Articles tagged with Toxins
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have uncovered a novel mechanism by which Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria evade immune defenses. Pneumolysin toxin binds to a host cell receptor called Mannose Receptor C type-1 (MRC-1), suppressing inflammation and protective immunity, allowing the bacteria to survive in the airways.
Researchers studied bacterial ecological systems using experiments and computer models to investigate population dynamics, identifying key role of stochastic effects in early colony patterning. They also found that interactions between neighboring bacteria can amplify local variation, influencing competition outcomes.
A new Lake Erie Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health aims to study harmful algal blooms and their impact on human health. U-M researchers will lead a project to discover previously unknown toxins, with the goal of developing new medicines.
A new study by Northwestern University found that facial exercise after Botox injections can make wrinkle reduction occur one day sooner. The exercises included raised motions of the forehead and scowls, which improved forehead wrinkles by two to three days after treatment when followed by facial exercise.
A new study found that clay supplements can improve the immune response of dairy cows to aflatoxin exposure, leading to reduced inflammation and increased liver functionality. Cows fed higher doses of clay produced more milk with lower levels of aflatoxin M1.
A new study has identified a key factor in how Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) causes disease, giving scientists hope for a preventive vaccine. The researchers discovered that ETEC can sense oxygen levels to control toxin production, leading to breakthroughs in understanding the bacteria's virulence.
Researchers developed a theranostic complex that targets tumor cells with two toxic modules, showing high therapeutic efficacy and imaging contrast. The complex uses yttrium-90-doped upconversion nanoparticles and targeted toxin to inhibit tumor growth and reduce drug resistance.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found high levels of toxins in water near farm fields in rural Ohio, posing serious health risks to people, pets, and wildlife. The study highlights the need for judicious fertilizer use and measures to reduce animal waste contamination to control algal blooms.
Researchers at UCalgary discovered the key target of a toxin that worsens sepsis caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The findings suggest an antibody targeting this toxin could prevent platelet aggregation and organ failure, offering new hope for patients in intensive care.
Researchers decipher how plants evolve recognition systems to prevent self-fertilization, leading to genetic diversity in nature. The study found that new mating types can evolve through different pathways and are influenced by population demographics and mutation rates.
A recent study found that virtually all of Madagascar's native predators are highly sensitive to the toxic bufadienolides secreted by invasive Asian toads. This could have a significant impact on the island's already threatened fauna, including iconic species like tenrecs and fossa.
A study by Ohio State University found that some water-filter pitchers are more effective at removing microcystins, which can be toxic to humans and animals. The researchers tested three popular brands and found that the slowest-filtering pitcher removed all microcystins from the water.
Researchers from UCI and Harvard have found that the C. diff toxin B targets colonic epithelia by binding to Frizzled receptors, blocking critical Wnt signaling and renewing colonic stem cells. A non-toxic fragment of TcdB may significantly inhibit cancer cell growth with dysregulation in Wnt signaling.
A new study suggests that exposure to epsilon toxin, produced by the bacterium Clostridium perfringens, may play a role in the development of multiple sclerosis. Antibodies against the toxin were found in 43% of MS patients in the UK, compared to 16% of control group participants.
Research reveals tampons, particularly those made from cotton and rayon, can foster Staphylococcus aureus growth and production of toxic shock toxin. Menstrual cups may harbor bacteria more effectively, increasing risk.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals the genetic basis of structural diversity among trichothecene toxins produced by fungi. The analysis of genomic sequences and molecular biology experiments found that different combinations and versions of TRI genes are responsible for the diversity of trichothecene structures.
Scientists have successfully synthesized α-amanitin, a deadly mushroom toxin with potential anti-cancer properties. The breakthrough could lead to improved production methods and potentially attenuate the toxin's toxicity.
A two-year study of North Carolina's Jordan Lake found that multiple cyanotoxins are present in the water throughout the year, albeit at very low levels. The researchers used two different measurement methods to detect these toxins and found four types: microsystin, anatoxin-a, clindrospermopsin, and β-N-methylamino-L-alanine.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics reports the use of pyridostigmine to reverse complications from botulinum toxin therapy in pediatric patients. Early treatment with pyridostigmine can alleviate symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, and patients may regain normal function within days.
A new study found that Salmonella typhi toxin targets specific cells expressing multiantennal glycan receptors, which could lead to the development of targeted treatments for typhoid fever. The research also highlights the potential for sugar-based therapeutics to combat antibiotic-resistant diseases.
