New technique allows for identification of potential drugs to fight resistant bacteria
Researchers from the Miami University in Ohio have optimized a new technique that will allow scientists to evaluate how potential inhibitors work on antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This technique, called native state mass spectrometry, provides a quick way for scientists to identify the best candidates for effective clinical drugs, particularly in cases where bacteria can no longer […]
How a common food ingredient can take a wrong turn, leading to arthritis
A University of Colorado Department of Medicine faculty member says she and her colleagues have identified the means in which bacteria in the digestive system can break down tryptophan in the diet into an inflammatory chemical that primes the immune system towards arthritis. The research was co-authored by Kristine Kuhn, MD, PhD, Scoville Endowed Chair […]
Opinion | ‘This Is an Extremely Rare Phenomenon’: What We Heard This Week
“It is important to note that this is an extremely rare phenomenon.” — Apurv Soni, MD, PhD, of the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School in Worcester, on cases of false-positive rapid COVID tests. “Likely, if we are able to treat one of these illnesses, we will be able to treat them all.” — Avindra […]
Eating too much protein is bad for your arteries, and this amino acid is to blame
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers discovered a molecular mechanism by which excessive dietary protein could increase atherosclerosis risk. The findings were published in Nature Metabolism today. The study, which combined small human trials with experiments in mice and cells in a Petri dish, showed that consuming over 22% of dietary calories from protein […]
Opinion | ‘If We Have a Thermonuclear War, All I Need Is a Scalpel’: What We Heard This Week
“If we have a thermonuclear war, all I need is a scalpel.” — Stavropoula Tjoumakaris, MD, of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, during an FDA advisory committee on critical medical devices during public health emergencies. “Microbes can turn sugar into alcohol in the same way that grape juice turns into wine.” — Aaron Schwartz, MD, […]
Vitamin D supplements do not prevent bone fractures in children
A major clinical trial led by Queen Mary University of London and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has found that vitamin D supplements do not increase bone strength or prevent bone fractures in children with vitamin D deficiency. The findings challenge widely held perceptions relating to the effects of vitamin D on […]
Ground-breaking discovery could pave the way for new therapies to prevent cardiovascular disease and stroke
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered the mechanism by which cholesterol in our diet is absorbed into our cells. This discovery, which has just been published in the journal Science opens up new opportunities for therapeutic intervention to control cholesterol uptake that could complement other therapies and potentially save lives. The research, conducted […]
High insulin levels directly linked to pancreatic cancer
A new study from researchers at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine reveals a direct link between high insulin levels, common among patients with obesity and Type 2 diabetes, and pancreatic cancer. The study, published in Cell Metabolism, provides the first detailed explanation of why people with obesity and Type 2 diabetes are […]
Selenium reduces mixtures of environmental pollutants’ harmful effects on health
A study in mice conducted by the University of Cordoba proves that exposure to contaminating mixtures of metals and drug residue increases damage to health, and evaluates the positive effects of a diet enriched in selenium to reduce this harm People are exposed daily, through the environment and their diets, to external substances that can […]
Researchers uncover mechanism for treating dangerous liver condition
A study spearheaded by Oregon State University has shown why certain polyunsaturated fatty acids work to combat a dangerous liver condition, opening a new avenue of drug research for a disease that currently has no FDA-approved medications. Scientists led by Oregon State’s Natalia Shulzhenko, Andrey Morgun and Donald Jump used a technique known as multi-omic […]