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Trichomonosis: A conundrum in cats

Trichomonosis is a common infectious cause of large bowel diarrhea in cats, characterized by 'cow pie' consistency and mucus/blood in faeces. The infection is caused by the protozoan Tritrichomonas foetus, which can be transmitted from cat to cat via the faecal-oral route.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateMar 20, 2017

New method for producing leading anti-malarial drug

Researchers at Cardiff University have devised a new way of creating the leading anti-malarial drug artemisinin, which could reduce market fluctuations in the supply chain and help study resistance to the drug. The new method bypasses several key steps in the production process, achieving the desired outcome in just four steps.

SourceCardiff University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 15, 2017

First detection of an artemisinin-resistant malaria parasite contracted in Africa

Scientists have detected an artemisinin-resistant malaria parasite originating from West Africa for the first time in Africa, posing a significant threat to malaria control efforts. The finding confirms that the parasite carries a new mutation in the Kelch13 gene, which is the primary driver of resistance in Southeast Asia.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2017

How best to treat infections and tumors

A new mathematical analysis provides guidance for treating infections and tumors with drug resistance, suggesting that containment may extend effective life and improve patient outcomes in some cases. The study identifies two main factors influencing the choice between containment and aggressive treatment.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 9, 2017

Why malaria mosquitoes like people with malaria

Researchers discovered that malaria parasites produce HMBPP, which stimulates red blood cells to release carbon dioxide and volatile compounds attracting malaria mosquitoes. The parasite uses this system to transfer from one host to another, making it harder to control the spread of malaria.

SourceStockholm University·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017

Naturally occurring mechanism of cancer drug-resistance may itself be a treatment target

A new study reveals that cancer cells can develop resistance to proteasome inhibitors by suppressing the expression of proteasome subunits, leading to a broadly altered cell state with unique vulnerabilities. This finding may expose opportunities for targeted therapies that can be effective against diverse cancers.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 26, 2016

Fast test can monitor drug resistance in hookworms

Researchers have developed a rapid test to monitor drug resistance in hookworms, which can cause disease and stunted growth. The new test uses short nucleotide polymorphisms to detect drug-resistant mutations in as little as 1% of a sample, taking only 60 minutes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 8, 2016

Double whammy for triple negative breast cancer

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have identified a promising new combination therapy for triple negative breast cancer, which inhibits tumor growth and survival while preventing drug resistance. The therapy targets EGFR and PYK2 molecules, leading to a more potent therapeutic effect than inhibiting either molecule alone.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCancer Research·DateDec 5, 2016

Disrupting mitochondrial function could improve treatment of fungal infections

Researchers have identified a potential antifungal mechanism by targeting mitochondrial respiration in pathogenic fungi, which could enable combination therapy with fluconazole and prevent drug resistance. The approach has shown promise in treating severe invasive fungal infections, including those caused by Candida albicans.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateAug 11, 2016

A 2-in-1 punch for taking out cancer

A new study by bioengineers at Brigham and Women's Hospital demonstrates the effectiveness of combination therapies in eliminating cancer cells. By pairing chemotherapy drug docetaxel with a targeted PI3K inhibitor, researchers achieved greater tumor inhibition and eliminated evidence of resistance.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 28, 2016