Nano-drugs hitching a ride on bacteria could help treat pancreatic cancer
Many pancreatic tumors are like malignant fortresses, surrounded by a dense matrix of collagen and other tissue that shields them from immune cells and immunotherapies that have been effective in treating other cancers. Employing bacteria to infiltra.....»»
The origin of genetic code: Study finds textbook version needs revision
Despite awe-inspiring diversity, nearly every lifeform—from bacteria to blue whales—shares the same genetic code. How and when this code came about has been the subject of much scientific controversy......»»
Study shows diverse virus populations coexist on single strains of gut bacteria
Viruses that infect and kill bacteria, called phages, hold promise as new treatment types for dangerous infections, including strains that have become resistant to antibiotics. Yet, virologists know little about how phages persist in the populations.....»»
"Mirror bacteria" could pose serious global health risks
A group of researchers has published new findings in Science Policy Forum on potential risks from the development of mirror bacteria—synthetic organisms in which all molecules have reversed chirality (i.e., are "mirrored")......»»
Study reveals complex bacterial dynamics of urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a major widespread health issue that affects millions of patients globally every year. These infections are not only uncomfortable, but also challenging to treat, as they may often reoccur after the first infection.....»»
How soil bacteria contribute to the growing global issue of antibiotic resistance
Soil plays a much bigger role in the spread of antibiotic resistance than one might imagine. Surprisingly, the ground beneath us is packed with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs)—tiny codes that allow bacteria to resist antibiotics. Human activitie.....»»
Atomic force microscopy reveals microtubule defects at submolecular resolution
In a study recently published in the journal Nano Letters, researchers from Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan, used frequency-modulated atomic force microscopy to reveal the submolecular structure of micr.....»»
Weight loss drugs may also treat addiction, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease
Pharmaceutical companies are already cashing in on their other health benefits. One of Dr. Mo Sarhan’s patients was experiencing intense cravings for opioids and alcohol when th.....»»
E. coli dons polymer "Superman cape" for sustainable chemical production
Trillions of bacteria work in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, helping produce everything from beer and facial creams to biodiesel and fertilizer. The pharmaceutical industry, in particular, relies heavily on bacteria for producing substan.....»»
Obesity rates are down. Is that because of weight-loss drugs?
Results from a recent survey have prompted questions. Earlier this fall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported data showing that adult obesity rates—long trend.....»»
Analysis provides new insights into the replication of BK polyomavirus, a major cause of kidney transplant failure
BK polyomavirus, or BKPyV, is a major cause of kidney transplant failure. There are no effective drugs to treat BKPyV. Research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham reveals new aspects of BKPyV replication, offering possible drug targets to pro.....»»
Detecting problems during protein synthesis with a firefly luciferase-based reporter
A newly developed luciferase-based reporter can detect problems in protein translocation and disulfide bond formation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), as reported by researchers at Science Tokyo. Inspired by natural mechanisms found in bacteria, th.....»»
Asus’ latest monitor is a treat for both esports and AAA games
Asus has just unveiled a bunch of new monitors, including a dual-mode gaming display and a 6K ProArt screen......»»
Experiments show coating rice seedling with nanoscale carbon dots from durian helps rice plants thrive in salty soil
Extreme weather and pollution have increased the salt content in some soil, making growing conditions harsh for salt-sensitive crops like rice. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Nano detail a possible solution that doesn't require genetic modificatio.....»»
Scientists explore role of intestinal bacteria in cancer prevention
Certain intestinal bacteria are found more frequently in countries such as Norway than in a number of other countries and there is also a higher incidence of bladder cancer, bowel cancer and prostate cancer. These findings may lead to new opportuniti.....»»
A new method for efficient synthesis of anti-cancer drugs
The Wadsworth–Emmons (HWE) reaction is a fundamental reaction in organic chemistry, widely used to create conjugated carbonyl compounds. Conjugated carbonyl compounds are used in many industries for synthesizing perfumes, plastics, and pharmaceutic.....»»
Prenatal test accidentally picks up cancer in 50% of those with wonky results
The prenatal test results flagged cancers when other screens and tests missed it. In 2013, researchers reported an eye-opening case of a healthy pregnant woman with a puzzling pre.....»»
Biologist explores why humans have sex—and sexes—in a world where life requires neither
University of Maryland biology Professor Eric Haag has spent his career studying animal reproduction, but people's sex lives never factored into his research. That changed in 2014 when a cancer diagnosis prompted Haag to take stock of his career......»»
Scientists streamline creation of nucleoside analogs, a group of life-saving molecules
A team of researchers has found a quicker and more efficient way to create nucleoside analogs, a type of small molecule that can be used in treatments for everything from cancer to viral diseases......»»
ZnO-based nanoplatforms show potential for early cancer screening
In the ongoing battle against cancer, early detection remains a crucial factor in improving survival rates and reducing the economic burden on health care systems......»»
New pathway found for regulating zinc in E. coli
Cornell researchers have discovered a pathway by which E. coli regulates all-important zinc levels, an insight that could advance the understanding of metal regulation in bacteria generally and lead to antibacterial applications such as in medical in.....»»