A study has identified two enzymes elevated in prediabetes that could lead to new therapies for vascular complications and help predict who is at risk of developing diabetes. Elevated arginase and indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase trigger a stress response that damages blood vessels and immune cells.
Researchers have discovered a gene called BAF60c that plays a crucial role in converting dietary carbohydrates into fat. The study found that mice with the disabled gene did not produce excess fat despite eating a high-carb diet.
Researchers used hatchery technology to test the impact of DWH oil on mahi mahi embryos, finding that even low levels of PAHs can cause significant physiological damage. The study also revealed that photo-enhanced toxicity can increase sensitivity by up to 20-fold, affecting fish swimming performance and survival.
Four Kansas State University researchers, John Blair, Ruth Welti, Kun Yan Zhu and Ron Trewyn, have been named fellows by the American Association for the Advancement of Science for their distinguished contributions to science. The university celebrates this prestigious recognition as a testament to its commitment to scientific excellence.
A systematic review of 14 studies and 1,600 participants found lasting decrements in neurological and cognitive function, particularly in memory and information processing speed. The study's findings suggest that low-level exposure to organophosphate pesticides may be associated with impaired cognitive function.
Scientists have discovered several toxins in sea anemones that could be used as new generation of insecticides. These toxins disable ion channels, potentially leading to the development of pain and cardiac disorder treatments.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Medicine are developing an educational program to educate residents, policy-makers, and scientists about the long-term social, economic, and health effects of hazardous industrial sites. The program aims to help communities like West and South Ambler recover from asbestos exposure.
A recent study has shown that bisphenol A (BPA) can disrupt thyroid function in pregnant animals and their offspring. The study used sheep as a relevant model for human pregnancy and analyzed the internal exposures of the fetuses and their mothers to BPA.
Researchers found that metal-binding agents applied to the skin, prescribed for autism treatment, are not absorbed and ineffective. The study contradicts claims made by some practitioners treating children with mercury-binding agents.
Research shows socially isolated animals produce less myelin in the prefrontal cortex, a region responsible for emotional and cognitive behavior. The study also found that social isolation disrupts oligodendrocyte cell development, leading to changes in gene transcription.
Kevin Brix, a University of Miami PhD graduate, has been awarded the SETAC/ICA Chris Lee Award for his outstanding research on metal toxicity in aquatic organisms. His work focuses on the mechanisms of metal toxicity to freshwater and marine species, with a particular emphasis on dietary metal exposure and its effects on aquatic life.
Researchers at Sam Houston State University are creating a laboratory test to detect key components of bath salts in biological samples. The new test will target eight common synthetic cathinones found in the substance, which poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies and forensic toxicology labs.
A new study found that compounds in the arcea nut can directly cause DNA damage and increase the risk of oral cancer in betel quid users. The substances, present in amounts sufficient to cause harm, were discovered through research published in Chemical Research in Toxicology.
A new study on rats exposed to fuel similar to that of the Prestige tanker oil spill shows a direct link between respiratory exposure to compounds discharged by the fuel and damage to genetic material. The research suggests that people who carry out industrial cleaning of coasts or are involved in cleanup efforts may be at risk.
A new study reveals that nonprescription medication abuse is a significant issue, with 48% of cases involving pharmaceutical overdoses. The most common medications involved were sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers, leading to 35 deaths in 2011.
A study analyzing ten brands of cigarettes found significant variations in the concentrations of harmful and carcinogenic substances, which are not regulated by law. The researchers developed catalysts to reduce the toxicity levels of tobacco, including a material that reduces carbon monoxide emissions by 23%.
A new study published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry has identified potential methods to minimize acrylamide formation in french fries. Researchers used computer models to link changes in natural potato components with acrylamide formation, providing a rigorous approach to product development.
Scientists at NIEHS discover a way to turn off P-glycoprotein, a major gatekeeper preventing medicinal drugs from reaching the brain, allowing small therapeutic agents to cross the blood-brain barrier. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for central nervous system diseases such as brain and spinal cord injury, brain cancer, ...
Scientists have decoded signals that boost the burning of fat, focusing on the conversion of white fat cells into beige fat cells. Beige fat cells are efficient at converting energy from food into heat and can form from white fat cells.
Researchers have discovered compounds in berry wines that inhibit enzymes responsible for carbohydrate absorption, which could lead to a tasty and effective treatment for diabetes. The drinks contain high levels of anthocyanins, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and may have positive effects on cognitive function.
