Articles tagged with Mucus
Scientists develop synthetic mucus to control pathogenic bacteria and maintain healthy microbial balance in the body. The study reveals mucins can help prevent diseases by reducing dominance of harmful species.
Researchers found that mucin proteins fail to unfold normally in CF airways due to dehydration, leading to thick and sticky mucus. This understanding could lead to therapies targeting the abnormal compact form of mucin proteins, such as rehydrating the airway lining with hypertonic saline.
Researchers have identified a key role for ZG16 in protecting the body from intestinal bacteria, preventing inflammation and abdominal fat accumulation. The discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms of inflammatory bowel diseases and obesity.
Researchers found that starving gut microbes of natural fiber leads to erosion of the mucus layer, making them vulnerable to infection. A high-fiber diet helps maintain a healthy mucus barrier, protecting against invasive bacteria.
A new study reveals that corals selectively feed on specific types of bacteria, promoting their growth and influencing the surrounding microbial community. This interaction drives microbial growth and nutrient cycling, with corals releasing complex compounds to stimulate bacterial growth.
Recent literature suggests N-acetylcysteine reduces frequency of COPD exacerbations in stable patients taking 1,200 mg daily. However, its benefits for acute exacerbations are uncertain and require further investigation.
A new group of cells has been discovered in the human colon that can wash away invading bacteria, potentially preventing inflammatory bowel disease. These sentinel cells detect bacteria and trigger a rapid chain reaction of mucus production to push out the invaders.
Research reveals that cleaner wrasse use 'tactical deception' to lure in clients and cheat them by biting off mucus, a behavior similar to human scams. The study also found that cleaners adjust their cheating behavior based on competition and stress levels.
Researchers develop model that suggests mucus plays crucial role in dolphin sonar click production. The model accurately reproduces two distinct parts of a dolphin click: an initial loud thump and extended ring.
Scientists at Eindhoven University of Technology and McGill University have successfully transported the defective CFTR protein to cell walls, a crucial step towards developing a cystic fibrosis drug. The researchers discovered a naturally occurring substance called fusicoccin-A that enables this transport process.
Researchers discovered that E. coli bacteria move faster and farther in viscoelastic fluids, such as saliva and mucus, than in water. This is because the increase in viscosity allows bacteria to maintain their rotational motion, enabling them to travel longer distances.
Research at Lund University reveals that mucus in the saliva stimulates white blood cells to form effective nets of DNA and proteins, capturing and killing bacteria. Patients with aphthous stomatitis and Behçet's disease often lack saliva with this property, highlighting a potential link between mucus and these diseases.
Researchers at San Diego State University discovered that bacteriophages employ subdiffusive motion to find and kill bacteria in mucosal surfaces. This novel hunting strategy is more effective when bacterial concentrations are high, making it a unique approach among predators on Earth.
A specific species of lactobacillus, Lactobacillus crispatus, appears to play a key role in sustaining the mucus barrier against HIV and other STIs. The study's findings could lead to new strategies for protecting women against HIV.
Research reveals that certain vaginal bacteria species can trap HIV particles, while others allow them to diffuse freely. The study suggests that altering a woman's vaginal microbiota could improve protection against STIs by increasing the barrier properties of cervicovaginal mucus.
A team of researchers at Technical University of Munich has found a way to repair defective mucins, which are key components of mucus. The repair mechanism involves replacing lost sugars with synthetic molecules, restoring the mucins' lubricative ability and paving the way for new treatment strategies.
Researchers found that two common antibiotic-resistant bacteria coexist peacefully in the gut, occupying distinct niches that satisfy their metabolic needs. Fecal transplants from healthy donors effectively cleared one pathogen, but not the other, highlighting potential for targeted therapies to eradicate specific superbugs.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a DNA-loaded nanoparticle that can penetrate the human airway mucus barrier in lungs, offering a potential breakthrough for treating cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases. The biodegradable nanoparticles successfully delivered therapeutic genes to the lungs of animals, producing hi...
Researchers at Georgia State University found that an existing anti-stroke drug, Vinpocetine, is effective in suppressing mucus overproduction and improving bacterial clearance in animal studies. The study could lead to a novel, non-antibiotic treatment for otitis media, potentially reducing hearing loss and enhancing host defense.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine has linked a protein called CLCA1 to the overproduction of mucus in diseases like asthma and COPD. Increased expression of CLCA1 increases the number of TMEM16A channels present in nearby cells, leading to more Ca2+ dependent chloride currents.
Researchers have discovered that inflammation causes molecular bonds to form within mucus in cystic fibrosis, making it thicker and more difficult to clear. A potential new therapeutic approach targeting disulfide bonds has been identified, offering hope for improved treatment options.
Researchers found that cystic fibrosis mucus gets stuck inside cells, making it difficult for organs to work properly and attracting bacteria and viruses. This discovery could lead to treatments that help cells remove sticky mucus more quickly.
Researchers found that gut microbiota affects mucus barrier properties in mice, with different microbial compositions leading to varying levels of protection against bacterial invasion. The study suggests that a well-developed inner mucus layer is crucial for overall health and highlights the importance of the gut microbiota composition.
Researchers found that salivary mucin MUC5B limits biofilm formation by keeping S. mutans suspended in the liquid medium, preventing cavities. Boosting native defenses may be a better way to fight dental caries than relying on exogenous materials.
A new method using gold nanoparticles and light can measure the stickiness of mucus, which can help doctors monitor and treat lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The researchers found that this imaging method worked even when the mucus was sliding over a layer of cells.
Researchers hope a drug combination will aid in understanding why patients with cystic fibrosis struggle with exercise. Studies using sildenafil and antioxidants aim to parse the role of blood flow and endothelial dysfunction in exercise intolerance.
Research by University of Iowa scientists reveals that cystic fibrosis causes a primary defect in mucociliary transport, resulting in impaired detachment of mucus from airway glands. This leads to airway obstruction, difficulty breathing, and increased susceptibility to lung infection.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have found that mucins play a major role in failing lung function in cystic fibrosis patients. The study reveals that diluting the concentration of mucins in CF mucus may be key to improving treatments.
A new method allows scientists to determine a frog's susceptibility to disease by analyzing its protective mucus layer. The technique can help reduce the risk of disease in endangered amphibians, enabling successful reintroduction into the wild.
A single molecular switch governs production of protective mucus lining intestinal walls, which can be breached by failure of immune system, leading to diseases like inflammatory bowel disorders and metabolic conditions.
A recent study has identified MUC5B as a key protein involved in various lung-related ailments, including MRSA infections and cystic fibrosis. The protein helps control certain infections by coating airway surfaces in the nose and lungs.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered how flu viruses exploit a mucus-rich barrier to infect cells, and found that blocking neuraminidase activity could prevent infection. This finding could lead to new drugs or therapies that more effectively inhibit viral activity.
Researchers have found that the bioluminescent display of a marine worm produces a long-lasting blue glow through a slimy mucus secreted from its body. The mucus contains riboflavin, vitamin B2, which is acquired by the worm through its diet or symbiotic bacteria.
Researchers have discovered that mucus in the large intestine has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to prevent bacterial-induced inflammation. The study proposes that mucus could be used to treat various diseases, including IBD and cancer, and may even be manufactured for oral administration.
Researchers at IMIM discovered that intestinal mucus prevents inflammatory reactions against commensal bacteria and dietary antigens, offering a promising complementary way to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The study also suggests potential applications in cancer therapy due to mucus' anti-inflammatory properties.
Researchers found that antibiotics create a nutrient surplus in the gut, allowing pathogens to establish themselves. The study suggests that friendly gut bacteria compete with pathogens for nutrients, and when this defense falters, harmful microorganisms can thrive.
Researchers found that plants can eavesdrop on herbivore cues, including snail slime, to mount a defensive response before being attacked. The study shows plants can use generalist herbivore cues in a sophisticated way to trigger defense mechanisms.
Research at Washington University School of Medicine suggests that Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria is likely the cause of bacterial vaginosis, a condition linked to preterm birth and increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases. The condition affects one in every three women and often does not cause significant symptoms.
Millions of Americans experience abnormality of smell function, affecting daily life. Researchers have discovered a crucial balance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines in nasal mucus, which may lead to new treatments for patients with smell loss.
Researchers at Norwich BioScience Institutes use atomic force microscopy to analyze mucins and their interactions with beneficial and disease-causing bacteria. The study aims to understand the role of mucus in maintaining a healthy gut and develop new insights into gut diseases.
Researchers successfully directly observed microorganisms feeding on intestinal mucosa using NanoSIMS technology, identifying Akkermansia muciniphilia and Bacteroides acidifaciens as key players. The study provides new insights into the gut microbiota's role in inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers have designed new drugs that inhibit excess mucus production in airway cells, a major cause of death in respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. The drugs target the MAPK13 protein, which is involved in the mucus pathway and can reduce mucus production by 100 fold.
Researchers have discovered that lung mucus acts as a physical barrier to nanoparticles, preventing them from reaching target locations in the lungs. The study's findings offer new insights into how drugs can be delivered effectively to treat respiratory diseases.
Researchers discovered that vampire squids use thread-like filaments to capture marine snow, a mixture of dead bodies and debris from the ocean surface. The study found that vampire squids do not hunt live prey but instead consume detrital matter, which is low in nutrients.
Researchers have identified a calcium-activated chloride channel that holds clues to reducing asthma severity. Blocking this channel has been shown to inhibit airway secretions and smooth muscle contraction, key factors in asthma attacks.
Ovarian cancer cells activate the HOXA9 gene to create an environment that supports tumor growth. Researchers also found blocking TGF-β expression in ovarian cancer cells significantly reduced tumor growth. Additionally, anti-CTLA therapy and inflammation-reversing treatments may hold promise for treating ovarian cancer and alcoholic l...
A new study reveals that human airways rely on a 'brush-like' layer to clear mucus, which protects cells from sticky mucus and captures foreign particles. The findings may lead to the development of novel therapies for lung diseases.
Research in the FASEB Journal suggests that sneezing is a biological response to the nose's 'blue screen of death', and patients with sinusitis may sneeze more frequently due to inefficient clearance of mucus. This understanding could aid in the development of new treatments for chronic sinusitis.
Researchers have identified a new strategy to thin thick mucus in cystic fibrosis and COPD using the SPLUNC1 protein and its synthetic derivatives. This may lead to improved mucus clearance and better lung function for those affected.
Scientists discover that pig stomach mucins have broad-spectrum anti-viral activity, trapping disease-causing microbes like influenza virus and HIV before they cause infection. The findings suggest that pig mucus could be added to various consumer products to protect against viral infections.
A new study by engineering researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute demonstrates the impact of viscoelasticity on the collective behavior of swimming microorganisms, such as H. pylori. The findings suggest that human mucus and saliva may have evolved to disrupt the ability of harmful bacteria to coordinate.
Scientists found that bubble-rafting snails, such as the common purple snail (Janthina janthina), evolved from sea-floor snails by modifying their egg masses to create buoyant rafts. This discovery suggests a new evolutionary pathway for these unique snails.
A foodborne bacterium invades the body by binding to E-cadherin on goblet cells, which produce slippery mucus. The reorganization required to expel the mucus exposes E-cadherin, allowing Listeria to cause systemic infection.
Researchers have discovered that tree frogs' self-cleaning feet can be replicated to create re-useable, effective adhesives. By secreting mucus and moving their feet, the frogs clean their sticky pads as they walk.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a new stem cell that plays a vital role in repairing the large airways of the lungs. The discovery has implications for understanding airway diseases and developing novel cell-based therapies.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified a key component of human and animal gut mucus that is toxic to parasitic worms, which cause up to 1 billion deaths and illnesses globally. The discovery may lead to new treatments for chronic worm infections and help identify who is susceptible to parasitic worms.
Researchers at National Jewish Health discovered a genetic variation associated with pulmonary fibrosis, which increases production of mucus and may play a significant role in the disease. The study found that nearly two-thirds of patients carry the variation, which is linked to the MUC5B gene.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have found that mucus can facilitate the penetration of toxic substances into cells, potentially leading to new treatments for diseases like cancer. The study suggests a new approach for delivering hydrophobic drugs, which could be absorbed through the lungs or digestive system.
Measuring mechanical strength of cancer cell mucus layers provides clues about treating cancer. Cancer cells produce excessive mucus, forming a barrier that prevents drugs from reaching them.
Researchers characterize snail locomotion and find that mucus properties are not crucial for movement. The study's findings have potential applications in designing biomimetic robots that can move on fluid surfaces.