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The hungry caterpillar: Beware your enemy's enemy's enemy

A new study reveals that hyperparasitoids exploit plant odours triggered by parasitoid-infected caterpillars, compromising the mutualistic relationship between plants and parasitoids. This complex network of interactions highlights the importance of considering species at multiple trophic levels in ecological functions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 27, 2012

Saliva HIV test passes the grade

A saliva test used to diagnose HIV has been found to be comparable in accuracy to the traditional blood test, according to a new study. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity rates of 99% and 97%, respectively, making it a promising tool for HIV diagnosis, particularly in high-risk populations.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJan 24, 2012

Saliva is effective in screening for CMV infection in newborns, says NIH-funded research

A new screening method using newborn saliva has been shown to effectively identify CMV infection in newborns. The test achieved a sensitivity of 97.4% when dry samples were used, making it a promising tool for widespread screening programs. Researchers are now exploring the contribution of congenital CMV infection to overall hearing loss.

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy protects saliva function and improves quality of life for head and neck cancer patients compared with conventional radiotherapy (PARSPORT trial)

The PARSPORT trial found that intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) spares the major salivary glands, reducing xerostomia and improving quality of life in head and neck cancer patients. IMRT significantly reduces the incidence of dry mouth and leads to recovery of saliva secretion.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 12, 2011

To double spud production, just add a little spit

Scientists at Cornell University found that compounds in Guatemalan potato moth larvae saliva increase photosynthesis and starch production in commercial potato plants, resulting in bigger tubers. Yield increases were observed when 10-50% of potatoes were infested, with marketable yields doubling or tripling.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcological Applications·DateMay 27, 2010

Why do women get more cavities than men?

A University of Oregon anthropologist found that women experience poorer dental health than men due to dramatic changes in female-specific hormones, reduced saliva production, and increased food cravings during pregnancy. The study suggests that these factors contribute to a higher risk of cavities in women as they age.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateOct 14, 2008

Salivary diagnostics, the 'magic mirror' to your health ... at your personal computer

The Salivaomics Knowledge Base (SKB) is an in silico saliva diagnostic atlas mapping salivary proteome and transcriptome to human chromosomes. The database includes profiles from healthy individuals and oral cancer patients, allowing for comparisons between groups. Future expansions will include other cancers and diseases.

Saliva clue to chronic bullying

Researchers found that chronically bullied kids have lower cortisol levels, linked to anxiety and stress. The study suggests a biological marker for early recognition and intervention of long-term psychological effects on youth.

First biomarker for human sleepiness identified in fruit flies

Researchers have identified amylase, an enzyme in saliva, as a biochemical marker linked to sleep loss. Flies subjected to prolonged sleep deprivation showed increased amylase levels, similar to humans who were kept awake for extended periods. The discovery aims to develop diagnostic tools and improve understanding of sleep disorders.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2006

The first clinical test for saliva-based oral cancer detection: Ready now!

Scientists have developed a standardized saliva RNA test for oral cancer detection, showing high accuracy rates in detecting oral cancer. The test has been confirmed to be highly accurate in identifying four saliva oral cancer RNA biomarkers, reducing mortality and morbidity for oral cancer patients.