Microcystins are present in every Canadian lake, posing health risks to humans and wildlife. The study found that water quality is most at risk in lakes with high microcystin concentrations, which are linked to low nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratios.
A new study finds that diacetyl intensifies the damaging effects of abnormal brain protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. Chronic exposure to diacetyl has also been shown to enhance beta-amyloid toxicity on nerve cells, raising concerns over long-term neurological toxicity.
Researchers have discovered a powerful class of antioxidants that can block the development of Parkinson's disease by bolstering the natural antioxidant Nrf2. The synthetic triterpenoids increased Nrf2 activity, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in brain cells, which are characteristic of Parkinson's.
Dr. Piyali Dasgupta received a three-year grant to investigate the anti-cancer activity of capsaicin in small cell lung cancer patients. The study aims to improve chemotherapy treatment outcomes, which often relapse quickly and become unresponsive.
New analysis suggests that lab mice and rats' round-the-clock access to food may lead to abnormally high blood fat levels, high cholesterol, nerve damage, cancer, and other disorders. This could affect the outcome of experiments testing toxicity and cancer-causing effects of new drugs and substances.
In vitro studies assess propolis' optimal concentration as a radioprotector, finding maximum protection against radiation-induced damage within 120-500 micrograms/mL. The substance does not reveal cytotoxicity or genotoxicity on non-irradiated human lymphocytes.
Scientists have developed a new way to test chemical safety using fish spheroids, which behave like normal animal tissue and can be maintained for over a month. This technique could reduce the number of fish needed for toxicology testing, providing a more accurate picture of how chemicals affect animals and ecosystems.
Researchers measured PFC concentrations in five sea turtle species and found high levels approaching toxic effects in other animals. Hawksbills had the second-highest PFOS concentration, while loggerheads and Kemp's ridleys approached levels linked to liver and neurobehavioral toxicity.
Researchers at DESY and SLAC used the world's most powerful X-ray laser to capture images of single soot particles floating through a beam. The study found that the structure of soot determines how it scatters light, which is crucial for understanding climate models.
Exposure to environmental chemicals like PCBs in the womb causes long-term changes to the developing brain, leading to delayed puberty and disrupted reproductive cycles. The study identified five genes critical to normal hypothalamic control of reproduction, providing a potential target for interventions.
Jeff Chen, a University of California, Davis student, has been awarded the Raymond W. Sarber Award for his outstanding research contributions to microbial sciences. Chen's work explores various aspects of microbiology, including yeast genetics and cellular biology.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have mapped the atomic-level architecture of the CLOCK complex, a key component of the body's circadian rhythm. The study provides insights into how this protein works and may lead to better treatments for insomnia, diabetes, and cancer.
Researchers identified novel biomarkers in rat feces after radiation exposure, which persisted for at least 21 days. These findings hold promise for rapid, accurate diagnosis of radiation exposure, enabling timely resource allocation for patients in need of intervention.
Research finds chronic cocaine exposure reduces Rac1 protein expression, driving structural changes and increased sensitivity to cocaine's rewarding effects. This discovery suggests a potential new target for treating cocaine addiction treatment.
Researchers from Brazil and Korea used human immature dental pulp stem cells to create induced pluripotent stem cells, showing promising characteristics for therapeutic applications. The studies suggest that dental stem cells may be a valuable alternative source for regenerative medicine, including tooth regeneration and repair.
Researchers at Vetmeduni Vienna have shown that chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and B-cell acute lymphoid leukaemia (B-ALL) arise from the same long-term haematopoietic stem cells. Understanding this finding is crucial for developing targeted therapies, as current treatments may not effectively target cancer stem cells.
A study found a potential link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer, suggesting that the protein CYP2E1 plays a direct role in explaining the long-established risk factor. Women who naturally express higher levels of CYP2E1 and consume alcohol may be at a greater risk for developing breast cancer.
Researchers at NIH have discovered how arsenic exposure can turn normal stem cells into cancer stem cells, spur tumor growth. This finding suggests that cancer may be a stem-cell-based disease and has implications for understanding carcinogenesis.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found evidence that BPA can alter the structure of the uterus, leading to increased susceptibility to pyometra, a potentially deadly infection. In animal models, exposure to BPA induced immune cell numbers in the uteri, which were five-fold higher than control animals.
