Genetic Disorders and Birth Defects

The history of research on adult stem cells began about forty years ago. In the 1960s, researchers discovered that bone marrow contains at least two kinds of stem cells. One group, called hematopoietic stem cells, forms all the types of blood cells in... Full Answer

Protein is an essential nutrient. We can't live without it. Your body depends on protein for many important roles. Proteins are constantly broken down in your body. In most instances, the proteins are retained and reused, but a continual supply of... Full Answer

To illustrate just how powerful the thrifty gene can be in helping to survive a famine, lets look to some studies done in the early 1950s in a strain of chronically obese mice. When these mice were allowed an unlimited food supply, they would balloon and... Full Answer

In 1962, anthropologist James V. Neel suggested that tribal hunters/gatherers like the Pima Indians had body processes well adapted to feast-or-famine cycles. This genetic adaptation was termed the "thrifty genotype" to signify the ability to withstand... Full Answer

Many people wonder if they need more protein when they increase the amount of exercise they do. Most Americans get more than enough protein for even the most vigorous exercise. Endurance athletes may need more protein, but their higher caloric intake... Full Answer

A typical protein may contain 500 or more amino acids, joined together by peptide bonds. Each protein has its own specific number and sequence of amino acids. Some smaller proteins exist as a straight chain of amino acids, but most proteins exist in a... Full Answer

Many claims have been made with respect to the therapeutic actions of carnosine, including antihypertensive, immunity-enhancing, wound-healing, and anticancer effects. These claims are based primarily on preliminary Russian research. Unfortunately, the... Full Answer

Serotonin was first discovered about fifty years ago. Since then, an enormous amount of research has been done to unlock the secrets of this multitalented molecule. In the past few decades, findings in the laboratory have led to the development of many... Full Answer

There is reliable evidence that tryptophan (also called L-tryptophan) could be beneficial for your health under certain circumstances. For instance, it may help to decrease premenstrual mood swings, tension and irritability, and it may help if... Full Answer

As an important regulator of cellular charge, taurine plays a critical role in maintaining cell membrane stability. It regulates heartbeat, helps prevent brain cell over activity, and is essential in the visual process. Taurine supplementation of one to... Full Answer