A new silicone model makes it possible for researchers to intuitively understand protein structures, positions, and interactions. The model allows users to test ideas about molecular interactions and simulate docking maneuvers, which can lead to innovation in drug design.
Research by the University of Washington found that megachurches provide a powerful emotional experience through sensory pageantry and charismatic leadership. The study, which analyzed 2008 data from 12 nationally representative American megachurches, found that feelings of joy and spiritual growth are common among members.
A new study found that alcohol can make certain medications up to three times more available to the body, effectively tripling their original dose. This is due to ethanol's ability to alter enzyme interactions with a wide range of medications, including those that don't dissolve well in the gastrointestinal tract.
A new analysis by UCSF/SFGH researchers suggests the recommended dose adjustment of efavirenz may not be necessary, especially in non-Caucasian populations. The study found no significant difference in efavirenz levels between patients weighing more than 50 kg and those weighing less than 50 kg.
Physicians feel responsible for assessing and addressing medication adherence but often rely on simple inquiries about adherence, leaving room for improvement. Non-adherence can lead to poor clinical outcomes, increased hospitalizations, and higher mortality rates.
A study by Kansas State University researchers found that prescription drug warning labels often fail to attract attention, impairing the communication of critical safety information. The research highlights the need for an effective labeling standard to improve patient safety and reduce medication errors, particularly among older adults.
A new approach to drug design, called the magic shotgun method, promises to help identify future cancer drugs that are more effective and have fewer side effects. This approach sifting through the known universe of chemicals to find special molecules that broadly disrupt the whole disease process.
A new web-based tool, 'My Child's Asthma,' has been shown to improve parental compliance with asthma treatment guidelines, leading to reduced healthcare costs and fewer hospital visits. The interactive website, used by over 600 parents, tracks medication usage and provides feedback to help optimize care.
Researchers have identified a naturally occurring protein involved in generating chronic pain in rats, which could lead to new therapeutic treatments. The discovery highlights the impact of molecular signalling events on nerve transmission and offers promising avenues for pain relief.
A telephone intervention trial found that patients with glaucoma showed improved medication adherence when receiving automated calls and printed materials. However, interactive voice recognition devices may play a supportive role in improving adherence, while further study is needed.
Researchers found that only 0.1% of potential medicines have been synthesized, leaving billions of possibilities behind. Computer modeling can help identify promising molecules for new pharmaceuticals.
A new study published in Biochemistry found that the swine flu virus H1N1-2009 develops resistance to drugs Relenza and Tamiflu by mutating its NA enzyme, specifically the '150-loop' region. This mutation reduces drug effectiveness by 21 times for Relenza and 12,374 times for Tamiflu.
Researchers develop a more accurate method for predicting interaction energy of large molecules, such as biomolecules used to develop new drugs. The 'dispersionless density functional plus dispersion method' (dlDF+D) generates more accurate predictions than existing approaches.
Mixing herbal supplements with medications can lead to increased risk of bleeding, decreased blood sugar, hormonal effects, and elevated blood pressure. Clinicians must educate their patients about these risks and interactio ns.
Researchers describe a novel mechanism of HIV-1 spread by dendritic cells, using a molecule called GM3 for attachment and spread. This unique contact between HIV-1 and dendritic cells may offer a new direction for anti-viral therapies, as drugs targeting this interaction could have the benefit of acting on the host.
The American Academy of Neurology issues new guidelines for preventing migraine, recommending several treatments including prescription drugs and over-the-counter options. These guidelines aim to address the underrecognition and undertreatment of migraine, with potential benefits in reducing attack frequency and severity.
Researchers used live microscopy to observe how cancer cells react to chemotherapy in different tumor microenvironments. Selective inhibition of certain enzymes and immune signaling molecules made breast tumors more responsive to doxorubicin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent.
A UC Berkeley psychologist has found that even automated text messages can provide emotional support and comfort to depressed patients. The study's results show that patients who received regular text messages felt more connected and cared for, with improved moods and reduced stress.
A study by Regenstrief Institute and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs investigators found that prescribers are sometimes unsure why an alert appears and that alert designs are more pharmacist-oriented than physician- or nurse practitioner-oriented.