Researchers found that female mice exposed to very high doses of phthalates develop significant reproductive alterations and precancerous lesions as they grow up. The study provides new insights into how these chemicals affect developing female reproductive systems, with the potential for long-term health effects.
A recent study by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that silver nanoparticles can suppress cellular growth and multiplication, causing cell death depending on concentration and duration of exposure. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles also caused DNA damage but with weaker effects.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed nanotube-based sensors that can perform lab tests in minutes, speeding diagnosis and treatment while reducing costs. The technology has almost tripled the speed of prototype nano-biosensors and holds potential for applications in medicine, toxicology, and environmental monitoring.
Researchers at NIST have created a method to directly correlate particle size, shape, and agglomeration with redox chemical properties of nanoparticles. This allows for the observation of structural changes in nanoparticles during important chemical reactions.
Researchers found that induced hyperammonaemia significantly increases daytime sleepiness in patients with cirrhosis. Higher blood ammonia levels reduce the ability of cirrhotic patients to produce restorative sleep. This study suggests that reducing daytime sleepiness may result in improved sleep at night.
A UK study provides insight into the relationship between manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and cancer progression. The research found that MnSOD expression was suppressed early in skin carcinogenesis but increased at late stages, highlighting its role as a p53-regulated gene.
The iHeal device detects physiological stressors associated with drug cravings, using sensors to measure physiological changes and body activity. The device delivers user-tailored behavioral interventions via smartphone software, aiming to prevent substance use and reduce health risk.
Researchers develop new forensic identification technique that compares skull with pictures of living subjects to identify corpses, reducing cost and time compared to DNA analysis. The study refines reference points for face morphology analysis, enhancing accuracy and reliability.
A Marshall University researcher has received a $60,000 grant to investigate the connection between obesity and cancer. The study aims to understand why obesity increases human risk for several types of cancers.
A mobile device called iHeal combines sensors to detect physiological changes and software applications to intervene in real-time. The device aims to prevent drug use by identifying trigger points for risky health behaviors.
Monocytes are extremely sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS), while macrophages and dendritic cells derived from monocytes are resistant due to their defective DNA repair mechanisms. This sensitivity may play a role in regulating the immune response and preventing excessive ROS production.
Researchers have successfully identified the underlying mechanism of ischemia-reperfusion injury in isolated lungs, a major complication in lung transplantation. The study highlights two key proteins responsible for increased vascular permeability and inflammation, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.
Scientists found that caffeoylquinic acid derivatives from mate tea induce apoptosis in human colon cancer cells, reducing markers of inflammation. The study suggests mate tea has potential as an anti-cancer agent and may be beneficial for other diseases associated with inflammation.
A recent study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology found that chlorophyll can protect against cancer when exposed to moderate levels of carcinogens, reducing liver and stomach tumors by 29-64% and 24-45%, respectively. However, high doses of chlorophyll increased tumor growth, questioning traditional lab research methods.
Research found parabens in breast tissue of all study participants, regardless of underarm product use, indicating alternative sources. The study detected five common paraben esters in 60% of samples and high levels of n-propylparaben near the armpit.
Research reveals that a poor maternal diet can affect fat storage in later life, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and other age-related diseases. The team identified a molecule called miR-483-3p as the key player in this process, which suppresses a protein called GDF3.
A new UCSF analysis of tobacco industry documents reveals that Philip Morris USA manipulated data on the effects of additives in cigarettes, including menthol. The researchers found that hundreds of additives should be eliminated from cigarettes due to their potential to increase health risks for smokers.
A Penn State research team has discovered a compound produced from fish oil that targets and kills leukemia stem cells, potentially leading to a cure for the disease. The compound, D12-PGJ3, selectively activates a gene in leukemia stem cells that programs their own death.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that the Early Start program reduces maternal and neonatal morbidity and stillbirths, resulting in an average net cost benefit of $5.9 million annually. The program's accessibility to patients and integration with prenatal care significantly contribute to its success.
The SAV001 vaccine, developed by Dr. Chil-Yong Kang's team, has shown strong immune responses in preliminary tests with no adverse effects. It is the only HIV vaccine under development in Canada and one of few globally.
A recent study reanalyzes data from 'Project MIX', finding that tobacco company Philip Morris obscured findings of toxicity by adjusting data. The authors also found significant increases in carcinogenic chemicals when additives were included.