Toxins News and Research

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Genetically modified houseplant can efficiently detoxify indoor air

Our homes are supposed to be safe havens from the outside world. However, studies have shown that household air is more polluted than either office or school air, exposing children and home workers to higher levels of carcinogens than the general population.

19 Dec 2018

Study reveals urban and rural differences in prenatal exposure to essential and toxic elements

New findings from a team of Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine researchers reveal urban and rural differences in prenatal exposure to essential and toxic elements.

13 Dec 2018

Occupational exposure to pesticides increases risk for cardiovascular disease among Latinos

Latinos who are exposed to pesticides in their workplaces are twice as likely to have cardiovascular disease compared with Latinos who are not exposed to pesticides at work, according to a new study published in the journal Heart.

13 Dec 2018

Microbiological analysis of bacteria that cause food poisoning could save lives

Researchers have made an important discovery that could help save patients with bacterial infections, particularly those suffering from food poisoning.

12 Dec 2018

ToxicDocs: The largest database on industrial poisons

Johnson & Johnson, the world's largest health care products maker, is in the midst of more than 10,000 lawsuits claiming that its iconic baby powder is linked to cancer.

12 Dec 2018

Study provides new information regarding microRNA function in cellular homeostasis of zebrafish

Cellular pathways represent the intricate metabolic connections between the plethora of signaling pathways, and energetic-sensors in organs.

11 Dec 2018

Researchers shed new light on how to combat Shiga and ricin toxins

Min Dong, PhD, and his lab are world experts in toxins and how to combat them. They've figured out how Clostridium difficile's most potent toxin gets into cells and zeroed in on the first new botulinum toxin identified since 1969.

11 Dec 2018

Combining toxic herbicide with sugar-binding proteins may trigger Parkinsonism

Combining low doses of a toxic herbicide with sugar-binding proteins called lectins may trigger Parkinsonism -- symptoms typical of Parkinson's disease like body tremors and slowing of body motions -- after the toxin travels from the stomach to the brain.

4 Dec 2018

Early gut bacterial colonization may reduce risk of developing eczema

Strains of a bacterium commonly found in skin infections may help to protect against eczema, according to new research in the British Journal of Dermatology.

4 Dec 2018

Genetic relic of the 'Black Death' may provide clues for treating fatal liver scarring

A gene mutation that is believed to have safeguarded some people in 14th century Europe from the bubonic plague today may be protecting HIV patients co-infected with hepatitis C from potentially fatal liver scarring, says a University of Cincinnati College of Medicine physician-scientist.

3 Dec 2018

Chronic kidney disease rates are increasing faster than other noninfectious diseases

Advances in treating cancer, heart disease and other major health conditions in recent decades have extended life spans for millions of people.

30 Nov 2018

New ointment for treating brown recluse spider bites is tested on humans

The bite from a brown recluse spider (Loxosceles) can cause skin necrosis, renal failure, and even death. A new ointment is being tested in Brazil, however. Its effects have already been proven in tests conducted in cell cultures and animal models.

29 Nov 2018

New study solves longstanding mystery in innate immunity

UT Southwestern biochemist and Breakthrough Prize winner Dr. Zhijian "James" Chen's newest study answers a long-standing question in the field of innate immunity.

29 Nov 2018

Microglia show distinct responses under inflammatory conditions

The NorLux Neuro-Oncology Laboratory at LIH's Department of Oncology conducts research on brain diseases, with a special emphasis on glioma biology, drug resistance and systems approaches.

26 Nov 2018

UVA researchers make unexpected discovery about irreplaceable nerve cells

Meticulous new research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine has changed a well-accepted scientific belief about neurons, the vital nerve cells that allow us to experience the world and record those experiences as memories in our brains.

22 Nov 2018

Researchers elucidate infection process of bacterial pathogen Clostridium difficile

Scientists from the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research identified the mechanisms by which the bacterial pathogen Clostridium difficile kills intestinal epithelial cells, thus destroying the protective mucosal barrier of the intestinal tract.

21 Nov 2018

Myriad biological, societal factors that impact CKD severity for children of African descent

Myriad biological and societal factors can impact the occurrence and accelerate progression of chronic kidney disease for children of African descent - including preterm birth, exposure to toxins during gestation and lower socioeconomic status - and can complicate these children's access to effective treatments, according to an invited commentary published in the November 2018 edition of American Journal of Kidney Diseases.