/oss/taxonomy/term/1846/all en /oss/article/health/gaba-supplements-glorious-gimmicky-or-just-garbage <hr /> <p class="note"><strong>Take-home message:</strong><br /> - gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major neurotransmitter that regulates much of our brain function. It was previously thought that ingested GABA could not cross the blood-brain barrier, but new research suggests that it may be able to.<br /> - Drugs that mimic the action of GABA are numerous, work in a variety of ways, and can have effects ranging from treating epilepsy to causing it.<br /></p> Thu, 11 Oct 2018 19:06:09 +0000 Ada McVean B.Sc. 7389 at /oss /oss/article/did-you-know/instances-itching <p>The sensation of itching used to be thought of as a sort of low-grade pain response, which was detected by the same nerves responsible for finding bodily injuries. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3670709/">Recent research</a>, however, has identified special neurons that detect itching and release a signalling molecule called natriuretic polypeptide B (PPB). When this peptide was suppressed in mice, they showed no signs of itching whatsoever.</p> Wed, 10 May 2017 18:49:02 +0000 Ada McVean B.Sc. 2431 at /oss /oss/article/controversial-science-health-news-quackery-quirky-science-you-asked/you-asked-can-asea-improve-health-advertised <p>When I first came across a “wonder” product called ASEA on the web, I thought someone had come up with a clever parody.  The Internet of course is full of of ads for supplements, drinks and gimmicks of every conceivable variety that promise to keep us out of the clutches of the grim reaper.  There are extracts of exotic berries and herbs.  There are miraculous minerals and mushrooms.  There are oxygenated and magnetized waters.  And then there is ASEA.</p> Wed, 03 Sep 2014 06:52:34 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2190 at /oss