Articles tagged with Toxins
A deadly marine cone snail's venom contains a toxin that interacts with human cells in a specific manner, regulating blood sugar levels and hormone balance. This discovery may lead to the design of more effective drugs for treating diabetes and endocrine disorders.
Researchers at Arizona State University have introduced a new sterilization technique using X-ray irradiation to reduce Aspergillus flavus viability in contaminated corn. The method stops the fungus from transmitting spores and producing aflatoxins, crucial for developing additional remediation techniques.
Researchers at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography have discovered the largest protein yet identified, PKZILLA-1, which builds toxic algal toxins. The finding could enhance monitoring efforts for prymnesin-producing golden algae blooms and unlock potential for new medicines.
A survey study estimates that 15.6 million US adults consume at least one potentially hepatotoxic botanical product within the past 30 days. Turmeric is the most commonly reported botanical, followed by green tea, ashwagandha, Garcinia cambogia, red yeast rice, and black cohosh products.
Researchers warn of unprecedented arsenic release from wildfires, potentially releasing up to half of the arsenic emitted globally each year. Contaminated mining sites exacerbate wildfire risks, with wetlands being the most concerning due to their tendency to store contaminants.
A new study reveals surprising findings about mercury pollution patterns in ecosystems, where it comes from and how it moves vary significantly. Dragonfly larvae are found to be a cost-effective indicator of mercury contamination in nearly every aquatic habitat, providing valuable insights for resource management decisions.
Researchers, including Assistant Professor James Lewis, are studying the evolution of butterfly wing color patterns as a model for understanding population adaptation to environmental changes. The study aims to understand why some Heliconiine butterflies lose their mimicry phenotype and how this affects their survival.
Researchers develop fully human antibodies that can neutralize the alpha-latrotoxin of the European black widow, a neurotoxin causing severe pain and hypertension. The study uses in vitro methods to create recombinant human antibodies, offering a safer treatment alternative with potential cross-reactive properties.
A study found that healthcare professionals attending certain endoscopic gastrointestinal procedures can be exposed to dangerous toxin levels, similar to smoking a cigarette. The researchers suggest possible solutions such as using insufflators or masks to reduce smoke exposure during procedures.
Scientists have found an effective treatment for spitting cobra snakebites by blocking one of the major dermonecrosis-causing toxins with varespladib. The study suggests that this repurposed drug can prevent tissue damage and may become a valuable treatment against black-necked and red spitting cobra venoms.
Researchers analyzed flour and rice stored in Brazilian homes and found six mycotoxins, including aflatoxin B1 and deoxynivalenol, at high levels, posing significant health risks. The study highlights the importance of proper food storage to prevent contamination.
Research found that chemicals present in microplastics can leach into human sweat and be absorbed through the skin, entering the bloodstream. The study used innovative 3D human skin models to demonstrate this process, revealing that up to 8% of the chemical exposed could be taken up by the skin.
A team of UCF researchers is exploring the use of gold to develop a novel method to rid drinking water of harmful algal blooms, which produce toxic effects on humans and wildlife. The project aims to remove microcystins, toxins linked to liver damage, kidney failure, and allergic reactions.
A Dartmouth-led study found that people in New England, particularly those who frequently consume seafood, face an increased risk of PFAS exposure. The researchers recommend setting safety standards to limit seafood consumption and highlight the need for more stringent public health guidelines.
Researchers found a significant association between storing chemicals in attached garages and increased ALS risk. The study suggests that volatile chemicals released into the living space may contribute to this link.
A group of coastal Alaska Native tribes have successfully taken the lead on shellfish toxin testing, filling a critical gap in public health protection. However, securing stable funding and improving outreach has been limited, threatening the effectiveness of the program.
New research reveals spent coffee grounds can act as an efficient adsorbent of bentazone, a highly neurotoxic herbicide. Activated carbon from spent coffee grounds showed a 70% efficiency in bentazone removal and high sensitivity to pollutants.
Researchers at Leibniz-HKI deciphered the function of Candidalysin's unusual protein structure, which reduces pathogenicity and opens up new treatment options. Nanobodies neutralize the toxin, blocking its activity and inhibiting tissue damage.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics found a correlation between hookah use and increased symptoms of postpartum depression. Pregnant women who used hookahs before or during pregnancy were more likely to experience depressive symptoms, particularly among mothers from historically marginaliz...
A McGill-led study found that fathers exposed to environmental toxins like DDT may produce sperm with health consequences for their children, increasing the risk of birth defects and diseases. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering fathers in discussions about child health and development.