A study found that exposure to environmental toxins can suppress the circadian clock in Daphnia plankton, leading to a loss of daily oscillations. This disruption has significant implications for human health, potentially linking environmental toxins to chronic inflammation and disorders like cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
A study by Lund University found high iron levels in 84% of European lakes, but only 9% of North American lakes, with significant environmental implications. Climate change and land use factors are believed to contribute to the increased iron concentration.
Researchers have solved the structure of the 'ready to fire' bacterial speargun, a nano-sized weapon that injects deadly toxins into competitors. The T6SS speargun works by rapidly contracting and pushing out a toxic spear, drilling a hole into target cells with incredible speed.
Researchers at Houston Methodist have discovered a critical target for developing a potential Group A Streptococcus vaccine or antibiotic. By blocking the production of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SpeB), they hope to reduce disease severity and prevent necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating disease.
Researchers found that a synthetic peptide called TIP strengthens the barrier function of lung capillaries, preventing fluid accumulation and potential deadly complications. The study suggests a promising strategy for reducing dangerous fluid volume in lungs, particularly for vulnerable populations like children under five.
Researchers have successfully used probiotic bacteria to boost the speed and effectiveness of natural processes that capture and remove pollutants from soil. The technology has shown promising results in cleaning up contaminated groundwater with trichloroethylene, a common pollutant found in industrial areas.
Researchers found that e-liquid and vaping device variations can lead to high toxin levels, exceeding occupational limits for acrolein, formaldehyde, and diacetyl. Typical use scenarios result in lower toxicity compared to secondhand tobacco smoke.
A new robotic lake-bottom laboratory is tracking the levels of toxic cyanobacteria in Lake Erie to provide advance warning to municipal drinking water managers. The goal is to prevent another water crisis like the 2014 Toledo event, where over 400,000 residents were left without safe drinking water.
A team led by Prof. Arne Skerra has identified an antibody that tightly binds benzopyrene, a widespread environmental toxin linked to cancer. This breakthrough could lead to the development of antibodies to separate aromatic hydrocarbons from contaminated drinking water.
Three species of fungus can produce aerosolized toxins that can be inhaled, raising concerns about indoor air quality. Researchers found that mycotoxins are present on fungal spores and tiny particles, which could be easily inhaled.
A study published in Food Control found that steaming freshwater fish for over two minutes significantly reduces the presence of cylindrospermopsin, a harmful cyanotoxin. Boiling, on the other hand, results in a smaller reduction, posing an increased risk to consumers.
Scientists have developed a way to adhere a lightweight coating onto fabrics that can neutralize nerve agents delivered through the skin, potentially protecting soldiers and emergency responders. The coating uses a zirconium-based metal-organic framework that deactivates harmful compounds in under 5 minutes.
A team of biophysicists used experiment and mathematical theory to study the changing composition of a mixed bacterial population. They found that in some cases, a strain with a toxin can outcompete another strain, but this depends on various factors such as the environment and initial inoculum size. The results suggest a complex inter...
A study by Michigan State University researchers found that sunflower seeds are frequently contaminated with aflatoxin, producing severe health consequences. The toxin is produced by Aspergillus molds and can cause an estimated 25,000-155,000 deaths annually worldwide.
Researchers developed a novel technique to eliminate specific peripheral neurons without affecting the brain, revealing their crucial role in maintaining normal adiposity. The study showed that mice lacking these neurons became fat quickly, opening new avenues for understanding diseases related to the peripheral nervous system.
Researchers found that E. coli toxins bind to elongation factor Tu and another protein EF-Ts to target specific tRNA molecules, inhibiting cell growth and leading to diarrhea or hemorrhagic colitis in humans.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a promising method to prevent aflatoxin contamination in crops, which could improve food security in developing countries. The transgenic corn plants produce small RNA molecules that suppress toxin production when infected with a fungus.
A Clemson University professor has been awarded a grant to investigate how chronic, low-level exposure to arsenic affects developing children and sensitive embryos. The research aims to pinpoint the specific developmental time frames most susceptible to arsenic's adverse effects.
Researchers from Michigan Technological University found that fruit flies' resistance to mushroom toxins corresponds to the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, regulating cell physiology and metabolism in humans. This discovery opens up new avenues for studying diseases like cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes, depression, and n...
A comprehensive review of Bufonidae family compounds reveals their largely unexplored potential for new drug discovery. The study highlights the critical need for conservation efforts due to declining amphibian populations.
