Health Research: Proving nanoparticles in sunscreen products ♦ Scientists want to help you avoid addiction ♦ Medications for dementia could cause harmful weight loss

Are animal models still essential to biological research? A new article covers the use of animal models in scientific research. The use of animals in scientific research prompts regular debate and it can be difficult to garner a clear picture of the actual need for animals

Potential new therapy approaches to reverse kidney damage identified Cell plasticity program resulting from kidney damage can be targeted to reverse kidney disease and fibrosis, new research suggests. The study demonstrated the importance of an embryonic cellular process called EMT (epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition) as a potential therapeutic target for reversing kidney disease. Embryos cannot develop without EMT.

Proving nanoparticles in sunscreen products Loads of cosmetics like sunscreen lotions contain titanium dioxide. These nanoparticles are contentious. Experts suspect they may have harmful effects on people and the environment. But it is difficult to prove that the particles are in the lotions. Using a new method, these particles can now be calculated.

If you're using drugs, scientists want to help you avoid addiction Abstinence is the best way to avoid drug addiction. But in many societies, drug use is the norm, not the exception, especially by youth. What keeps the majority of users from becoming addicted? How drugs are taken has something to do with it.

Common medications for dementia could cause harmful weight loss Medications commonly used to treat dementia could result in harmful weight loss, according to researchers, and clinicians need to account for this risk when prescribing these drugs to older adults.