Deadly duet
Researchers at TUM have deciphered the mechanism of action for a class of pore-forming bacterial toxins. This breakthrough could lead to new substances that inhibit toxin interaction and prevent fatal cell damage.
Poisons
Articles tagged with Poisons
Liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes still a danger to children despite recent decline in exposures
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found over 8,200 calls regarding liquid nicotine and e-cigarette exposures among children under 6 from 2012-2017. The authors recommend regulating flow restrictors and child-resistant chambers to limit exposure.
Increased risk of unnatural death to people with epilepsy found
A new study found that people with epilepsy in England and Wales are at a higher risk of dying from suicide and accidents. The research analyzed data from over 44,000 people with epilepsy compared to those without the condition, revealing a five-fold increase in accidental medication poisoning deaths among those with epilepsy.
Oxycodone use shifts in Australia after tamper-resistant versions introduced
The introduction of tamper-resistant oxycodone in Australia led to a decrease in dispensing rates for higher-strength formulations among people under 65 years old. However, poisonings from injected oxycodone remained unchanged despite this shift.
Big game hunters in Africa urged to drop the lead to help save vultures
Research in Botswana finds high levels of lead in African vultures, linked to hunting activity, with conservation efforts urging a national ban on lead bullets and awareness among policymakers.
Playing both ends: Amphibian adapted to varied evolutionary pressures
Researchers found caecilians have enlarged mucous glands for lubrication and burrowing, while poison glands provide chemical defense against predators. The discovery reveals unique adaptations of the amphibians to their environments.
An emergency response to Canada's opioid overdose crisis
A commentary argues that Canada should develop a regulated program to distribute pharmaceutical-grade opioids to people at highest risk of overdose. This approach aims to provide safer alternatives to illegal sources of pain relief, reducing the protracted epidemic of overdose deaths.
Marijuana farms expose spotted owls to rat poison in northwest California
A study by UC Davis found seven of 10 Northern spotted owls tested positive for rat poison, while 40% of 84 barred owls also contaminated with the poison. The illegal marijuana farms are contaminating the food web and posing a significant threat to the survival of these owl species.
Risk of chocolate poisoning in dogs peaks at Christmas, warn experts
Experts warn of a significant peak in chocolate poisoning risk for dogs during Christmas and Easter, due to increased accessibility of festive treats. Researchers analyzed 386 cases of dog intoxication from UK veterinary practices between 2012-2017, finding vomiting, heart rate increases, and agitation were common symptoms.
Four-fold jump in deaths in opioid-driven hospitalizations
Opioid-related hospitalizations have a four-fold higher mortality rate than in 2000, with deadlier conditions like heroin poisoning on the rise.
Poison ivy an unlikely hero in warding off exotic invaders?
Researchers found that poison-ivy can co-exist with knotweed, supporting native understory plant species and tree seedlings. This unexpected partnership could help restore degraded forest ecosystems threatened by knotweed invasion.
Imported candy at top of contaminated food list in California
A study by UC San Francisco and CDPH found that lead in imported candy was the top source of food-borne contamination in California, with nearly all cases coming from Mexico, China, and India. The testing program has identified lead sources upstream, allowing for removal before poisoning can occur.
How the cone snail's deadly venom can help us build better medicines
Scientists studying cone snail venom aim to develop new medicines by understanding how the poison works. Researchers have discovered that cone snail toxins can overlap between the immune and central nervous systems in humans, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treatments for neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.
Why poison frogs don't poison themselves
Scientists discovered a small genetic mutation in poison frogs that prevents the toxin epibatidine from binding to their own receptors, rendering them resistant to its lethal effects. This finding has potential consequences for designing better pain relievers and fighting nicotine addiction, as the same receptor is also involved in the...
The 'paradox' of poisonous frog resistance against their own toxins explained
Researchers discovered a single amino acid replacement underlying the paradox of poisonous frog resistance to their own toxins. This adaptation comes at the expense of reduced acetylcholine receptor function, but is eventually rescued by additional amino acid replacements.
