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What makes quitting smoking so difficult? Did u ever knew 

Published

7 years ago

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New York: Researchers have confirmed that a previously dismissed genetic mechanism is behind nicotine dependence as well as the withdrawal effects that makes quitting smoking so difficult.
 
According to the study conducted by researchers from University of Michigan, it was found that a specific genes and microRNA (a class of small RNA molecules that help fine-tune gene expression) plays an essential role in determining how nicotine dependence and withdrawal responses are developed.
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Researchers examined the withdrawal responses in millimeter-long roundworms Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), which get hooked on nicotine just like humans.
 
They discovered a series of genes in the roundworms which were involved in a process that ultimately increased the production of the nicotine receptor proteins, with microRNAs playing a pivotal role — clues that may also carry over to the mammalian realm.
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“We’re seeing a clear link between nicotine, microRNA, the receptor proteins, and nicotine-dependent behaviour,” Jianke Gong, lead author and researcher at the varsity, said.
 
However, the same mechanism was dismissed earlier on as insignificant to nicotine dependence.
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The results have been published in the journal Cell Reports. The latest discovery in C. elegans will now lead other scientists to re-examine the role of these microRNAs in nicotine dependence in mammals, and ultimately lead to a better understanding of what causes the dependence.
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Corona

Covid toll in Karnataka is a worrying sign for state government

Published

3 years ago

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May 4, 2022

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Even though Karnataka recorded the lowest number of Covid deaths in April since the virus struck first in 2020, the state is recording a rise in the positivity rate (1.50 per cent). Five people died from the Covid infections in April as per the statistics released by the state health department. In March, the positivity rate stood around 0.53 per cent. In the first week of April it came down to 0.38 per cent, second week registered 0.56 per cent, third week it rose to 0.79 per cent and by end of April the Covid positivity rate touched 1.19 per cent.

on an average 500 persons used to succumb everyday in the peak of Covid infection, as per the data. Health experts said that the mutated Coronavirus is losing its fierce characteristics as vaccination, better treatment facilities and awareness among the people have contributed to the lesser number of Covid deaths.

During the 4th and 6th of April two deaths were reported in Bengaluru, one in Gadag district on April 8, two deaths were reported from Belagavi and Vijayapura on April 30. The first Covid case was reported in the state in March 2020 and three Covid deaths were recorded in the month. In the following month 21 people became victims to the deadly virus, and May 2020 recorded 22 deaths. The death toll recorded everyday after May crossed three digits. However, the third wave, which started in January 2

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