAI የተዘገበ

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a group of brainstem neurons that can suppress chronic pain signals when survival needs like hunger or fear arise. These Y1 receptor neurons in the lateral parabrachial nucleus act as a neural switchboard, prioritizing urgent biological demands over persistent discomfort. The discovery, published in Nature, offers potential new avenues for pain treatments.

Scientists discover protein that switches off hunger

Researchers have identified how a protein called MRAP2 regulates hunger by transporting the brain receptor MC4R to the cell surface, enhancing appetite-suppressing signals. This finding, from a study involving institutions in Germany, Canada, and the UK, could lead to new obesity treatments. The work was published in Nature Communications.