Extinguishing fear memories relies on an unusual change to DNA

Tom Patriot

Researchers at The University of Queensland have discovered a DNA modification that enhances our ability to extinguish fear. The findings, published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, could help guide the development of new treatments for fear-related anxiety disorders. Professor Timothy Bredy of UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) said while fear is an important survival mechanism which uses cues in the environment to prompt certain responses, so too is the ability to inhibit fear when it’s no longer needed. “You still want to have that memory of ‘there’s something dangerous there, I…

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Kylie Jenner Says She’s ‘Never’ Had Plastic Surgery, But Has Done Fillers: ‘I’m Not Denying That’

Tom Patriot

Kylie Jenner‘s setting the record straight. Although Jenner has admitted she’s gotten (and removed) temporary lip fillers, the Kylie Cosmetics mogul confirms that despite the rumors, she’s never gotten any plastic surgery done to her face. “People think I fully went under the knife and completely reconstructed my face, which is completely false,” Jenner, 21, tells PAPER Magazine for a digital cover story. She adds, “I’m terrified! I would never. They don’t understand what good hair and makeup and, like, fillers, can really do.” Though the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star wasn’t always comfortable opening up…

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Evening exercise will not ruin sleep and might even reduce appetite

Tom Patriot

Must cook dinner. Need to pick the kids up from school. Have to catch up on my favourite TV series. Live too far from the gym. Any of these sound familiar? With growing time demands, many middle-aged adults are finding time to engage in exercise increasingly difficult. For many, even the thought of fitting exercise in after a busy day at work can be as tiring as it is unappetising. The standing belief that high-intensity exercise should be avoided in the early evening due to its effect on sleep only…

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Salt could be a key factor in allergic immune reactions

Tom Patriot

Salt apparently affects allergic immune reactions. A team working with Prof. Christina Zielinski at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has demonstrated in cell cultures that salt leads to the formation of Th2 cells. These immune cells are active in allergic conditions such as atopic dermatitis. The team also detected elevated salt concentrations in the skin of patients. In industrial countries, nearly one in three people are affected by allergies at some point in their lives. One in ten children suffer from atopic dermatitis. T-cells play an important role in…

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