Scientists at the University of Toronto have found a molecular mechanism that controls the transition of Candida albicans from yeast to fungus under elevated temperatures. This new pathway highlights the importance of heat in fungal growth and provides a potential target for drug therapies.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a computer algorithm to quickly identify true drug side effects and interactions from millions of patient reports. The method, which includes a list of dozens of prominent drug interactions, has been tested on patients' electronic health records and confirmed accurate.
A study found that over half of prescription medications inhibit 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) metabolism by 50 percent or more. This indicates that certain medications may need to be adjusted if taken with 17-OHPC, potentially affecting its effectiveness.
A new NIH study reveals that resveratrol's health benefits come from inhibiting phosphodiesterases (PDEs), not directly activating sirtuin 1. This finding may pave the way for resveratrol-based medicines and offer alternative treatments for diseases like type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and heart disease.
A new mathematical model assesses the impact of therapies on tumor-immune interactions, optimizing treatment dosage and duration to minimize tumor growth while maximizing immune cell activity. The study aims to improve cancer therapy by identifying personalized treatment protocols tailored to individual patient conditions.
New guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology provide treatment recommendations for people with HIV/AIDS taking seizure drugs. The guidelines aim to prevent drug interactions that could make HIV drugs less effective or lead to a more virulent strain of the disease.
A new guideline issued by the American Academy of Neurology recommends caution when selecting seizure medications for individuals with HIV/AIDS due to the risk of adverse interactions. The guideline aims to minimize the impact of these drug combinations, particularly in developing countries where treatment options are limited.
A longitudinal study found that teens who express their own viewpoints in discussions with their mothers are more likely to resist peer pressure. The study also discovered that arguing well with parents about various topics helps teens stand up to peer influences.
A comprehensive survey of HIV's interactions with human cells has identified hundreds of connections between viral and human proteins. This research may lead to the development of new drugs to treat HIV/AIDS by disrupting these connections.
Scientists have developed a top-down approach to impose chirality on non-chiral molecules, which could lead to custom-designed properties and desired effects in various fields. The researchers created a twist by rotating liquid crystal molecules along different directions, resulting in induced chirality.
Researchers have created a computer model that can study interactions between molecules, such as those between a drug and its target. The software, developed by Georgia Tech Professor David Sherrill's team, allows for faster analysis of larger molecules than any other program in existence.
Researchers discovered that a widely used bee antibiotic increases susceptibility to pesticides, contributing to colony collapse disorder. The study suggests that oxytetracycline interacts with specific proteins in the bees, rendering them more vulnerable to toxic chemicals.
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, a widely prescribed antibiotic, can cause life-threatening reactions and kidney issues due to drug interactions. Physicians should be aware of these risks when prescribing the drug, especially in pregnant women or patients with underlying conditions.
Popular herbal supplements like feverfew, ginger, and St. John's Wort can interact with prescription medicines, posing serious side effects when combined during and after surgery. Discontinuing use at least one to two weeks prior to surgery can help avoid adverse events.
A phase II dose-finding study found that darexaban, a Factor Xa inhibitor, increased bleeding risks by two to four-fold in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The trial explored the safety and optimal dosing regimen of darexaban in secondary prevention of ischaemic vascular events.
Researchers have engineered new sensors that can detect estrogenic compounds in human cells, which is crucial for understanding the potential health risks associated with these substances. The sensors, developed by a team led by Huimin Zhao, were found to reliably detect estrogenic compounds within hours, even at low levels.
Georgia Tech professors Paul Houston and C. David Sherrill were named ACS Fellows in 2011 for their work in chemistry, contributing to global challenges like providing clean water and new energy sources.
Research reveals that over-the-counter herbal products often fail to provide essential safety information, putting users at risk of adverse effects and interactions with other drugs. The study found that nearly all products were unlicensed and marketed as food supplements, highlighting the need for reliable information and regulation.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that lenalidomide interacts with P-glycoprotein, a molecule that pumps toxic chemicals out of cells. This interaction may lead to increased toxicity and require safer dosing of the drug in various diseases. The study involved 21 patients with relapsed multiple myeloma.
Researchers have developed a platform technology for monitoring single-cell interactions in real-time using nanotechnology, allowing for unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. This innovation has broad implications for basic science, drug discovery, and personalized medicine.
The number of elderly cancer patients taking multiple medications is increasing, posing a significant risk of adverse drug reactions and interactions. Research suggests that polypharmacy is becoming more frequent in older adults due to the increasing number of drugs used to prevent or treat medical problems.
