Medical Research

Electrophoresis is a technique that separates biomolecules according to properties such as size, shape or charge. Life scientists use electrophoresis both to analyze samples and to purify...

Stem cells are a special type of cell that remain undifferentiated, meaning they have not developed into a specific type of cell. Embryonic stem cells are stem cells that have been removed from...

Pheromones are chemical substances produced by humans, animals and insects designed to stimulate others of the same species to induce a certain behavior.

Iodine is a chemical element that is commonly used as an antiseptic. In the body, iodine is required in trace amounts to create thyroid hormones which are important for metabolism.

As science and technology has continued to advance, many people have set their sights on the potential for life after death. In a quest for immortality or at least the potential for being returned...

A seizure is a type of neurological disturbance caused by abnormal electrical impulses in the brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly 1 percent of Americans will experience at least one...

Medical science is able to accomplish a great deal in terms of relieving pain, fixing medical conditions, and improving overall health. Surgery still often is necessary, however, since technology...

Influenza is a virus identified by examining the structure of the cell. Scientists group these proteins into types A, B and C, and then into subtypes for type A influenza.

The medical field is constantly evolving with the inception of new ideas, techniques and technologies. However, the area of surgery, unlike other parts of the medical world, often moves at its own...

Exposure to the sun is a necessary component to living a healthy life. The sun provides vitamins and nutrients needed to promote healthy bones and teeth while balancing the hormones that affect...

The heart is an amazing organic machine that regulates the life-giving blood that flows throughout our bodies. It is made up of four chambers: the left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium and the...

A compound light microscope (CLM) is an advanced piece of lab equipment that utilizes light to create magnified images of specimens that are then projected onto an imaging mechanism. The term...

By definition, acids are proton donors (positively charged ions) and bases are proton acceptors. The strength of acids and bases are labeled using a pH scale that ranges from 0 to 14. The...

Plaquenil is a medication prescribed to prevent and treat certain forms of malaria. A brand name for hydroxychloroquine sulfate, Plaquenil also is prescribed for relieving symptoms of rheumatoid...

Angiogenesis is the growth of new capillary blood vessels in the body. It is a necessary process essential to healing and reproduction. Angiogenesis is controlled by a precise balance of...

Typhoid fever is a serious condition caused by the salmonella bacteria. Most of the time, typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics and patients recover, but the condition can be dangerous to...

Rabies is a viral disease that affects most warm-blooded animals. It is a highly fatal virus that is usually spread by the bite of another infected animal. The virus attacks the central nervous...

Drugs, both prescription and over the counter (OTC), are substances used to manage disease from the early stages of diagnosis through treatment and extending to sickness prevention. Not all drugs,...

According to the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association, blood plasma contains proteins that are useful for treating burn and shock patients, as well as those with chronic diseases and rare...

Cymbalta is a prescription medication that is used to treat major depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and fibromyalgia. There have been some side effects associated with the use of Cymbalta.

Gel electrophoresis is a method of separating, identifying and characterizing mixtures of proteins or nucleic acids. Denatured samples migrate after application of electricity in a thin, wet gel...

Trimethylglycine, also commonly referred to as Betaine, is a prescription drug used to treat individuals with high levels of the amino acid homocysteine. As is the case with most prescription...

Novo-Medrone, often shortened to Medrone, is a drug that is used to to increase female fertility and regulate menstrual cycles. Use of this product can result in the experiencing of a variety of...

The "common cold" is the most common disease that infects humans. It is not really one single illness, but is caused by a variety of different viruses that all infect the upper respiratory system.

An article in "Science Daily" explained that scientists are gaining a better understanding of why painkillers cause an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in some patients. The researchers...

In many areas of government, acronyms are commonly used to shorten documents and prevent repetition. Knowing the most common radiation safety acronyms makes reading government regulations much...

GHB stands for gamma hydroxy butyrate. GHB is used and abused nationally by those in search of sedation. GHB is commonly exploited as a date rape drug because of its euphoric effects and clear...

Following Darwin's theory of evolution, scientists considered the appendix a leftover vestigial organ, meaning an organ previously more fully developed in the human species that currently serves...

Africanum, also known as Pygeum Africanum, is an herbal supplement that is used to treat individuals suffering from an enlarged prostate. Use of this supplement may lead to an array of side...

Nosocomial infections are acquired after hospital admission by patients showing no prior signs of infection. Such infections affect patients in hospitals, long-term acute care facilities, nursing...

Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is a female hormone drug treatment used to regulate the menstrual cycle or to increase fertility. As is the case with most prescription drugs, hydroxyprogesterone...

Vioxx is the brand name for a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug manufactured by Merck. The generic name is rofecoxib, and it is also marketed as Ceoxx and Ceeoxx. Vioxx gained FDA approval in...

NO2, also referred to as Nitric Oxide, is a drug that is used as a vasodialator. As such, the use of this product can lead to a variety of mild to severe side effects depending on use, dosage and...

Stem cell research is the study of how to use stem cells---which are undifferentiated, "flexible" cells---to treat human illness and injury. Stem cells have an enormous capacity to renew...

N-Acetyl L Cysteine, known as NAC for short, is a prescription drug that is used to loosen mucus in individuals with conditions such as emphysema or bronchitis. As is the case with prescription...

The debate over the security of electronically storing medical records continues. The question remains as to whether or not the benefits of keeping the public's health records on a national...

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee that is required by the federal government to be in place at any health care or research facility that does clinical research on human subjects...

Lornoxicam, also known as Xafon, is a drug that is used to treat individuals with mild to severe pain and joint inflammation. As is the case with prescription drugs, use of lornoxicam may result...

In 1981, researchers derived embryonic stem cells from early mouse embryos. By 1998, the study of mouse stem cells had led to the discovery of how to derive embryonic stem cells from human...

The brain is divided into four sections called lobes. The frontal lobe is one of the four sections of the brain. The other sections include the parietal lobe, occipital lobe and temporal lobe....

Phosphatidylcholine, also known as Lecithin, is an herbal drug that is used to treat individuals with high levels of cholesterol. The use of phosphatidylcholine can lead to a variety of side...

Sympathomimetics are drugs that are used to treat those who experience tightening of the bronchial tubes. Use of sympathomimetic drugs can result in a variety of side effects ranging in severity...

Piriton, a medication composed of the active ingredient Chlorphenamine maleate, is a drug that is used to treat the symptoms of allergies including persistent runny nose and nasal congestion. Use...

Progesterone pessaries are prescription hormone treatments used to stimulate fertility and engender pregnancy. Using this medication may cause side effects based on the patient, the duration of...

Human cloning presents a number of physical dangers addressed by organizations and institutes studying the process. In addition to possible implications on the cloned individual, donors may also...

Excedrin is a type of pain relieving medication that can be purchased without a doctor's prescription. Though the vast majority of people will experience no problems as long as Excedrin is taken...

It is generally never a good idea to mix pain killers. If your prescribed medications are not sufficient, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor.

While many people worry about lowering their cholesterol, cholesterol serves several important functions in the body. As a result, the liver not only helps glean cholesterol out of the food...

Nebicard, also known as Nebivolol, is a drug that is used to treat individuals who have high blood pressure. It is often sold under the brand-name Bystolic and affects the circulation of the...

Stem cell research is a developing field that studies specialized cells in the body. These cells have the potential to act as internal repair systems in the treatment of sicknesses and diseases....