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Scientists discover an antidote to lethal snake bites that comes straight from the source

Researchers found specific combinations of blood proteins from western diamondback rattlesnakes provided unprecedented neutralizing power against multiple dangerous snake species. Combining several FETUA proteins dramatically increased ability to neutralize venom's damaging effects.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2026

Protective effects of Sclerocarya birrea in vivo

The study found that S. birrea extract reversed behavioral alterations caused by monosodium glutamate, reduced oxidative stress parameters, and counteracted malondialdehyde levels. These results support the potential of S. birrea as a neuroprotective agent for preventing and treating cognitive deficits.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateDec 8, 2025

Neurotoxic? New chemical screening approach provides rapid answers

Researchers develop efficient testing procedure to quickly detect neurotoxic effects in humans, closing the gap with traditional animal experiments. Chlorophene is identified as a substance that disrupts learning and memory processes, exhibiting paradoxical excitation, a previously unknown effect.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2025

Neurodegenerative disease ALS: Cellular repair system could prevent protein aggregation

A team of researchers from Goethe University and Kiel University has discovered a way to prevent the formation of harmful protein aggregates in cultured cells. The study found that linking TDP-43 with SUMO prevents its aggregation, suggesting a potential new approach for treating ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2025

SeoulTech researchers propose a novel method to shed light on PFOS-induced neurotoxicity

The study proposes a novel approach for simultaneous extraction of metabolites and lipids from zebrafish embryos to shed light on PFOS-induced neurotoxicity. The researchers found that sphingolipids are a reliable biomarker of PFOS-induced neurotoxicity, and the method can be expanded to various biomolecules.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025

New research identifies key cellular mechanism driving Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers have unveiled a critical mechanism linking cellular stress in the brain to Alzheimer's disease progression, highlighting microglia as central players in both protective and harmful responses. The study reveals that blocking a specific stress pathway reverses symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in preclinical models.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2024

Pharmacology: Venomous crustacean from Mayan underwater caves provides new drug candidates

A study from Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that venomous crustaceans, specifically remipede crabs in Mexican cenote caves, contain a variety of toxins with pharmacological potential. The xibalbines peptides effectively inhibit potassium channels and activate signaling pathways involved in pain sensitization.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2024

Tropical and subtropical industrial fisheries account for about 70% of the methylmercury fished from the ocean

Industrial fishing practices in tropical and subtropical waters release high levels of methylmercury into the ocean. The majority of this mercury is found in large pelagic fish like tuna, which are then consumed by humans. This can lead to developmental delays in children and impaired cardiovascular health in adults.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2024

Graphene oxide reduces the toxicity of Alzheimer’s proteins

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have shown that graphene oxide nanoflakes can reduce the accumulation of misfolded amyloid peptides in yeast cells, which are similar to human neurons affected by Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that graphene oxide may hold great potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2023

Common chemicals in electronics and baby products harm brain development

A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to low levels of organophosphate esters can harm brain development in children, affecting IQ, attention, and memory. The chemicals, used as flame retardants and plasticizers in electronics and baby products, have been widely misassumed to be safe.

SourceGreen Science Policy Institute·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 6, 2021

Fred Hutch studies advance methods to avert toxicity that can accompany immunotherapy

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center identified potential biomarkers and created algorithms to identify patients at risk of severe side effects from CAR T-cell therapy. The studies found that most patients with these toxicities experienced reversible or no harm, but severe cases were associated with endothelial cell activation.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Discovery·DateOct 12, 2017

Researchers reveals how certain chemicals protect the brain against cell damage

A recent study published in European Journal of Neuroscience reveals that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can provide protection against brain cell death by stimulating receptors EP2 and EP4. This stimulation results in increased cyclic-AMP (cAMP) levels, which reduces the toxic effects of amyloid-beta 1-42, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateNov 21, 2005