Articles tagged with Disease Susceptibility
A study by Cornell University finds that pollution from water, air and soil is responsible for 40% of global deaths, with malnutrition and disease susceptibility affecting 3.7 billion people worldwide. The researchers warn that the growing world population, combined with environmental degradation, are major causes behind human diseases.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that variants of the TCF7L2 gene increase susceptibility to type 2 diabetes by affecting insulin secretion in pancreatic islet cells. The findings provide a mechanism for genetic predisposition and suggest potential therapeutic targets for new treatments.
A new study found that pregnant mothers taking folic acid or genistein supplements can protect their offspring from the negative effects of BPA, a common chemical used in plastics. The study showed that even low levels of BPA exposure can cause epigenetic changes in offspring, leading to increased disease susceptibility.
The study of 15 mouse strains' genetic makeup reveals potential causes of environmental diseases. Researchers can now compare genetic variations to determine individual susceptibility to toxins in humans.
A recent study suggests that people with high cholesterol levels may be more susceptible to severe cases of tick-borne disease. The study found that bacteria levels were 10 times greater in mice with high cholesterol, indicating a potential link between cholesterol and disease severity.
A new model predicts the danger of flu pandemics by analyzing population heterogeneity. The study highlights the importance of considering individual attributes such as social interaction and susceptibility to infection. Social distancing measures may be effective in limiting the spread of disease, according to the research.
A policy paper proposes new ethical principles for obtaining informed consent in large-scale genomic studies conducted in low-income countries. The authors emphasize the importance of protecting participants' rights and dignity, while also advancing global health research.
Researchers discover telomere shortening as a predictor of coronary heart disease in pre-diabetics and Type 2 diabetics. Early indication of telomeres starting to shorten may indicate the onset of diabetes and ultimately predict CAD.
Researchers warn that an immuno-contraception vaccine, which aims to control wildlife populations, is not fully effective and may manipulate natural reproduction in unpredictable ways. The vaccine also raises concerns about the potential for individuals who survive the vaccine to carry infectious diseases affecting other animals.
A study of over 2,300 individuals from 1,000 families found that family members with MS tend to have similar ages at disease onset, but not disease severity. The researchers also discovered no correlation between disease progression and severity among siblings or parents and children.
Research from Griffith University's Genomics Research Centre reveals that migraine significantly affects the lives of Australian men, causing poorer physical functioning and energy levels. Men with migraine often struggle to plan their lives due to unpredictable symptoms and apprehension, leading to reduced quality of life.
Researchers have sequenced the DNA of 15 commonly used mouse strains, discovering over 8.3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms. This data will help understand complex genetic traits and their relation to human diseases, such as Parkinson's, cancer, and asthma.
Acquired susceptibility plays a crucial role in disease development, with environmental and genetic factors contributing to its acquisition. The study highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between these factors to develop effective prevention strategies.
Researchers identified a network of proteins that interact with each other when mutated, leading to degeneration of nerve cells and ataxias. The study provides a mechanistic basis for understanding disease, allowing for potential treatments to be designed to interrupt cellular missteps.
Researchers discovered a key gene associated with psoriasis, which is the first genetic determinant identified in a large-scale study. The discovery could lead to new treatments for psoriasis without the risks of current therapies.
A detailed study of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) region reveals a region of stability that may have provided protection against infection and disease. The study found over 300 amino acid changing variants, strong candidates for functional studies to understand the role of variation in MHC-associated disease.
A new study identifies genetic susceptibility as a significant risk factor for pulmonary fibrosis. The condition, which can be triggered by smoking and other factors, causes inflammation and scarring in the lungs. Researchers also explored a more accurate blood test to detect latent tuberculosis infection.
Research at Georgia Tech suggests that native plant eaters prefer exotic meals over native plants, contradicting the enemy release hypothesis. This finding supports the 'new associations' hypothesis, which states that newly introduced plants may lack defenses against native consumers due to their evolutionary history.
The research provides a comprehensive whole genome map of genetic variability in Parkinson's disease, highlighting 12 potential 'susceptibility' genes. The findings may lead to new insights into the causes of Parkinson's disease and inform future research efforts.
Research finds that genetic deletion of the Nrf2 gene makes mice more susceptible to emphysema when exposed to cigarette smoke. This suggests a protective role for Nrf2 against oxidative stress and lung damage.
Researchers found that larger islands with more native parasites have weaker bird immune responses, making them ill-prepared for invasive infections. This study sheds light on how island populations respond to exotic disease introduction through human activities.
A recent study has identified 14 resistant vegetable varieties that can help pumpkin growers wait out the deadly P. capsici pathogen. Rotating these crops may provide a temporary solution until the pathogen is safe to plant pumpkins again, which could mitigate yield losses of up to 100 percent.
Researchers have confirmed three previously suggested loci and identified two new ones for potential AMD genes on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 9, 22. The study used high-resolution genome scans to narrow the search for AMD-related genes.
A symposium at AAAS explores environmental microorganisms as human pathogens, highlighting devastating diseases and antibiotic resistance. Global climate change and biowarfare threaten disease prevalence and prevention.
The NIAID initiative addresses primary immune deficiency diseases by focusing research priorities and uniting established researchers with new investigators. A cell line repository and Web-based patient registry will also be created to advance understanding of these lesser-known diseases.
A Leishmania mutant parasite has been developed to study persistent infections without triggering disease. The research may provide a breakthrough in understanding how the parasite interacts with the immune system, potentially leading to the development of a vaccine.
