A study published in Neurology found that a gene variation linked to longevity also protects brain function in individuals over 90. Researchers analyzed 158 centenarians and found they had twice the likelihood of good brain function compared to those without the variant.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified several genes whose expression is lost in lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancer. These findings could form the basis for a new early detection screen for certain cancers.
A new study proposes that HIV regulates latency by introducing a resistor into its main transcriptional activator, Tat. The model suggests that this simple switch acts as a 'feedback resistor' to prevent stray transcription and maintain dormancy.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that ocean temperature affects the distance marine larvae travel before maturing. This discovery has significant implications for managing commercially important or invasive species.
Researchers used structural biology techniques to probe the molecular mechanisms of the major drug efflux pump in E. coli, AcrB. The study confirms that AcrB is split into three subunits with differently shaped substrate transport channels.
Wound botulism is a potentially fatal illness caused by Clostridium botulinum spores contaminating wounds. A case study published in PLoS Medicine reports a man's full recovery after prompt diagnosis and treatment with ventilator support and botulinum antitoxin.
A study published in PLoS Medicine identified four clinical features that can predict the likelihood of death in severely malnourished children. These signs include slow heart rate, weak pulse volume, depressed level of consciousness, and delayed capillary refilling time. The researchers proposed using these indicators to identify high...
UT Southwestern researchers found that a molecular 'on/off switch' controls human immune defenses against viruses, including hepatitis C. The study reveals how the proteins RIG-I and LGP2 regulate immunity and highlights potential targets for novel therapeutics.
A novel compound, tazopsine, isolated from a Madagascan plant has shown activity against the liver stages of human and mouse malaria. Its semisynthetic derivative, NCP-tazopsine, completely protected mice from malaria parasites, suggesting a promising new candidate for anti-malarial prophylaxis.
Despite rapid brain growth, human brain genes have slowed down evolution since the split from chimpanzees. Complexity and gene-gene interactions place constraints on brain genes, hindering change. Genes in humans evolve more slowly than in other primates or mice.
A systematic review found that over half of health-care workers in low- and middle-income countries have latent TB. The disease rates among HCWs were substantially higher than those in the general population. Research is needed to determine if control measures that reduced transmission in high-income countries will work elsewhere.
A world health insurance scheme could address shared responsibility and progressive realization issues, providing a framework for rich states to assist poor states. The proposed model is based on the Global Fund's success in securing long-term funding for health interventions.
A study published in PLoS Medicine finds that male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection, resulting in cost savings for healthcare systems. The analysis suggests that circumcision could be a cost-effective strategy for preventing HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan countries.
The campaign, which used humorous cartoon strips to encourage syphilis testing, was associated with an increase in syphilis tests and improved knowledge about the disease. Researchers found that awareness of the campaign led to greater knowledge about syphilis and increased recent testing for the disease.
Neural stem cells can be engineered to deliver anti-cancer drugs to metastatic cancer cells, potentially treating disseminated cancer. Researchers successfully eradicated metastases in a mouse model of neuroblastoma using this approach.
Researchers discovered that propranolol decreases erythrocyte G protein activity and inhibits blood-stage malarial parasite growth in red blood cells. The study suggests using propranolol in combination with existing antimalarials to reduce treatment doses, providing a novel antimalarial target and potential treatment strategy.
A gene variant linked to exceptional longevity also helps maintain clear thinking and memory in centenarians, according to a new study published in Neurology. Researchers found that individuals with the CETP VV gene were twice as likely to have good brain function compared to those without it.
A study published in Neurology found that methamphetamine use is associated with an increased risk of major neck artery tears and stroke. The research reviewed two cases of women who experienced sudden speech difficulty and weakness after using the drug, resulting in severe strokes from carotid artery dissection.