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Redefining 5hmC: More than just a stepping stone in the DNA demethylation pathway

An important DNA modification is methylation, or the addition of a methyl group to the 5th carbon of cytosine. This forms 5-methylcytosine (5mC), typically associated with repression of gene expression.

From biomodal 30 Aug 2024

Portable tool rapidly detects microplastics in everyday items

Micro- and nanoplastics are in our food, water and the air we breathe. They are showing up in our bodies, from testicles to brain matter.

28 Aug 2024

Unique strain of probiotic bacteria shows potential in combating inflammatory diseases

23 Aug 2024

Probiotic offers protection against intestinal damage

There is a critical unmet need to help tighten and maintain a healthy intestinal barrier and treat a leaky gut. Researchers have now found that a unique strain of probiotic bacteria, Bifidobacterium bifidum BB1, enhances intestinal barrier function and protects against penetration of bacteria and various harmful agents in the intestine. The findings, detailed in an article in The American Journal of Pathology, published by Elsevier, can help advance the development of novel, targeted, naturally occurring probiotic therapy for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other inflammatory diseases, such as fatty liver disease or alcoholic liver disease, that are associated with a leaky or disordered intestinal barrier.

23 Aug 2024

Research shows predation drives evolution of virulence in bacteria

Opportunistic pathogens are typically benign microbes that can sometimes cause infections in individuals with weakened immune systems or when they gain access to sterile areas of the body.

22 Aug 2024

MCG researchers investigate spaceflight-induced vision changes in astronauts

Physicians at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University are working with Polaris Dawn, the first of the Polaris Program's three human spaceflight missions, to better understand the eye changes many astronauts experience during spaceflight that can leave them with a wide range of symptoms once they return to Earth - from a new need for glasses to significant loss of vision.

22 Aug 2024

New risk prediction scale reveals elevated heart failure risk among American Indians

The incidence rate of heart failure was 2- to 3-fold higher among American Indian populations than rates observed in studies focused on other population groups, such as African American, Hispanic or white adults, in a new study published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.

21 Aug 2024

Marine snail venom may inspire new diabetes and hormone disorder treatments

Scientists are finding clues for how to treat diabetes and hormone disorders in an unexpected place: a toxin from one of the most venomous animals on the planet.

20 Aug 2024

Global and Local Efforts to Take Action Against Hepatitis

In this interview, we explore global and local efforts to combat viral hepatitis with Lindsey Hiebert, Deputy Director of the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination (CGHE), and James Amugsi, a Mandela Washington Fellow and Physician Assistant at Sandema Hospital in Ghana. Together, they provide valuable insights into the challenges, successes, and the importance of partnerships in the fight against hepatitis.

20 Aug 2024

Understanding the benefits and risks of dialysis in older patients with kidney failure

Whether dialysis is the best option for kidney failure and, if so, when to start, may deserve more careful consideration, according to a new study.

19 Aug 2024

Expanding the TTN mutation spectrum for dilated cardiomyopathy diagnosis

Announcing a new article publication for Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications journal. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a severe heart disease, is the leading cause of heart failure and sudden cardiac death worldwide.

19 Aug 2024

Researchers develop four new regimens to treat people with multidrug-resistant TB meningitis

In a preliminary study with a small number of humans, rabbits and mice, researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center say they have developed four new regimens that have the potential to treat and save the lives of people with multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculous (TB) meningitis.

16 Aug 2024

X-ray irradiation emerges as a new tool to combat aflatoxin-contaminated corn

Corn, a staple food crop consumed by billions of people and animals worldwide, is frequently contaminated by the fungal toxin aflatoxin B1, a highly potent carcinogen produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus.

16 Aug 2024

Impact of physical activity on gut microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome

The impact of different types and intensities of physical exercise on the gut microbiota and symptom alleviation in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

14 Aug 2024

Can a text message program help teens quit vaping?

Study demonstrates that a text message-based program significantly boosts quitting rates among teenage vapers, achieving a 35% higher cessation rate compared to controls.

11 Aug 2024

Houston Methodist pioneers new technique for targeted drug delivery to the brain

Houston Methodist researchers have discovered a more accurate and timely way to deliver life-saving drug therapies to the brain, laying the groundwork for more effective treatment of brain tumors and other neurological diseases.

8 Aug 2024

Zebrafish model reveals how BCG vaccine triggers immune response in bladder cancer

Using zebrafish "Avatars", an animal model developed by the Cancer Development and Innate Immune Evasion lab at the Champalimaud Foundation (CF), led by Rita Fior, Mayra Martínez-López – a former PhD student at the lab now working at the Universidad de las Américas in Quito, Ecuador – and colleagues studied the initial steps of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine's action on bladder cancer cells.

8 Aug 2024

Study links e-cigarette use to increased respiratory symptoms

The association between electronic cigarette (EC) use and respiratory health in adults.

2 Aug 2024

Advanced technology and AI used to diagnose rare diseases and birth abnormalities

Researchers at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and Lawson Health Research Institute are using advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to diagnose rare diseases and prenatal exposure-related birth abnormalities in two studies published today in American Journal of Human Genetics and Genetics in Medicine.

31 Jul 2024

Wearable, non-invasive device can measure activity in human cervical nerves in clinical settings

A research team led by UC San Diego has, for the first time, shown that a wearable, non-invasive device can measure activity in human cervical nerves in clinical settings.

29 Jul 2024