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No short-term benefit found for PCT-guided antibiotic treatment in children

A groundbreaking UK study in The Lancet has examined whether an additional blood test called procalcitonin (PCT) could safely shorten the time children spend on intravenous (IV) antibiotics in hospitals.

15 Jan 2025

Researchers develop computer models to improve antibiotic targeting and minimize resistance

With antibiotic resistance a growing problem, University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have developed cutting-edge computer models that could give the disease-fighting drugs a laser-like precision to target only specific bacteria in specific parts of the body.

15 Jan 2025

Gut microbes revealed as hidden drivers of aging and cellular decline

Gut microbiota-derived phenylacetylglutamine accelerates aging by driving cellular senescence through mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage, offering insights into therapeutic interventions for age-related decline.

14 Jan 2025

Scientists uncover genetic secrets of Staphylococcus aureus survival in humans

The most detailed study to date on the mechanisms by which a common type of bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, adapts to living on the human body could help improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of certain infections.

13 Jan 2025

Women experience higher waiting-list mortality in lung transplantation

Research highlights gender-based disparities in lung transplantation, showing women face longer wait times yet achieve better post-transplant survival outcomes.

13 Jan 2025

Scientists discover why cancer cells die differently after radiotherapy

Scientists at Children's Medical Research Institute have solved a big mystery in cancer research – why cells die in different ways following radiotherapy.

13 Jan 2025

Gut bacterium associated with reduced dietary sugar intake

This study links Ffar4, gut microbiota, and sugar preference, highlighting potential strategies for managing diabetes and obesity through dietary interventions.

13 Jan 2025

Short-chain fatty acids propionate and butyrate directly modify chromatin to regulate gene expression

Short-chain fatty acids influence gene regulation and chromatin accessibility, highlighting their role in colorectal cancer and normal cellular processes.

13 Jan 2025

Plant chemical discovered to prevent biofilm formation

If your teeth have ever felt fuzzy after skipping a brushing, you've encountered biofilm-a slimy bacterial layer that clings to surfaces. In medical settings, biofilms make infections harder to treat when they form protective shields for bacteria on devices like catheters and implants.

10 Jan 2025

NIH grant supports study of copper's role in killing harmful bacteria

A researcher at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson received a $1.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue his research into uncovering the mysteries of copper – specifically, how it can be harnessed to kill harmful bacteria and other microorganisms.

10 Jan 2025

Eating more fiber supports growth of good bacteria and protects against gut infections

The group of bacteria called Enterobacteriaceae, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella, E.coli and others, is present at low levels as part of a healthy human gut microbiome.

10 Jan 2025

Self-destructing vaccine offers safer TB protection in monkeys

A self-destructing vaccine administered intravenously provides additional safety and protection against tuberculosis (TB) in macaque monkeys, suggests new University of Pittsburgh research published today in Nature Microbiology.

10 Jan 2025

Procalcitonin test fails to shorten antibiotic use in hospitalized children

A groundbreaking UK study led by the University of Liverpool has examined whether an additional blood test called procalcitonin (PCT) could safely shorten the time children spend on intravenous (IV) antibiotics in hospitals.

9 Jan 2025

Simple green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from goji berries

As the search for sustainability permeates all fields, researchers are turning to a unique organic source for creating antibacterial silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) – the humble goji berry.

9 Jan 2025

Ketogenic diet leads in metabolic health improvements for diabetic patients

Study compares the effects of very-low-calorie ketogenic and Mediterranean diets on gut microbiota, metabolic health, and weight management in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and obesity.

7 Jan 2025

Concussions may trigger Alzheimer's symptoms through latent viruses

Concussions and repetitive head trauma in sports like football and boxing, once accepted as an unpleasant consequence of intense athletic competition, are now recognized as serious health threats.

7 Jan 2025

Hidden culprit: Human metapneumovirus identified in severe adult pneumonia case

Severe pneumonia caused by human metapneumovirus in an immunocompetent adult highlights diagnostic challenges and underscores the need for rapid molecular diagnostics to improve outcomes.

6 Jan 2025

Early results of doxy PEP rollout show mixed impact on STIs

As health care services begin offering doxycycline to prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), real-world evidence demonstrates that the postexposure strategy, called doxy PEP, is reducing the rate of syphilis and chlamydia, but has had little to no effect on gonorrhea and needs close monitoring for signals of antibiotic resistance.

6 Jan 2025

Study identifies how zinc deficiency can make drug-resistant bacteria vulnerable

Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a critical vulnerability in drug-resistant bacteria: zinc - or a lack thereof.

6 Jan 2025

DoxyPEP reduces chlamydia and syphilis rates in routine care

A new study has found that rates of chlamydia and syphilis plummet among people prescribed doxycycline for sexually transmitted infection prevention in routine clinical care.

6 Jan 2025