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Naturally occurring protein has a role in chronic pain

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.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJun 12, 2012

Stanford scientists discover drug side effects, interactions using new computer algorithm

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.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 14, 2012

Aiding cancer therapy by mathematically modeling tumor-immune interactions

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.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateJan 25, 2012

A widely used bee antibiotic may harm rather than help

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 2, 2011

The RUBY-1 trial

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.

New sensors streamline detection of estrogenic compounds

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateAug 25, 2011

Study shows pharmacies' software systems miss potentially dangerous interactions

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.

SourceUniversity of Arizona, College of Pharmacy·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateMay 17, 2011

'Spicing' up your love life possible, study finds

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.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalFood Research International·DateMar 28, 2011

New instrument for analyzing viruses

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.

Atomic model of tropomyosin bound to actin

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 15, 2011

Study classifies and uses artificial proteins to analyze protein-protein interfaces

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2010

The gene-environment enigma

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 3, 2010