Gastrointestinal Tract News and Research

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Combination of different treatments can have a positive effect for IBS sufferers

The more abnormalities in intestinal and brain function that IBS sufferers have, the more severe their symptoms of this functional bowel disorder, and the more adversely their everyday life is affected.

15 May 2019

Same-day scheduling of upper and lower GI endoscopies yields higher-value care

If your car needs work on its front and rear axles, it's obviously more convenient, efficient and cost effective to have both repairs done at the same time.

14 May 2019

Appendix removal linked to increased risk of Parkinson's disease

People who have had their appendix removed may be at an increased risk for developing Parkinson’s disease, according to new research.

10 May 2019

Researchers create ‘mini-guts’ to explore how gut epithelium respond to gluten in celiac patients

In pursuit of a novel tool for the research and treatment of celiac disease, scientists at the Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital have validated the use of intestinal organoids.

8 May 2019

CU Anschutz researchers identify new immunodeficiency disease

A new immunodeficiency disease caused by a novel genetic mutation has been identified by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus providing unique insights into cell biology.

6 May 2019

Pathogenic bacteria find safe harbor deep in the gastric glands to maintain colonization

Scientists have long tried to understand how pathogenic bacteria like Helicobacter pylori, a risk factor for stomach ulcers and cancer, survive in the harsh environment of the stomach.

3 May 2019

Key proteins can block Listeria without triggering the death of host cells

New North Carolina State University research shows that key proteins known for their ability to prevent viral infections by inducing cell death can also block certain bacterial infections without triggering the death of the host cells.

19 Apr 2019

One-third of people with cancer use complementary and alternative medicines

A stunning one-third of people with a cancer diagnosis use complementary and alternative medicines such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and supplements.

12 Apr 2019

Increased neutrophil lifespan may contribute to intestinal inflammation in HIV-infected individuals

The increased survival of white blood cells called neutrophils is associated with alterations in the intestinal microbiome of HIV-infected individuals, according to a study published April 11 in the open-access journal PLOS Pathogens by Nichole Klatt of the University of Miami, and colleagues.

11 Apr 2019

Gut microbiota can help predict occurrence of colorectal cancer

Gut microbiota - the population of microbes that live in our intestine - can be used to predict the occurrence of colorectal cancer, the second most common type of cancer in women and the third in men.

1 Apr 2019

Study reveals new way to increase population of intestinal stem cells

Cells that line the intestinal tract are replaced every few days, a high rate of turnover that relies on a healthy population of intestinal stem cells. MIT and University of Tokyo biologists have now found that aging takes a toll on intestinal stem cells and may contribute to increased susceptibility to disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

29 Mar 2019

Anti-TB drugs can increase susceptibility to Mtb reinfection

Current treatments for tuberculosis are very effective in controlling TB infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. They don't, however, always prevent reinfection. Why this happens is one of the long-standing questions in TB research.

22 Mar 2019

Shorter treatment for Chagas disease found to be effective and safer than standard treatment

A two-week treatment course for adult patients with chronic Chagas disease showed, when compared to placebo, similar efficacy and significantly fewer side effects than the standard treatment duration of eight weeks, according to the results of a clinical trial in Bolivia led by the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative.

14 Mar 2019

Research shows how common fungus gets the flexibility to live in different host environments

The fungus Candida albicans is found in the gastrointestinal tract of about half of healthy adults with little if any effect, yet it also causes an oft-fatal blood infection among patients with compromised immune systems, including those with HIV/AIDS.

1 Mar 2019

Scientists demonstrate influence of food odors on proteostasis

The smell of food induces a variety of physiological processes in our body. Thus, the production of saliva and digestive enzymes is stimulated before the actual food intake in order to prepare the gastrointestinal tract for the upcoming digestive process.

20 Feb 2019

Empa researchers investigate the safety of graphene for humans

Graphene, a single layer of hexagonally arranged carbon atoms, is regarded as the miracle material of the future: it is flexible, transparent, strong, can assume different electrical properties and has the highest thermal conductivity of all known materials.

8 Feb 2019