Foster tadpoles trigger parental instinct in poison frogs
Researchers found that poison frogs will carry experimentally placed tadpoles to pools, triggering parental care instinct. The study suggests that tactile stimuli from the tadpoles play a key role in this complex behavior.
Contribution of opioid-related deaths to the change in life expectancy in the US
Between 2000 and 2015, opioid-related deaths significantly increased, contributing a loss of 0.28 years in life expectancy. Most of these deaths were unintentional, accounting for 96% of the total loss.
Man develops cyanide poisoning from apricot kernel extract
A 67-year-old man developed cyanide poisoning after taking apricot kernel extract daily for five years, exceeding safe levels by 25 times. The case highlights the risks of consuming unregulated herbal supplements and the importance of proper medical evaluation.
How poison-dart frogs avoid self-intoxication
A study discovered how poison-dart frogs avoid self-intoxication despite storing toxic batrachotoxin in their skin. The key finding involves a specific amino acid replacement that confers resistance, allowing adult frogs to store over 1 mg of toxin.
Poisonings went hand in hand with the drinking water in Pompeii
Researchers found alarming concentrations of antimony in Roman water pipes from Pompeii, linked to vomiting, diarrhea, and organ damage. The element is acutely toxic, causing rapid reactions that can lead to dehydration, liver and kidney problems, and even cardiac arrest.
Study finds 275,000 calls to poison control centers for dietary supplement exposures
A new study reveals a significant increase in calls to poison control centers regarding dietary supplement exposures, with yohimbe and energy products posing serious health risks. The study's findings support the need for improved regulation, child-resistant packaging, and caregiver education.
Study finds rate of medication errors resulting in serious medical outcomes rising
A new study found a 100% increase in medication errors per 100,000 U.S. residents from 2000 to 2012, with cardiovascular and analgesic medications being the most common causes of serious outcomes. Parents and caregivers are advised to keep written logs of medication administration to prevent errors.
Are people 'rolling the dice' when it comes to food safety?
A recent study by the ENIGMA Project found that many chefs engage in risky behaviors such as serving undercooked meat, returning to work after illness, and failing to wash hands. The researchers used a dice-rolling technique to gather data, which revealed surprising findings about food safety practices in UK kitchens.
New insights into the toxin behind tetanus
Researchers at Stockholm University have determined the three-dimensional structure of the entire tetanus toxin protein, revealing its exact atomic positions. The discovery sheds light on how the toxin interacts with nerve cells and causes life-threatening muscle cramps and spasms.
Selfish gene acts as both poison and antidote to eliminate competition
Researchers discovered a genetic survival strategy in fission yeast that uses a 'poison' to eliminate competition, but also keeps an 'antidote' for its own transmission. This mechanism, found in the wtf4 gene, can lead to infertility and has potential applications in eradicating pest populations or facilitating desirable traits.
Cane toads have a salty secret to protect themselves when shedding skin
Researchers discovered that cane toads increase active re-uptake of salts and transport proteins to maintain internal salt levels when shedding their skin. This adaptation helps them regulate water and salt balances, which is crucial for their survival.
House fly mortality by artificial sweetener: Starvation, not toxicity
Researchers tested house fly survival on erythritol and found flies died no faster than if fed water alone, suggesting starvation, not toxicity, is the cause of death.
Poison centers receive 32 calls a day about kids exposed to prescription opioids
A new study found that pediatric opioid exposures have been steadily decreasing since 2009, except for buprenorphine. Researchers call for changes to prescribing practices and increased education on safe storage at home.
Male poison frogs become cannibals after taking over territories
In a study, male Allobates femoralis frogs became cannibals when they took over new territories, eating all clutches to ensure only their own offspring survived. This behavior was linked to territorial status, rather than sexual motivation.
New study finds children and adolescents at risk from medicine intended for pets
A new study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that nearly two-thirds of US households own a pet, putting children at risk from medicine intended for pets. The researchers recommend safe storage and handling of pet medications to prevent accidental ingestion by children.