Recent studies have identified specific protein targets in the brain that are affected by alcohol, with distinct binding sites that interact with amino acids to alter normal function. Understanding these molecular mechanisms is crucial for developing new medicines to address alcohol abuse.
UBC researchers used an innovative method to uncover the molecular mechanism behind some anti-arrhythmia drugs, which control irregular heartbeats. The study found that variations in electrostatic interactions between the drugs and amino acids in the cardiac sodium channel affect their binding and effects.
Research suggests that wives' inability to fall asleep at night affects their own and their husband's reports of next day's marital interactions. The study found a strong correlation between nightly sleep and daily marital interactions, with wives who took longer to fall asleep reporting poorer marital functioning the next day.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute found a way to disrupt a critical enzyme interaction that prevents cell death, potentially leading to new treatments for heart attack and stroke. The discovery could provide a new therapeutic target against conditions including neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.
A study found that medical students in the US have substantial exposure to pharmaceutical industry marketing, even in preclinical years. The extent of their contact is associated with positive attitudes towards marketing and skepticism of negative implications. The authors recommend better education for medical students on the subject ...
A study conducted at the University of Arizona found that only 28% of pharmacies' clinical decision support software correctly identified clinically significant drug-drug interactions. Pharmacists should be familiar with how their computer system identifies drug interactions to reduce medication errors.
Researchers used Foerster resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging to measure protein interactions on breast cancer cells, revealing a 'signature' representing functional molecular biology. This signature may help predict patient outcome in terms of likelihood of recurrence and response to treatment like lapatinib.
A new study suggests that allowing adolescents to drink with adult supervision may actually increase drinking and harm, rather than teach responsible behavior. Parents should adopt clear 'no-use' policies for young teens, setting strict rules regarding alcohol use.
A new scientific review of natural aphrodisiacs found that panax ginseng, saffron, and yohimbine improved human sexual function. The study also found that muira puama, maca root, and chocolate report increased sexual desire in people. However, their effects on sexual arousal and satisfaction are not supported.
Dr. Bryan Roth has received the PhRMA Foundation Award in Excellence in Pharmacology/Toxicology for his groundbreaking research on drug discovery and development. His work aims to understand how central nervous system drugs affect brain neurons and mitigate side effects, particularly for conditions like schizophrenia and depression.
Alice Chen's inventions aim to improve drug development and disease modeling using humanized mice with tissue-engineered human livers. Her work has the potential to lead to a safer, less expensive, and more efficient path for drug testing.
Scientists have developed an instrument called PING that can analyze thousands of potential interactions between viruses and human cells. This device detects molecular interactions at a sensitivity 100- to 1,000-time greater than current methods, making it a promising tool for finding new treatments for viral infections.
A Michigan State University researcher is conducting a cohort study to analyze seizures in HIV-positive patients and examine the effects of antiepileptic drugs on antiretroviral medicines. The study aims to determine whether dual treatment increases the risk of drug failure, AIDS, or death.
The study provides the first detailed atomic model of tropomyosin bound to actin, significantly advancing our understanding of this key cellular protein. The researchers found that the interaction between tropomyosin and actin is weak enough that it can be readily perturbed by regulatory proteins, acting as a molecular switch.
Michigan State University researchers have developed smart laser technology that can identify molecules in skin cancer without cutting away tissue. This technology, published in Nature Photonics, enables rapid, non-invasive scanning and may help reduce the time required to develop new drugs.
Researchers found that approximately 90% of protein-protein interfaces have close structural neighbors, and most interfaces are roughly planar. The study suggests that the interfaces' structures depend on simple physics principles and are primed for promiscuity, which could help explain biological phenomena and inform drug discovery.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine reveals that genes alone do not predict disease risk, as environment interacts with DNA in complex ways. The research found that genetic variants have different effects in different environments, making it challenging to make accurate predictions.
Researchers used differential epistasis maps to study how genes interact in response to stress by DNA-damaging agents. The genetic network was found to completely reprogram itself, revealing functional relationships that would go undetected using other approaches.
A recent study by Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute reveals that over half of patients taking warfarin are unaware of potential interactions with herbal and dietary supplements. The most commonly used supplements interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding or stroke.
Researchers discover that amyloid beta disrupts an anti-oxidant protein called catalase, causing neural damage. A new coating molecule protects catalase from amyloid's harmful effects, restoring its function and potentially treating Alzheimer's disease.