- Scientists find a small RNA in the liver.
- The RNA affects cholesterol production in the body.
- Higher RNA levels increase a cholesterol protein.
- Higher cholesterol can lead to artery disease.
- In mice, blocking the RNA lowered overall cholesterol.
- Lower cholesterol gave less artery disease in those mice.
- A natural form of the RNA was more effective.
- Human blood showed higher RNA with higher cholesterol.
- The result may help to develop new drugs.
Difficult words
- liver — organ that makes and cleans blood
- cholesterol — fat-like substance in blood and cells
- protein — molecule in the body that does work
- artery disease — illness where blood vessels become narrow
- block — stop or reduce an action or processblocking
- develop — create or make something new, for example drugs
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you know someone with high cholesterol?
- Would you take a new drug to lower cholesterol?
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