A WSU ecologist's research shows that induction of plant resistance to pathogens can also make plants more susceptible to certain insects. Salicylate, a natural plant chemical, plays a key role in this phenomenon.
A Dutch study found that high-producing dairy cows were not more prone to mastitis than lower-producing counterparts, challenging a common assumption. Researchers infected cows with E. coli and monitored disease progression over three weeks, revealing no significant difference between the two groups.
Researchers have developed a new tool to study mankind's diseases by using bacteria as 'copy machines' for DNA taken from other organisms. The tool, called Red/ET recombination, allows scientists to engineer large DNA molecules and insert artificial versions of genes into living systems.
Climate change is disrupting natural ecosystems, making life better for infectious diseases, says a team of experts. Warmer temperatures are causing disease outbreaks in coral reefs, oyster populations, and bird species, as well as increasing the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses like Rift Valley Fever.
Researchers found that mice fed a folate-deficient diet developed severe Parkinson-like symptoms, while those with adequate amounts of the vitamin protected their brain cells from damage. Folate deficiency may contribute to increased toxin-induced damage to dopamine-producing neurons.
Researchers have developed a new screening process to detect human parvovirus B19 in blood plasma, ensuring its safety for transfusions. The discovery has already led to improvements in plasma processing and the voluntary recall of contaminated lots.
Scientists have discovered that activation of NF-kappa B prevents expression of a key regulatory protein called MyoD from replenishing muscle tissue. This finding has significant implications for treating cachexia, a syndrome that kills an estimated one third of cancer patients.
An international team is accelerating the investigation of immune-related genes to improve organ transplant matches and develop vaccines for specific diseases. The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) gene complex holds clues to many medical questions.
A recent study published in The American Journal of Human Genetics has found a major genetic component to TB susceptibility, specifically in a group of aboriginal Canadians. Individuals with at least one high-risk copy of the NRAMP1 gene are ten times more likely to develop TB than those without it.
Researchers at the University of Iowa discovered a link between genetic mutations in the TLR4 gene and differences in human response to inhaled endotoxin. The study found that individuals with specific mutations were less responsive to endotoxin, but may be more susceptible to blood-borne infections.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases has awarded nearly $4 million for new projects on autoimmune diseases. These projects enhance the NIAMS' commitment in this area, focusing on nine conditions that affect almost every human organ system.
The consortium aims to collect medical information and genetic material from 400 families nationwide with AS to identify additional genes associated with its pathogenesis. Researchers will conduct genome-wide searches and map genes linked to AS outside of the MHC.
Vanderbilt's Program in Human Genetics will play a key role in identifying genes involved in common diseases, with initial focus on depression and sepsis. The program will utilize cutting-edge technology to analyze DNA samples and develop targeted treatments.
A study analyzing human genes reveals a wide range of sequence changes associated with blood pressure control and potential disease susceptibility. The research identified 50% of the changes that lead to protein structure alterations, suggesting their involvement in human disease.
A new study by Ohio State University proposes five research areas to understand why men and women respond differently to autoimmune diseases. The task force aims to uncover the cellular mechanisms behind hormonal effects and identify genetic factors that may contribute to the diseases.
Hundred-year-old corals are succumbing to diseases they previously survived, highlighting the impact of rising ocean temperatures and worsening pollution on ecosystems. Researchers warn that as oceans become degraded, disease outbreaks and new pathogens may emerge, posing a significant threat to marine life.
Researchers identified five variants of the mu opioid receptor gene associated with altered beta-endorphin activity, which numbs pain and creates feelings of euphoria. These findings suggest that certain genetic variations may confer relative protection against opioid dependency in specific ethnic groups.
Researchers have developed a new test to measure corrosive free-radical activity in individuals, providing insight into antioxidant effectiveness. The test uses an isoprostane marker, IPF2alpha-I, which can be detected in urine, and has been validated through cross-validation with an older assay.
A new study on IL-4 receptors expands scientists' understanding of the role in genetic predisposition to asthma and allergies. Researchers hope to develop innovative treatments by targeting IL-4 receptors in clinical trials.
A new study by the University of Georgia has found a significant increase in disease incidence among Florida's coral reefs, with 211% more coral species affected. The researchers are stymied in understanding the causes of these devastating losses, which threaten the entire reef ecosystem.
Researchers create a novel form of botulinum toxin that survives the gastrointestinal system and can be used as an effective oral vaccine. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for developing vaccines against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough.
Scientists have discovered that saliva can be used as a source of DNA for genetic testing, with the potential to identify individuals at risk of certain diseases. This non-invasive method has significant implications for disease screening and diagnosis, particularly for children who may not be able to give blood.
A study found that 81% of women at risk for breast cancer planned to undergo genetic testing, driven by perceived benefits such as increased breast self-examination and better treatment options. Counseling is crucial to help them make informed decisions and manage potential psychological reactions.
The University of Texas-Houston has established a Specialized Center of Research (SCOR) in scleroderma, a chronic disease with no known effective treatment or prevention. The center will conduct investigations into the genetic and environmental factors that affect susceptibility to the disease.
A nationwide effort to find genes that determine susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis has been launched, with researchers collecting medical information and genetic material from 1,000 families. The project aims to identify genetic regions shared by affected siblings, which may contain genes involved in the disease.
Researchers have discovered crucial proteins called septins in filamentous fungi, which could serve as a target for antifungal agents. The finding may help develop new treatments for fungal diseases, which have dramatically increased in recent years.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory use ORNL mice to study human cancers, identifying genetic causes and potential treatments. By comparing mouse genes to human genes, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of cancer development and improve diagnosis and treatment strategies.