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Study provides first structural glimpse of circadian clock's molecular machinery

Scientists have long known that circadian clocks- biochemical oscillators that control physiology, metabolism and behavior on a roughly 24-hour cycle- are present in all forms of life, including animals, plants, fungi and some types of bacteria. However, the molecular mechanisms that "run" these systems remain largely unknown.

7 Sep 2017

Differentiating sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome using biomarkers

Firstly, it is necessary to make a distinction between systemic inflammation and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS). SIRS consists of changes in clinical signs including an abnormal body temperature, increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, an abnormal white cell count (either decreased or elevated), or an increase in band neutrophils.

7 Sep 2017

Cortisol mediates communication between gut bacteria and brain metabolites, study suggests

Gut microbes have been in the news a lot lately. Recent studies show they can influence human health, behavior, and certain neurological disorders, such as autism.

21 Aug 2017

Researchers discover way to stop deadly fungus from spreading to the brain

Research led by the University of Birmingham has discovered a way to stop a deadly fungus from 'hijacking' the body's immune system and spreading to the brain.

16 Aug 2017

Multi-drug resistant fungi found in UK hospitals - alarms health officials

Latest reports have confirmed that over 200 patients in England have been infected with a drug-resistant fungus called Candida auris that was first detected in Japan. High alerts have been put in place to look out for further infections and prevent spread.

15 Aug 2017

Duke researchers map evolution of sex chromosomes in fungus linked to human disease

Biologically speaking, nearly every species on Earth has two opposite sexes, male and female. But with some fungi and other microbes, sex can be a lot more complicated.

11 Aug 2017

Protein-rich diet may foster more tolerant, less inflammatory gut environment

Immune cells patrol the gut to ensure that harmful microbes hidden in the food we eat don't sneak into the body. Cells that are capable of triggering inflammation are balanced by cells that promote tolerance, protecting the body without damaging sensitive tissues.

3 Aug 2017

Cocktail of drugs for HIV patients with advanced immunosuppression reduced deaths by 27%, study shows

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on 20th July 2017 suggests that a cocktail of drugs, if provided at the beginning of the HIV therapy, can save over 10,000 lives per year. HIV, which is often diagnosed late, leaves people vulnerable to other diseases by ravaging the immune system.

25 Jul 2017

Stanford engineers develop new vine-like growing robot

Imagine rescuers searching for people in the rubble of a collapsed building. Instead of digging through the debris by hand or having dogs sniff for signs of life, they bring out a small, air-tight cylinder. They place the device at the entrance of the debris and flip a switch.

21 Jul 2017

Wastewater may become key ally in the fight against antibiotic-resistant microorganisms

Municipal wastewater may become a key ally in the fight against antibiotic-resistant disease-causing bacteria and fungi, a new study at Stellenbosch University found.

20 Jul 2017

Researchers unlock better treatment strategy for viral diseases

RMIT University scientists in Melbourne, Australia, have led an international collaboration that potentially unlocks better treatment of viral diseases, including the flu and common cold.

12 Jul 2017

Marine natural compounds hold potential to combat tuberculosis

A team of researchers at the University of Central Florida has discovered a potential new weapon in the fight against tuberculosis, and it lives in the Little Mermaid's realm.

6 Jul 2017

Novel bandage could help monitor chronic wounds at home

A novel bandage alerts the nursing staff as soon as a wound starts healing badly. Sensors incorporated into the base material glow with a different intensity if the wound's pH level changes. This way even chronic wounds could be monitored at home.

5 Jul 2017

Fungal toxins from wallpaper source of illness says new research

According to a new study, there are several toxins from fungi that could be released into the air indoors and the source could be fungi living in the wall papers. These may lead to serious health problems say researchers.

25 Jun 2017

Fungal toxins become easily aerosolized, leading to potential indoor health risk

Toxins produced by three different species of fungus growing indoors on wallpaper may become aerosolized, and easily inhaled.

23 Jun 2017

Scientists develop novel enzyme technology that prevents formation of biofilms

Have you ever heard of biofilms? They are slimy, glue-like membranes that are produced by microbes, like bacteria and fungi, in order to colonize surfaces.

22 Jun 2017

Microscopic fungus exacerbates Crohn's disease symptoms, mice study shows

A microscopic fungus called Candida tropicalis triggered gut inflammation and exacerbated symptoms of Crohn's disease, in a recent study conducted at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

22 Jun 2017

Scientists urge caution on common antimicrobial chemicals Triclosan and Triclocarban

There are two ingredients, triclosan and triclocarban, that are used in several cleaning products such as soaps, toothpastes, detergents, carpets, paints etc. They are mainly used to kill the microbes such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. These chemicals however persist in the environment and continue to pose a risk says a new stud

20 Jun 2017

Penn study points to novel therapeutic strategy for preventing severe tooth decay in toddlers

Though most tooth decay can be blamed on bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, the fungus Candida albicans may be a joint culprit in an alarmingly common form of severe tooth decay affecting toddlers known as early childhood caries.