Toxin News and Research

RSS

Scorpion’s toxins can reduce heart bypass failures: Research

A toxin found in the venom of the Central American bark scorpion (Centruroides margaritatus) could hold the key to reducing heart bypass failures, according to research from the University of Leeds.

22 Oct 2010

Researchers explore impact of various factors on increasing rates of Clostridium difficile infection

In five different studies presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's (ACG) 75th Annual Scientific meeting in San Antonio, researchers explored the impact of various factors on increasing rates of Clostridium difficile infection (C. difficile), such as the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and the substantial increase in antibiotic use due to new National Hospital Quality Measures; strategies to combat high rates of C. difficile infections; and cutting‐edge treatments for this potentially deadly-and quite common-infection.

19 Oct 2010

Botox receives FDA approval for treatment of chronic migraine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Botox injection (onabotulinumtoxinA) to prevent headaches in adult patients with chronic migraine. Chronic migraine is defined as having a history of migraine and experiencing a headache on most days of the month.

18 Oct 2010

ApoE4 protein causes GABAergic interneuron loss, learning and memory deficits

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an extremely complicated disease. Several proteins seem to be involved in its cause and progression. For example, the lipid-transport protein apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) is the major genetic risk factor for AD, and apoE4 carriers account for 65% of all Alzheimer's cases, but exactly how apoE4 contributes to the disease is unclear.

14 Oct 2010

Plant compound luteolin reduces age-associated inflammation in brain leading to better cognitive health

A diet rich in the plant compound luteolin reduces age-related inflammation in the brain and related memory deficits by directly inhibiting the release of inflammatory molecules in the brain, researchers report.

14 Oct 2010

Fish located near coal-fired power plants can pose public health problems

A new study from North Carolina State University finds that fish located near coal-fired power plants have lower levels of mercury than fish that live much further away. The surprising finding appears to be linked to high levels of another chemical, selenium, found near such facilities, which unfortunately poses problems of its own.

8 Oct 2010

NIAID awards $6.25M to Profectus to optimize portfolio of genetic adjuvants

Profectus BioSciences, Inc., a technology based vaccine company devoted to the treatment and prevention of chronic viral diseases, today announced that it has received $6.25M in National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) grants and contracts.

8 Oct 2010

Xeomin botulinum toxin for cervical dystonia now available in the U.S.

Merz Pharmaceuticals today announced that Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA), a new botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of adults with cervical dystonia (CD)or blepharospasm, is now commercially available in the U.S. XEOMIN was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 30, 2010.

6 Oct 2010

Study on resistance of harmful bacteria to antibiotics

A study by two Florida State University biochemists makes an important contribution to science's understanding of a serious problem causing concern worldwide: the growing resistance of some harmful bacteria to the drugs that were intended to kill them.

6 Oct 2010

USPTO approves Microdroplet botulinum toxin treatment

The patent application for Microdroplet botulinum toxin, a treatment that improves facial features without detracting from facial expressiveness, has been allowed to inventor Dr. Kenneth D. Steinsapir, M.D. on September 2, 2010.

5 Oct 2010

New method for detecting spores of non-proteolytic Clostridium botulinum

The Institute of Food Research has collaborated in the development of a new method for detecting spores of non-proteolytic Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium is the major health hazard associated with refrigerated convenience foods, and these developments give the food industry and regulators more quantitative information on which to base the procedures that ensure food safety.

1 Oct 2010

Health Canada approves Meridian Bioscience's illumigene C. difficile molecular amplification assay

Meridian Bioscience, Inc., today announced that it has received an approved medical device license from Health Canada for its new molecular amplification assay, illumigene C. difficile. Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that can cause diarrhea and, in severe cases, a life-threatening inflammation of the colon.

1 Oct 2010

Yoga, Tai Chi effective in treating fibromyalgia

This syndrome is often accompanied by fatigue, bowel disturbances, and urinary difficulty. Fibromyalgia can affect your daily activity, your sleep, and even your thinking when you're worn out and experiencing "brain fog." That's a term used by Henri Roca, MD, Medical Director at Greenwich Hospital's Center for Integrative Medicine in Cos Cob, Connecticut.

24 Sep 2010

Researchers load biological molecules onto 'nanosprings'

Researchers at Oregon State University have reported the successful loading of biological molecules onto "nanosprings" - a type of nanostructure that has gained significant interest in recent years for its ability to maximize surface area in microreactors.

17 Sep 2010

New anti-pathogenic drugs render MRSA harmless without killing bacteria

Menachem Shoham, PhD, associate professor and researcher in the department of biochemistry at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, has identified new anti-pathogenic drugs that, without killing the bacteria, render Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) harmless by preventing the production of toxins that cause disease.

17 Sep 2010

ViroPharma presents Phase 1 study data of VP20621 at ICAAC 2010

ViroPharma Incorporated today announced the presentation of data from its Phase 1 study of VP20621 (non-toxigenic Clostridium difficile), a novel treatment approach for preventing recurrent Clostridium difficile infections, a common and dangerous gastrointestinal infection typically occurring in older adults after use of antibiotic medications.

16 Sep 2010

Progenics Pharmaceuticals presents findings of humanized monoclonal antibodies against C. difficile bacterium

Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today presented preclinical findings for its humanized monoclonal antibodies against the disease-causing toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium difficile.

14 Sep 2010

Earthy or musty odors along with cyanobacteria may indicate presence of harmful cyanotoxins in lakes

Earthy or musty odors, along with visual evidence of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, may serve as a warning that harmful cyanotoxins are present in lakes or reservoirs. In a newly published USGS study of cyanobacterial blooms in Midwest lakes, taste-and-odor compounds were found almost every time cyanotoxins were found, indicating odor may serve as a warning that harmful toxins are present.

14 Sep 2010

Tikcro reports $3.2 million net loss for second-quarter 2010

Tikcro Technologies Ltd. today reported results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2010.

7 Sep 2010

Research on bacterial cells may offer new hope for MRSA infection treatment

Selfish bacterial cells that act in their own interests and do not cooperate with their infection-causing colleagues can actually reduce the severity of infection.

7 Sep 2010