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Flu virus could evolve resistance to pandemic drug

A recent study by Imperial College London suggests that the flu virus can develop resistance to favipiravir, a potential pandemic drug, if it undergoes two specific genetic mutations. This finding highlights the need for close monitoring and surveillance to prevent the emergence of resistant strains.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2018

Fighting mutant influenza

Researchers have identified two compounds with better antiviral properties than oseltamivir, effective against both drug-resistant and sensitive strains of influenza A. These compounds target the AM2 protein with the S31N mutation, a key site of resistance in most influenza A viruses.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters·DateOct 24, 2018

New nanotherapy offers hope in treating drug-resistant renal cell carcinoma

Researchers at Wayne State University have developed a nanoplatform technology that works in combination with existing chemotherapeutic drugs to reverse drug-resistance in renal cell carcinoma. The technology uses tumor hypoxia-directed nanoparticles to target the root cause of the problem and has shown promising results in animal trials.

The math of malaria

A mathematical model for malaria shows that competition between parasite strains within a human host reduces the odds of drug resistance developing in high-transmission settings. The model reveals how once a drug-resistant strain becomes established, it will spread faster in high-transmission areas than in low-transmission areas.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 28, 2018

Cellular pumps protect the gut from toxins

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School discovered that gut stem cells have a unique population of cells with intrinsic toxin resistance, enabling them to withstand drugs and spicy foods. These 'drug efflux pumps' protect the gut from toxic compounds, promoting intestinal regeneration and overall health.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 26, 2018

A new, highly effective and selective molecule is developed to fight malaria

A novel laboratory-synthesized molecule based on natural compounds found in marine gliding bacteria is capable of killing even the strain that resists conventional antimalarials. In tests, it displays low toxicity and high selectivity, acting only on the parasite and not on other cells of the host organism.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateAug 9, 2018

Yeast species used in food industry causes disease in humans

Research finds Candida krusei and Pichia kudriavzevii are genetically identical, both causing significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. The study highlights the need for caution when using drug-resistant yeast strains in biotechnology and food applications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 19, 2018

Motivation to move may start with being mindful

A new study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that a mindfulness-based stress reduction program was as effective as structured exercise programs in increasing physical activity and extending life expectancy. The program involved 2.5 hours of meditation, self-awareness, and breathing exercises per week.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 14, 2018

Probing RNA epigenetics and chromatin structures to predict drug resistance in leukemia

Researchers have discovered a key link between RNA cytosine methylation, methyltransferases, and chromatin structure in regulating 5-azacytidine response in leukemia. The study's findings offer new insights into predicting drug resistance and potential therapeutic targets for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myelo...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2018

Dye kills malaria parasites at speed not seen before

Researchers have discovered a safe antimalarial dye that kills malaria parasites at an unprecedented rate, curing patients within two days. The addition of methylene blue to artemisinin-based combination therapies prevents the spread of malaria, with male parasites disappearing from the bloodstream more quickly than female parasites.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 5, 2018