Sequencing poisonous mushrooms to potentially create medicine
Researchers at Michigan State University have genetically sequenced two species of poisonous mushrooms, discovering that they can produce billions of compounds through one molecular assembly line. This could lead to more efficient synthesis of new compounds for treating lethal diseases.
Carbon monoxide 'scavenger' offers potential antidote to silent killer
Researchers have designed a molecule that can trap and remove carbon monoxide from the bloodstream, protecting mice from poisoning. The engineered neuroglobin binds CO about 1,000 times more tightly than hemoglobin, selectively targeting the dangerous compound.
Pitt-developed molecule could be first antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have engineered a protein called Ngb H64Q that reverses carbon monoxide poisoning in mice, reducing CO half-life from 320 minutes to 23 seconds.
Attempted suicide rates and risk groups essentially unchanged, new study shows
A new study analyzing over 3 million emergency department visits shows that attempted suicide rates and risk groups remain largely unchanged between 2006 and 2013. The majority of those who attempted suicide had a concurrent mental disorder, with males more likely to use violent methods.
Renaissance astronomer Tycho Brahe was full of gold
Researchers analyzed hair samples from Tycho Brahe's remains and found significantly higher levels of gold than expected in a typical person. This suggests that Brahe was exposed to gold through his daily life, potentially through jewelry, elixirs, or alchemy.
Poisonous amphibian defenses are linked to higher extinction risk
Research by Dr Kevin Arbuckle found that poisonous amphibians are 60% more likely to be threatened than non-toxic species due to the energetic cost of chemical defenses. This study suggests that toxic defense mechanisms may be detrimental to a species' long-term survival, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Mouse study shows antibody can soothe raging, nerve-driven poison ivy itch
A mouse study found an antibody can soothe raging, nerve-driven poison ivy itch by blocking an immune system protein. The researchers also discovered that blocking another receptor for the protein alleviates itch, paving the way for potential treatments.
Discovery of new bacteria complicates problem with salmon poisoning in dogs
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified another bacterium that can cause symptoms similar to salmon poisoning in dogs, complicating the problem. The new discovery makes it clear that dogs are not immune to salmon poisoning after a single infection and treatment.
Hospitalizations for children, teens attributed to opioid poisoning jump
Hospitalizations for prescription opioid poisonings in children and adolescents have increased dramatically over the years, with a significant rise in deaths and intentional overdoses among younger age groups. The study also found that opioid poisonings attributed to heroin and methadone increased substantially in this age group.
Severe lead poisoning in children: Causes and risk factors
A new study identified sources of exposure and assessed outcomes for children with severe lead poisoning. Major risk factors included eating paint, spending time outside the US, and having developmental delays or sickle-cell disease.
Flint lead crisis adds up to $395 million in social costs
The Flint lead crisis resulted in $395 million in social costs, equivalent to 27 lives lost. Nationally, low-level lead exposure costs $4.5 billion annually, affecting lost economic productivity and welfare use.
Ladykiller: Artificial sweetener proves deadly for female flies
Researchers at Drexel University found that an artificial sweetener, specifically D-mannitol, is toxic to female fruit flies, but not males. The study suggests that targeting females in insect control could reduce population growth and impact social insect pests.
UAB study showcases poisoning risk to small children from laundry pods
A UAB study finds that laundry pod detergents are far more likely to cause poisoning injuries in young children than non-pod detergents, with an estimated 71% of pod-related exposures classified as poisoning. The research estimates there were almost 36,000 cases of injury due to all types of laundry detergent between 2012 and 2014.
New research uses novel approach to study plant mimicry
Researchers have discovered plant mimicry between Alseuosmia pusilla and Pseudowintera colorata, where the unprotected shrub mimics the chemically-defended tree. The study uses a novel approach to quantify leaf shape using morphometric methods, providing evidence of Batesian mimicry in vascular plants.
Organism responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning may affect fisheries
A new study by University of Hawaii researchers found that dinoflagellates can stress copepods, reducing their energy for growth, reproduction, and lipid biosynthesis. This impacts the food source for young fish and potentially affects fisheries.
