Toxin News and Research

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Utilizing a molecular syringe for the delivery of functional proteins into human cells with high efficiency

Researchers investigated the feasibility of utilizing a bacterial contractile injection system for programmable protein delivery.

31 Mar 2023

Pneumolysin toxin holds promise for developing therapies against Streptococcus pneumoniae

In a recent study published in the journal PLoS ONE, researchers in Spain performed a systematic review of pneumolysin (PLY) toxin as a molecular target to develop novel therapeutics against Streptococcus pneumoniae.

27 Mar 2023

Evaluating how bacterial therapeutics may synergize with existing anti-cancer therapies

It may come as a surprise, but bacteria love to grow inside tumors. It's the environment - tumors are typically acidic, have low amounts of oxygen, and are filled with dead cells, which all facilitate bacterial growth.

6 Mar 2023

Bacteria exploit nerve cells in the meninges to facilitate brain invasion

A new study led by researchers at Harvard Medical School details the step-by-step cascade that allows bacteria to break through the brain's protective layers - the meninges - and cause brain infection, or meningitis, a highly fatal disease.

1 Mar 2023

NQO2 gene as a novel potential target in Parkinson’s disease

A new study under review at the journal Scientific Reports and currently available on the Research Square* preprint server aimed to analyze the toxic effects of 6OHDA along with a related role of NQO2 in murine and human astrocytes.

23 Feb 2023

What is the tolerability profile and rate of recurrent CDI after administrating microbiome therapeutic SER-109 post-antibiotic treatment?

Researchers investigated the tolerability and safety of a microbiome therapy called SER-109 to treat recurrent infections of Clostridioides difficile in adults.

15 Feb 2023

Intensive blood pressure treatment may lead to positive change in brain structures linked with brain health

Among people who received more intensive treatment for high blood pressure, evaluations of MRI scans indicated a positive change in brain structures involved in its ability to clear toxins and other byproducts, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2023.

2 Feb 2023

Researchers devise a novel potential IBD treatment strategy that eliminates pathogenic T cells and encourages the proliferation of regulatory T cells

Researchers investigated the CAMCI strategy as an immunotherapeutic option for inflammatory bowel disease.

31 Jan 2023

Study shows cutaneous touch neuronal cells to be critical for sexual receptiveness

Researchers studied the social relevance of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) Mrgprb4-lineage touch neurons in sexual touch and receptivity.

25 Jan 2023

Expert panel proposes stringent biosecurity oversight to avert future pandemics

The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) issued draft recommendations to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on January 20, 2023, on the effectiveness of two biosecurity policy frameworks existent in the United States (US).

25 Jan 2023

Study describes a mechanism associated with the production of neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain is a type of chronic pain caused by damage to the nervous system due mainly to metabolic diseases such as diabetes and arthritis, or to the side effects of some kinds of chemotherapy.

10 Jan 2023

Vaccinating against toxin produced by E. coli may protect against malnutrition and stunting

Diarrhea is no longer the killer it was in the mid-20th century, when an estimated 4.5 million children under age 5 died of it every year.

9 Jan 2023

Vitamin D can help the immune system fight tuberculosis, study says

Most people probably associate tuberculosis with a leaky loft in 20th-century Paris. But as a matter of fact, tuberculosis is not ancient history.

6 Jan 2023

KAIST's neuroscientist announces recent advancements toward finding a cure for dystonia

KAIST's neuroscientist and professor, Dr. Daesoo Kim attended the "Conference for Musicians with Dystonia" supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Carnegie Hall concert of legendary pianist João Carlos Martins, who is also a dystonia patient, to announce his team's recent advancements toward finding a cure for dystonia.

1 Jan 2023

Botox treatment may lessen anxiety

Botox, or Botulinum toxin, a medication derived from a bacterial toxin, is commonly injected to ease wrinkles, migraines, muscle spasms, excessive sweating and incontinence.

22 Dec 2022

Exposure to blue-green algae toxin shown to wreak havoc on gut bacteria and cause liver damage

Exposure to a specific type of blue-green algae toxin known as cylindrospermopsin has shown to wreak havoc on gut bacteria and an increased probability of irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, obesity and inflammation of the liver – a precursor to liver cancer – according to a study led by the University of California, Irvine.

20 Dec 2022

Research reveals that a viral toxin may contribute to the severity of COVID-19

Researchers determine whether the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein influences endothelial and epithelial barrier dysfunction and vascular leakage.

14 Dec 2022

Scientists identify molecules in mucus that can block cholera infection

MIT researchers have identified molecules found in mucus that can block cholera infection by interfering with the genes that cause the microbe to switch into a harmful state.

13 Dec 2022

Vaccination against E. coli could help prevent some forms of childhood malnutrition, stunting