Common drugs affect our gut microbiome differently, with good and bad impacts on health
Gut bacteria are both positively and negatively influenced by common medicines, new research shows. Medications that lower cholesterol and blood pressure are associated with a healthier composition and function of gut bacteria, while gastric acid inh.....»»
The long-term consequences of sepsis: Years of treatment and care needs
Three in four sepsis survivors experience new-onset memory problems, psychological impairments or physical diagnoses. This also applies to more than half of sepsis survivors under the age of 40 at the time of their discharge from hospital......»»
Are scientists homing in on a cure for Parkinson’s disease?
A peptide known to prevent the protein error that gives rise to Parkinson's disease has been optimized by scientists. The new peptide is a strong candidate for future development into a cure......»»
Late-onset retinal degeneration mechanism and potential Rx
A study has discovered how late-onset retinal degeneration can develop and a surprising potential therapeutic -- metformin......»»
A diet rich in plant-based products reduces the risk of cognitive impairment in the elderly
A diet rich in plant products reduces the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in the elderly......»»
Chronic exposure to air pollution may increase risks for ICU admission or death among COVID-19 patients, study finds
A new study suggests that persistent exposure to air pollutants in residential communities can impact health outcomes for COVID-19 patients......»»
Catch me if you can: How mRNA therapeutics are delivered into cells
In recent years, ribonucleic acid (RNA) has emerged as a powerful tool for the development of novel therapies. RNA is used to copy genetic information contained in our hereditary material, the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and then serves as a templat.....»»
DNA transcription speeds, a function of collective modes driven by DNA supercoiling
A team of physicists working at the intersection of theory and experiment are shedding new light on the 'teamwork' of molecular motors -- called RNA polymerases (RNAPs) -- that mediate DNA transcription. The researchers' work revealed for the first t.....»»
Fine-tuning motivation in the brain
Neuroscientists have discovered a set of brain cells that influence the motivation of mice to perform tasks for rewards. Increasing the cells' activity makes a mouse work harder or more vigorously. The neurons come with a feature that prevents the mo.....»»
Researchers identify brain signals associated with OCD symptoms, paving way for adaptive treatment
The discovery of electrical signals in the brain associated with OCD could enable an emerging type of adaptive deep brain stimulation therapy as an improved treatment......»»
Experimental mRNA HIV vaccine safe, shows promise in animals
An experimental HIV vaccine based on mRNA -- the same platform technology used in two highly effective COVID-19 vaccines -- shows promise in mice and non-human primates, according to scientists. Their results show that the novel vaccine was safe and.....»»
Talk between immune cells could lead to new cancer vaccine
In the past decade, immunotherapy has helped save the lives of many cancer patients, many with lung cancer, who might have otherwise faced almost certain death sentences. However, only about 20% of patients who received immune therapies -- designed t.....»»
Measuring cancer cell state can reveal drug susceptibility
Pancreatic cancer cells can exist in, and transition between, three different cell states, according to new research. These states respond differently to a variety of cancer drugs, and altering the tumor microenvironment can drive tumor cells from on.....»»
Better deep brain stimulation therapy for OCD
Researchers captured more than 1,000 hours of brain recordings from patients with OCD in the clinic and at home. These data are a key first step towards designing improved deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders......»»
Atomic structure of antifungal drug confirms unusual mechanism, opens door to less-toxic derivatives
Advanced molecular imaging technology has now mapped the structure of a drug widely used to treat fungal infections but whose workings have mystified researchers and physicians for nearly 70 years. Researchers now described in atomistic detail the st.....»»
Algorithm shows that under the right conditions, mosquitoes can even flourish in winter
With an impressive capability of drinking up to three times their body weight in a single blood meal, mosquitoes are formidable parasites. But to reach adulthood, mosquitoes need to be raised in environments where the temperatures are conducive to th.....»»
Early developmental gene can cause deadly aneurysms
Mutations of a gene that regulates formation of blood vessels in the brain of vertebrates can lead to potentially deadly aneurysms in adults. Saccular brain aneurysms affect nearly 3% of the human population. If they rupture, it can cause subarachnoi.....»»
How bone-bordering cells may help shape a skull
In a study of mice, scientists showed how the activity of one gene, turned on in a newly discovered group of bone-bordering cells, may play an important role in shaping the skull. The skulls of mice that were missing the gene were misshapen and were.....»»
New study gives a better understanding of how housekeeping takes place in cells
Normal household waste is collected and disposed of by waste collectors, and a similar process occurs in cells to remove damaged and potentially harmful proteins. A new research study provides a better understanding of how this is done......»»
MRI, hybrid imaging outperform conventional tests for small cell lung cancer staging
MRI -- with or without FDG PET coregistration --c an improve the staging of patients with small cell lung cancer......»»