In wake of Flint crisis, new proposal seeks to 'focus on the fix' for lead poisoning
A leading expert outlines a three-point plan to identify and eliminate all sources of lead exposure nationwide. The plan emphasizes finding lead hazards in homes and pipes, fixing them using proven interim methods, and funding efforts to hold accountable companies producing lead-contaminated products.
Sharp rise in UK teen poisonings over past 20 years, particularly among girls
A sharp increase in teen poisonings has been reported in the UK over the past 20 years, particularly among girls. Socioeconomic deprivation is strongly linked to this trend, with those from the most deprived areas two to three times more likely to poison themselves.
Over half of UK toddler deaths from unintentional drug poisoning due to methadone
Research published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that methadone was responsible for 57% of pediatric fatalities due to prescribed drug poisoning. Additionally, benzodiazepines accounted for nearly one in five cases. The study highlights the need for robust data recording to prevent such tragedies.
Why vultures matter -- and what we lose if they're gone
The primary threat to vultures is the presence of toxins in carrion they consume, leading to declines or extinctions of most vulture species worldwide. In their absence, other scavengers proliferate, causing a cascading effect on food webs and human populations.
New drug against nerve agents in sight
Researchers at Umea University and Swedish Defence Research Agency develop a three-dimensional structure of the HI-6 nerve agent antidote, revealing its binding mechanism to acetylcholinesterase. The breakthrough provides new insights into designing effective antidotes against sarin and other nerve agents.
New study finds laundry detergent packets more dangerous than other types of detergent
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that exposure to laundry detergent packets is more hazardous than other types of laundry and dishwasher detergent for children under 6. The study revealed a significant rise in incidents related to packet exposure, with over 30 calls per day received by poison control centers.
Paper-based test could help prevent food poisoning
A new paper-based test can detect foodborne pathogens within 15 minutes, making it a game-changer in large-scale food manufacturing. The test uses controlled pore size to handle complex analysis, providing simple results that don't require special training.
57 different pesticides found in poisoned honeybees
A new study reveals that European honeybees are being poisoned with up to 57 different pesticides, posing a threat to bee populations worldwide. The researchers developed a method for analyzing 200 pesticides simultaneously, providing critical information on the toxic mix and its impact on honeybee health.
Fighting food poisoning in Las Vegas with machine learning
A University of Rochester-developed app helps health departments track foodborne illnesses using natural language processing and artificial intelligence. The app led to a 60% increase in citations for health violations, resulting in 9,000 fewer food poisoning incidents in Las Vegas.
Ancient flowering plant was beautiful -- but probably poisonous
Researchers uncover fossil flowers from the genus Strychnos, a family of plants that produced poisonous strychnine and curare. These ancient plants are found to have evolved toxic alkaloids for defense against herbivores.
Injury deaths and life-expectancy gap between US and other high-income countries
A study found that US life expectancy is lower than in comparable high-income countries due to injury deaths. The 3 main causes of death, motor vehicle traffic crashes, firearm-related injuries, and drug poisonings, accounted for a significant portion of the gap.
Smooth hunters: How environmental awareness helped the Bushmen to poison their game
Researchers discovered that San Bushmen used beetle larvae and plant materials to create arrow poisons, showcasing their intimate knowledge of their environment. This ancient hunting practice provides valuable insights into human evolution and the importance of environmental awareness.
New research sharpens understanding of poison-arrow hunting in Africa
A comprehensive study of the San peoples' hunting tradition in Namibia reveals the ingenious practice of using beetle and plant poisons to boost arrow lethality. The research provides new insights into the biological purpose of the poison, its application process, and its impact on prey.
How the cell's power station survives attacks
When cells are exposed to mitochondrial damage, AMPK sends an emergency alert instructing them to break apart into tiny fragments. This process helps recycle damaged pieces and promotes mitochondrial health.
Saliva test to detect GHB and alcohol poisonings
Researchers developed a saliva-based test detecting methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, propan 1,3 glycol and γ-hydroxybutyric acid. The test uses gas chromatography-differential mobility spectrometry for accurate detection of toxic levels in saliva samples.