Articles tagged with Saliva
Researchers found that children living in orphanages for over eight months had elevated cortisol levels, while those adopted early did not. However, internationally adopted children from poor care showed no significant differences in cortisol levels.
Researchers found glucose oxidase in caterpillar saliva, which converts glucose to gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The enzyme suppresses plant nicotine production by 26%, making caterpillars healthier.
University of Rhode Island researchers, Thomas Mather and David Nelson, are developing a new Lyme disease vaccine using tick saliva genes. They have received $2.3 million NIH grant to identify promising genes over five years.
Researchers found that active stress from a memory task increased the concentration of immune proteins in saliva, while passive stress from watching gruesome videos lowered it. The study suggests that engaging with challenges at work can boost immunity.
A novel vaccine has been developed to protect against Leishmaniasis, a disease caused by the single-celled parasite Leishmania. The vaccine targets a component of sand fly saliva, dubbed SP15, which appears to induce natural immune responses in mice.
A study reveals that nearly half of all emergency department visits involve drinking before arrival, with significant correlations to self-harm, assaults, and hospital admissions. The findings suggest a growing trend among women who drink at lower levels than men, contributing to alarming rates of alcohol-related deaths in Scotland.
Research suggests that salivary acetaldehyde produced by heavy drinking is carcinogenic in humans. ALDH2-deficient Asians have higher rates of digestive tract cancers due to inability to eliminate acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde accumulation increases risk of cancer, especially among heavy drinkers and those with poor oral hygiene.
Studies found that medications like clonidine and propranolol can significantly increase the risk of tooth decay in individuals with dry mouth. The research suggests that antihistamines, antidepressants, and other medications can alter saliva composition, making it less effective at neutralizing acids and remineralizing teeth.
A study by NASA's Johnson Space Center found that spaceflight increases the levels of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in astronauts' saliva samples. EBV can cause glandular fever and has been associated with Burkitt's lymphoma, a type of cancer common in Africa.
Scientists have discovered that saliva can be used as a source of DNA for genetic testing, with the potential to identify individuals at risk of certain diseases. This non-invasive method has significant implications for disease screening and diagnosis, particularly for children who may not be able to give blood.