Articles tagged with Parasitic Diseases
Dr. Gerardo Vasta will discuss diseases in the ocean, including parasitic diseases affecting shellfish and fish species, which can harm human health and the environment. He will also highlight the importance of developing accurate probes for detection and monitoring of pathogens.
Dr. Francesca Marassi, a Wistar professor, has been awarded a $228,000 grant from The W.W. Smith Charitable Trust to study the molecular structure of PLM, a protein that regulates cardiac muscle contractions. This research aims to understand how mutated amino acids affect PLM functions and develop therapeutic treatments.
A Wistar scientist has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Cancer Research Foundation of America to develop a vaccine against Human Papilloma Virus-16. The grant will support research aimed at finding a vaccine that uses either the E6 or E7 protein from HPV-16 to activate T-cells.
Asthma researchers identified two molecules, interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, that connect to a specific receptor and initiate inflammation, increasing the number of goblet cells producing excessive mucus. This finding paves the way for developing more effective treatments that control the disease at its cellular level.
Researchers at Clemson University are testing a naturally occurring disease to control fire ant populations, which have devastating effects on the environment and economy. The disease reduces the ability of queen ants to lay eggs, slowly killing colonies over six to eight months.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have discovered two genes, Alphav and Beta3, that play a crucial role in melanoma development. These findings suggest that blocking the activity of the vitronectin receptor could be an effective way to prevent cancer progression.
A veterinary parasitologist and his team have demonstrated that dogs are definitive hosts for Neospora caninum, a single-celled parasitic organism causing cattle abortions. This discovery has led to recommendations for improved cattle management strategies to reduce economic losses estimated at $35 million per year.
The Hilary Koprowski Endowed Professorship will provide long-term support for renowned scientists, setting a precedent for additional endowed professorships at The Wistar Institute. Established in honor of Dr. Koprowski's contributions to medical research, the chair aims to advance vaccine development and cancer research.
Scientists have discovered that interleukin-12 (IL-12) can trigger the production of a protein called interferon-gamma (IFN-), which blocks tumor-induced angiogenesis. This finding suggests that tumor cells may be able to produce their own antiangiogenic elements, potentially leading to new cancer therapies.
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been shown to reduce atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits, eliminating some fat already present. The Wistar Institute, established in 1892, is making history through its development of vaccines and discovery of molecules helping the immune system fight diseases.
A new molecule, Bin1, has been identified by Wistar scientists as a potential indicator of malignant prostate cancer. Bin1 interacts with and limits the malignant potential of Myc, a protein found frequently in prostate cancers.
A study by Penn State economists suggests that climate change could lead to an increase in waterborne diseases like Cryptosporidiosis, which can be fatal among immunocompromised individuals. The researchers estimate that doubling the frequency of 100-year floods could add up to $70 per person in costs.
Natural T cells are specialized cells that are part of white blood cells and help the body fight disease. Researchers at Penn State's College of Medicine have discovered that CD1d1 associates with glycolipids to transduce signals that 'turn-on' natural T cells, which helps the body fight disease.
A University of Delaware scientist has identified a critical dispatcher gene NDR1 that coordinates the defense response in Arabidopsis thaliana against a broad range of attackers. The gene may ultimately help researchers design hardier, more disease-resistant crops.
Scientists found that heart damage in Chagas' disease patients is due to the immune system's reaction to parasitic infections, contrary to previous thought. The study has significant implications for treatment and prevention strategies.
Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease carried by rats, poses a significant risk to urban residents in the US. Studies have shown that up to 10% of infected individuals develop severe Weil's disease, which can be fatal.
Researchers successfully engineer a protein-based vaccine that primes killer T cells to respond against infection, providing protection against a model pathogen. The approach shows promise for developing new vaccines against viruses, bacteria, and parasites, as well as cancer vaccines and therapies.
A new diagnostic test uses purified proteins to detect Neospora caninum, a parasite causing cattle abortions. The test has been developed by the US Department of Agriculture and is expected to be commercially available within two to three years.