Researchers have identified and detailed the structure of Mcf1, a bacterial toxin that kills insects by disrupting essential proteins in their cells. The discovery has implications for developing new organic pest control agents and may also shed light on human diseases.
A study from VCU School of Medicine and Richmond VA Medical Center found that up to 10.3% of veterans with dementia have high FIB-4 scores, indicating a likelihood of cirrhosis. Early detection and targeted interventions can reverse cognitive decline in these patients.
A study by FAU Harbor Branch researchers found unique patterns of cytotoxicity associated with toxins in the lagoon, suggesting potential human health risks. The study used a panel of immortalized human cell lines to detect and analyze metabolites present in water samples, revealing high toxicity levels at certain sites.
Scientists have discovered the protein that enables poison dart frogs to accumulate and store potent toxins in their skin for self-defence against predators. The findings may suggest potential therapeutic strategies for treating humans poisoned with similar molecules.
Researchers have identified BMAA, a chronic neurotoxin linked to ALS and Alzheimer's, in dust particles from the Great Salt Lake. This dust poses an environmental health risk due to its inhalation potential.
Scientists developed a synthetic melanin that accelerates wound healing and protects against sun damage. The cream also quiets the immune system, allowing for continuous repair and reducing inflammation.
Researchers discovered that D. sechellia's nervous system has evolved to tolerate the toxins in noni fatty acids, allowing it to prefer and lay eggs on the fruit. The study reveals differences in taste sensitivities among three closely related fly species, providing insights into how insects adapt to host plants.
Researchers developed an environmental risk score to assess ALS risk and survival using a blood sample, associating several individual pollutants with disease risk. A mixture of pesticides in the blood significantly increased ALS risk, with those in the highest group having twice the risk as those in the lowest.
A new study finds climate change is increasing the likelihood of toxic blue-green algae blooms in US lakes, which can damage human livers and kill wild and domestic animals. Researchers used EPA data from 2,804 lakes collected between 2007 and 2017 to predict toxin spikes.
New study analyzes 'Mona Lisa' and 'Last Supper' paintings, finding rare plumbonacrite compound and lead oxide in ground layers. These discoveries suggest Da Vinci experimented with toxic materials on his palette.
Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical known to cause cancer but also plays an important role in human biology. New compounds developed by University of Leicester researchers allow for controlled release of formaldehyde in cells, enabling precise measurement of its effects.
A newly discovered fungus has been found to transform the toxic compound patulin into less harmful byproducts, offering potential solutions for controlling its presence in food products. The fungus, identified as Acremonium sp., was shown to degrade patulin into desoxypatulinic acid and other compounds, which are significantly less toxic.
A new study by Ohio State University suggests that the toxicity of Lake Erie's harmful algal bloom varies over the summer, with an overestimation in warmer months and underestimation in cooler months. The research aims to develop a more accurate toxicology forecast for Lake Erie.
Researchers discovered unprecedented snake venom resistance in caecilians, highlighting the species' ability to evolve under severe selective pressure. The study found that caecilians deployed three distinct biological methods to resist elapid snake venom, including changing receptor shape and deploying an electromagnetic 'weapon'.
A combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strains successfully inhibited the production of superantigens causing toxic shock syndrome. Probiotics may also prevent growth of Staphylococcus aureus, a virulent strain that produces proteins triggering the disease.
Researchers have identified a new trichothecene, NX, produced by Fusarium graminearum, which contributes to the pathogen's ability to infect wheat and spread disease. Deleting the gene responsible for NX production reduces toxin levels and disease severity, providing potential control methods.
A study by University of Technology Sydney found that plants can remove 97% of toxic compounds, including cancer-causing pollutants, from indoor air in just eight hours. This breakthrough discovery highlights the critical role played by indoor plants and green walls in improving air quality.
A recent study has identified the specific gut bacteria that pose a threat to neonatal babies, particularly those with necrotising enterocolitis. Researchers analyzed genomic similarities in Clostridium perfringens and found a set of strains with lower disease-causing capacity, lacking genes responsible for toxin production.
Researchers analyzed 28 samples of curd cheese and mozzarella from Brazil and found aflatoxins in all, with levels below the European Union's upper limit. The study highlights the need for improved production practices throughout the dairy industry to minimize contamination.
Researchers at UCLA and Harvard have identified 10 pesticides toxic to dopaminergic neurons, which play a key role in voluntary movement. The study used California's pesticide use database and found that co-exposure of certain pesticides increased toxicity, with combinations involving herbicides like trifluralin producing the most harm.
Research published in BMJ Open suggests a strong association between environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. PAH exposure was found to account for most of smoking's impact on this disease risk, with one specific compound, 1-hydroxynaphthalene, showing a strong association.
A new study by Tulane University found that five out of 60 beverages tested contained elevated levels of toxic metals above federal drinking water standards. Mixed-fruit juices and plant-based milks were more likely to contain these elements, highlighting the importance of moderation in consumption.
A University of Gothenburg study reveals that cigarette filters contain thousands of toxic chemicals and microplastic fibers, which are lethal to aquatic larvae. The researchers urge a complete ban on filters to prevent hazardous waste from entering the environment.
A UToledo-led study found early exposure to pyrethroids may increase the risk of autism and developmental disorders in mice. The researchers discovered behavioral changes, including hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors, which are similar to symptoms seen in human patients with neurodevelopmental disorders.
A recent study published in Nature Communications reports finding Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) at the bottom of the Atacama Trench in the Pacific Ocean. The discovery highlights the persistence of PCBs, a toxic substance banned globally since the 1970s, in deep-sea environments.
A study by the University of Exeter and Bayer AG found that pollinators produce a conserved family of cytochrome P450 enzymes to tackle alkaloid toxins in plants. These enzymes allow bees to safely consume nectar and pollen from toxic plants, shedding light on insect tolerance mechanisms.
A new study by University of Toronto researchers found high levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in Canadian fast-food packaging, contaminating the food people eat. The study suggests that PFAS can enter the environment through waste streams and never break down, posing significant health risks.
A new study suggests that acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), a leading phthalate alternative, can disrupt neuron-like cells and interfere with the growth and maintenance of neurons. The findings indicate that ATBC could harm brain development and health.
A University of Illinois project uses AI-powered object recognition to quantify kernel damage in wheat, enabling faster disease analysis and improved resistance. The technology has shown promising results, with potential for an online portal to automate scoring and support breeders in their efforts to eliminate fusarium head blight.
Estuaries along the Atlantic coast and eastern Gulf of Mexico are expected to experience significant increases in nutrient loading, posing risks for harmful algal blooms and ecosystem health. The study identified regions with high adaptive capacity as having more resources to mitigate these effects.
Researchers at NIH's National Human Genome Research Institute identified a gene, KTD1, that provides resistance to the K28 toxin in yeast. This discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying toxin resistance and has implications for understanding human toxin resistance.
A study published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that breastfeeding can reduce arsenic exposure in infants compared to formula feeding. Researchers measured arsenic levels in mothers, babies, and breast milk, revealing a clear association between maternal and neonatal arsenic exposure.
A new study suggests that intensive blood pressure treatment may slow the accumulation of toxins in the brain's perivascular spaces, a dynamic area involved in brain clearance. This finding is significant for understanding the relationship between high blood pressure and cognitive decline.
A recent study by University at Buffalo researchers found toxic elements like arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium in many commercial baby foods. The study highlights the need for stricter regulations to protect infants from these harmful substances.
A new study from Oregon State University found that both cotton and synthetic microfibers have negative impacts on the behavior and growth of aquatic organisms. The research, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, suggests that increasing awareness and control over fiber release can help mitigate these effects.
Research reveals that monarch butterflies storing plant toxins experience reduced warning signal conspicuousness due to oxidative stress. The study found a positive correlation between toxin levels and oxidative damage in the butterflies' bodies.
A new study found that nearly half of wheat crops in Europe are contaminated with harmful fungal toxins, including DON, which can cause vomiting and other gastrointestinal problems. The researchers estimate that 75-million tonnes of wheat exceeded the limit allowed for human consumption between 2010 and 2019, resulting in a loss of aro...
Caulobacter crescentus uses a toxin-antitoxin system to regulate programmed cell death in response to oxygen limitation, releasing DNA that promotes sibling dispersion. This mechanism helps maintain biofilm balance and prevents overcrowding.
Researchers identified a single protein, FETUA-3, that inhibits a broad spectrum of rattlesnake venom toxins. The discovery may lead to the development of improved snake bite treatments and novel therapeutic options.
A University of California Riverside study found that Salton Sea dust triggers lung neutrophil inflammation in mice, with potential implications for asthma sufferers and other terminal lake regions. The research highlights the need for further funding to understand dust-triggered inflammation and its effects on human health.