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'Gut sense' is hardwired, not hormonal

Scientists have discovered a neural superhighway that enables rapid communication between the gut and brain, contradicting decades of research on hormonal transmission. This breakthrough has profound implications for our understanding of appetite and other gut-related disorders.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateSep 20, 2018

Which pain medication is safest for arthritis patients?

A recent study found that celecoxib, an NSAID, had better gastrointestinal safety than ibuprofen or naproxen when co-prescribed with esomeprazole. The medication was associated with infrequent gastrointestinal side effects in arthritis patients, making it a safer option for those taking these medications.

SourceWiley·JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateApr 19, 2018

Swallowable sensors reveal mysteries of human gut health

The ingestible capsule detects and measures gut gases, revealing a potentially new immune system and mechanisms in the human body that have never been seen before. The technology offers a game-changer for gastrointestinal disorders and could lead to fewer invasive procedures like colonoscopies.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Electronics·DateJan 8, 2018

Study prompts new ideas on cancers' origins

Researchers found that mature cells can revert to a stem cell-like state, carrying accumulated mutations that predispose them to developing into precancerous lesions. This new understanding could lead to the development of treatments targeting mature cells, potentially preventing cancer recurrence.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateDec 15, 2017

The Fitbits of food ingestion?

A multi-disciplinary team developed flexible sensors that can sense movement and ingestion in the stomach for at least two days. These devices can harvest energy from the gastrointestinal tract movement and potentially power novel ingestible electronic systems.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 10, 2017

Help from the stomach for dry eyes

Researchers have developed a new contact lens coating made from a molecule found in pig stomach mucus, which can prevent tissue damage caused by dry eyes. The coating is long-term protective and requires no repeated applications, offering an alternative to existing hyaluronic acid products.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateAug 1, 2017

Study finds tube placement may not be necessary for treating upper GI bleeds

A recent study by researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina found that nasogastric tube placement in patients with typical upper GI bleeding had no impact on outcomes. The study's results suggest that this procedure may be unnecessary for millions of patients, reducing costs and discomfort associated with it.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateMar 20, 2017

Microscopic submarines for your stomach

Scientists developed micromotors that speed independently through the stomach, neutralizing acid and releasing drugs at precise pH levels. This approach avoids common side effects associated with traditional treatments, making it a promising method for treating stomach diseases.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 23, 2017

Stem cell transplant from young to old can heal stomach ulcers

Researchers discovered that stem cells isolated from young mice can accelerate repair of stomach ulcers when transplanted into older mice. Additionally, studies redefined the role of the gut microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease and found potential therapeutic applications for acute alcoholic liver disease using a scavenger compound.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJun 16, 2016

Study of first procedure-free gastric balloon shows they are safe and lead to similar weight loss as other balloon procedures

A new study presented at the European Obesity Summit found that a procedure-free gastric balloon, called Elipse, is safe and leads to similar weight loss as other balloon procedures. The device, swallowed and excreted over 4 months, resulted in significant weight loss, improvements in blood sugar control, and quality of life.

Researchers want to turn acid-loving microbes into safe drug-carriers

Researchers have successfully used microbe S. islandicus to construct nano-capsules that can transport drugs safely through the stomach, offering a potential solution for oral drug delivery. The liposomes, made from cell membrane molecules of S. islandicus, survived in acidic environments, retaining their content and showing promise fo...

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateNov 4, 2015

Seabird SOS

A new study estimates that almost all seabirds have consumed plastic, with 90% of individual birds ingesting some form of plastic. This widespread impact is a concern, as plastic ingestion can cause gut impaction, weight loss, and death in seabirds.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015

Stomach ulcers in cattle

A recent study by researchers at Vetmeduni Vienna found that stomach ulcers in cattle are primarily caused by stress, nutrition, and weather conditions. The bacterial diversity present in the stomachs of healthy and ulcerated animals was nearly identical, suggesting that bacteria play a minor role in the development of ulcers.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalVeterinary Microbiology·DateApr 17, 2015

Understanding how the stomach responds to injury could help target therapy against gastric damage

Researchers have found that IL-33 is a critical messenger triggering changes in the stomach's inflammatory response to H. pylori infection, potentially leading to new therapies targeting gastric damage. Elevated IL-33 levels may be associated with chronic infection and metaplasia.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateMar 5, 2015