A new study by NOAA-supported researchers has developed a climate-based risk analysis model to predict domoic acid concentrations in shellfish. This model can help seafood industry managers stay ahead of harmful algae events, supporting timely fishery closures or openings and safeguarding public health.
Researchers at Tufts University have identified over 200 identifiable proteins within firefly nuptial gifts, including structural proteins, enzymes and anti-predator toxins that may influence female reproductive success and paternity rates
A team of researchers has identified an oxygen-dependent toxin antitoxin system that can be targeted to inhibit biofilm formation and combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. By understanding the molecular mechanisms behind this system, scientists hope to develop more effective antimicrobials.
Researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that superoxide produced at coral surfaces may help corals resist bleaching. Contrary to previous findings, corals producing high concentrations of superoxide had greater resilience to bleaching than those with low production levels.
Dr Lisa Connolly is leading a €4m international initiative to investigate the effects of natural toxins and manmade chemicals on human hormones, causing illnesses like cancer, obesity and infertility. The PROTECTED project aims to develop innovative analysis tools to protect public health from these endocrine disruptors.
A global-scale survey of 100 snake species has found a larger number of snakes with a mutation that protects them from the deadly toxins stored in toad skin. The research reveals these mutations occur in a wider range of species than previously believed, challenging the initial assumption they were limited to toad-eating snakes.
Researchers have discovered a new class of proteins in Francisella tularensis that promote the growth of bacteria within macrophages, overcoming cellular defenses. The findings shed light on the mechanisms behind the bacterium's severe disease-causing capabilities.
A study by University of California - Santa Cruz researchers detected high levels of microcystin toxin in mussels from San Francisco Bay, which can accumulate in shellfish and pose a risk to human consumption. The findings highlight the need for added monitoring of freshwater toxins in coastal waters.
A Duke University study found that roadside garbage fires in India produce a toxic rainbow of pollutants, with concentrations 1,000 times greater than ambient air. The variability in emissions stems from the diverse trash materials and smoldering combustion, highlighting the need for improved waste management practices.
Researchers are developing an early-warning system for Pseudo-nitzschia phytoplankton, which produces a potent toxin causing amnesic shellfish poisoning. The new forecast system aims to protect human health and reduce economic disruption from algal blooms on the US Pacific coast.
A new study compares Botox to sacral neuromodulation as treatments for urge incontinence, finding that Botox provides more daily relief but may be associated with more adverse events. The study analyzed data from 381 women and found a significant reduction in symptoms with botulinum toxin.
Researchers discovered a rare enzyme called 5NAA-A in bacteria Bradyrhizobium sp. JS329 that breaks down the toxic compound 5-NAA, rendering it harmless to potatoes. This mechanism could inspire future work to engineer an enzyme or bacterium to detoxify thaxtomin.
Research from WashU Medicine found that cholera toxin hyperactivates a key signaling molecule in intestinal cells, leading to severe diarrhea and dehydration. People with type O blood are more susceptible to this effect, making them more likely to die from cholera.
Researchers have found evidence that botulinum toxins can move beyond the injection site, entering nerve cells and causing symptoms consistent with botulism. The study uses a lab dish system to visualize toxin movement, shedding light on the potential for remote effects of this deadly substance.
A new strain of C. difficile is killing up to 15% of infected patients due to its potent toxin that destroys protective cells, leading to increased inflammation. Researchers suggest blocking the toxin could lead to a new treatment to stop this deadly strain.
Researchers found that combining anthrax toxin proteins with chemotherapy drugs can selectively target blood vessel cells feeding tumors, reducing tumor growth. The treatment regimen showed durable anti-tumor effects in mice, warranting further exploration for cancer therapy.
A new study suggests that dispensary-grade cannabis may contain harmful yeasts and toxic molds, compromising its medicinal benefits. The researchers recommend re-evaluating culture-based techniques and conducting additional sequencing-based studies to investigate the cannabis microbiome.
A team of researchers has pinpointed the genetics behind a select group of garter snakes' ability to eat poisonous newts, revealing an evolutionary 'building blocks' pattern. The study found that resistant muscle evolved after resistant nerves, with the ancestors of garter snakes gaining toxin-resistant nerves almost 40 million years ago.
The American Academy of Neurology has updated its guidelines for the use of botulinum toxin in treating spasticity, cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, and chronic migraine. The guideline recommends that botulinum toxin is generally safe and effective for these conditions.
Research reveals typhoid toxin promotes long-term colonization without disease in infected hosts, reducing intestinal inflammation and altering gut microbiome. Chronic infection was not linked to cancer development, highlighting a novel immune modulating role for the toxin.