Scientists have found that using waste cooking oil as a starting material can produce high-quality bioplastics, including Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), three times more efficiently than glucose. This reduces production costs and enables the use of PHA in medical implants and drug delivery.
Researchers found that enzyme-modified coconut oil strongly inhibited the growth of Streptococcus bacteria, a major cause of tooth decay. The study suggests that incorporating this natural compound into dental hygiene products could be a promising approach to combating microbial infection.
Research using mice reveals heavy alcohol use rewires brain circuitry, making it harder for alcoholics to recover psychologically following a traumatic experience. The study found that chronic exposure to alcohol impairs the ability to control emotional responses, putting people at greater risk for PTSD.
A new study presented at the European Respiratory Society's Annual Congress found that marathon running can trigger pulmonary oedema in some individuals. Women were at higher risk of developing pulmonary oedema than men, regardless of their marathon finishing time.
Scientists have restored the sense of smell in mice through gene therapy, providing a hopeful sign for those born without or losing their sense of smell due to disease. The breakthrough may also aid research into other cilia-related diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease and retinitis pigmentosa.
Researchers restored olfactory function in mice with congenital anosmia by introducing a healthy copy of the IFT88 gene, leading to improved feeding behavior and weight gain. The study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for treating people born with anosmia.
Researchers identified a unique cell type that bridges bone marrow stem cells and the entire human immune system, offering insights into healthy immune function and potential therapies for diseases. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding cancer development and treatment.
Molecular biologists at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered that DEAD-box proteins, ancient enzymes found in all forms of life, function as recycling 'nanopistons' to unwind RNA. This mechanism has implications for treating cancer and viruses in humans.
A new study found that e-cigarette use caused a significant increase in airway resistance, lasting for 10 minutes, regardless of health status. The research suggests that e-cigarettes may be more harmful than marketed, highlighting the need for further investigation.
A new study reveals a significant prevalence of respiratory problems among people aged 85 years and over, with 20% of men and 21% of women having asthma or COPD. The study highlights the growing need for healthcare professionals to understand the challenges faced by this rapidly aging population.
Researchers developed a realistic computer simulation to predict drug effects and identify why some treatments fail. The model factors in precise doses, prescription adherence, and viral replication to help develop better combination therapies.
A new study has identified several factors associated with an increased risk of bullying in children with asthma, including reduced participation in sports and feelings of sadness. Doctors must now discuss the impact of asthma on a child's life, including working with families and schools to remove risk factors.
Researchers found a significant link between sleep apnoea and overactive bladder syndrome in women, with symptoms of urgency, frequency, and nocturia prevalent among those diagnosed with sleep apnoea. The study suggests that continuous positive airway pressure therapy may help alleviate bladder control issues.
Researchers uncover nearly 358 genetic variants associated with disease predisposition, including rare regulatory variants that were previously undetectable. This study sheds new light on the complex role of gene regulation in human diseases.
Researchers analyzed data from a national screening trial to understand characteristics of undetectable lung cancers. They found that these cancers were more common among males and those with a history of smoking, and were often small cell lung cancers at an advanced stage.
Researchers have developed a new technique to measure muscle loss in critically ill patients using ultrasound. This breakthrough may help identify those at high risk of muscle-wasting and inform targeted interventions.
A new mathematical model developed by Harvard scientists helps predict the likelihood of drug resistance in HIV patients, enabling the design of more effective treatment cocktails. The model uses data from clinical trials to simulate patient responses to varying drug dosages, providing a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians.