Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Antibiotic-resistant strains of staph bacteria may be spreading between pigs raised in factory farms

A study found that multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains are spreading between pigs, farmworkers, and community residents in North Carolina, raising concerns about a potential emerging public health threat. The strains were closely related and carried genes conferring resistance to multiple antibiotics.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateMar 5, 2021

Vaccine shows promise against herpes virus

A genetically edited form of a herpes simplex virus has outperformed a leading vaccine candidate in a new study, significantly increasing antibody production and reducing viral replication. The modified live virus demonstrated cross-protection against both HSV-1 and HSV-2, suggesting an HSV-2-specific edition could be even more effective.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·Journalnpj Vaccines·DateNov 6, 2020

Isoflavones in soybean help protect pigs against viral infections

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that isoflavones in soybeans can help protect pigs from viral infections, such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. The study found that pigs fed a diet with isoflavones had a lower rate of infection-related mortality compared to those without.

New torula yeast product as digestible as fish meal in weanling pig diets

A new University of Illinois study shows that amino acids from a torula yeast product are more digestible by young pigs than those from fish meal. The yeast-based protein ingredient was found to provide the same amount of digestible amino acids and metabolizable energy as fish meal, but with lower phosphorus content.

Nanopore sequencing of African swine fever virus

African swine fever virus can replicate in various pig cells and has a relatively conservative genome. Whole-genome sequencing is crucial for understanding the transmission route of ASFV. Nanopore sequencing technology proved more efficient than traditional next-generation sequencing methods in obtaining viral genomes.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateJan 16, 2020

Sugar changes the chemistry of your brain

Researchers found that sugar intake alters the brain's dopamine and opioid systems, activating the reward system after just 12 days. This suggests that sugar can be an addictive substance, pushing natural stimuli like social interaction or learning into the background.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 14, 2020

Study pinpoints new drug targets to treat Nipah virus

Researchers have identified 150 possible inhibitors of the Nipah virus, a highly deadly disease with no licensed drugs against it. The study found that 13 proposed inhibitors showed high potential against all strains of the virus.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 12, 2019

Once-a-month oral contraceptive could improve patient adherence

Researchers developed a drug delivery system that expands in the stomach and releases levonorgestrel over one month, providing an alternative to daily pill schedules. The platform has the potential to improve adherence rates, especially in low-income countries where cultural and economic barriers hinder long-acting contraceptive use.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 4, 2019

Victorian hog deer genetics revealed

A study by La Trobe University researchers has found that hog deer introduced to Victoria in the 1860s are comprised entirely of hog deer and chital hybrids. The discovery could affect conservation efforts, as the hybrid species is fertile and plays a crucial role in conserving the native range.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateSep 16, 2019

Single event or epidemic?

Long-term data analysis reveals non-infected regions have a higher risk of infection due to seasonal changes in movement patterns. The study emphasizes the importance of focusing on specific individuals, seasons and areas to prevent future outbreaks.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateAug 19, 2019