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Unique underpinnings revealed for stomach’s acid pump

Scientists have improved understanding of a key protein that makes the stomach acidic, shedding light on potential applications in drug development. The study found an unusual feature in the protein, which needs to bind to only one potassium ion to trigger its pump mechanism.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Tiny wireless device sheds light on combating obesity

Researchers at Texas A&M University have designed a centimeter-sized wireless device that stimulates the endings of the vagus nerve to induce feelings of fullness. The device is controlled externally via radio frequency and has the potential to be used in conjunction with other devices to manipulate nerve endings throughout the gastroi...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2021

Sampling the gut microbiome with an ingestible pill

Scientists have created an ingestible capsule that captures bacteria and biological samples from the gut while passing through the gastrointestinal tract. The device, which doesn't cause inflammation or toxicity, can be triggered over a range of pH to deliver biologics, providing insight into associated GI disease progression.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 9, 2020

Gut feelings can be good for us

A study led by Jennifer Todd at Anglia Ruskin University found that paying attention to internal bodily sensations can increase appreciation of one's body. The researchers measured gastric interoception and found a link between feelings of fullness and positive body image in adults from the UK and Malaysia.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBody Image·DateJul 30, 2020

Western Canadian scientists discover what an armoured dinosaur ate for its last meal

Researchers have discovered that a nodosaur, an armoured dinosaur, primarily ate fern leaves, with 88% of its stomach contents composed of chewed leaf material. The team found evidence of specific fern species, including those that grow in fire-scarred landscapes, suggesting the dinosaur adapted to exploit post-fire vegetation.

SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 2, 2020

Study traces brain-to-gut connections

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute have identified neural pathways connecting the brain to the stomach, suggesting a bidirectional communication network that influences digestion and gut health. This discovery provides new insights into common gut disorders and may lead to the development of brain-based therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020

Potential new heartburn drug studied at VUMC

A new study suggests that investigational drug IW-3718 can reduce the severity of heartburn symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when combined with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The study, conducted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, found significant r...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateFeb 26, 2020

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

Common stomach bacteria is attracted to bleach

Researchers found that Helicobacter pylori is attracted to bleach, relying on a protein called TlpD to navigate to sites of inflammation in the stomach. This attraction enables the bacterium to turn the body's defenses against it and colonize inflamed tissue.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 30, 2019

Baby tiger sharks eat songbirds

A study published in Ecology found that baby tiger sharks eat a variety of terrestrial birds, including songbirds like sparrows and woodpeckers. The sharks' stomachs contained remains from 41 out of 105 juvenile sharks, revealing a diet that includes land-dwelling bird species.

SourceField Museum·JournalEcology·DateMay 21, 2019

Drug-delivering device streamlines tuberculosis treatment in pigs

Scientists have developed a retrievable wire-like device that safely delivers large dosages of drugs over several weeks to treat tuberculosis (TB) in pigs. The device, tested successfully, could help patients adhere to treatment regimens more easily, particularly in remote areas where healthcare resources are limited.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 13, 2019

New pill can deliver insulin

A new capsule has been developed to deliver oral doses of insulin, potentially replacing injections for people with type 2 diabetes. The capsule contains a small needle that releases insulin in the stomach, and its design allows it to orient itself to ensure contact with the stomach lining.

Protecting probiotics from the stomach

Researchers have created a stable encapsulation system using cellulose and alginate to protect probiotics from stomach acid, allowing them to survive until reaching the intestine. This breakthrough may lead to more effective treatments for conditions like diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateSep 26, 2018