Articles tagged with Poisons
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Children under 5 living in economically disadvantaged rural areas have a higher risk of medication poisoning. The study found that these areas have lower household income, high unemployment, and fewer resources for child supervision.
A new University of Sydney study reveals that recreational drug use among young people is a significant harm with potentially lethal consequences. Males under 30 are at greatest risk, with stimulants being the most commonly linked substance to recreational poisonings.
A case of aconitine-induced cardiovascular symptoms is reported in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology. The patient developed bidirectional ventricular tachycardia after consuming a medicinal liquid containing aconitine, a toxic substance from the Aconitum plant.
Despite improvements in antidote availability, many UK hospitals still lack essential stocks for treating poisoned patients. The study found that only 20 out of 22 category A and B antidotes were stocked within the recommended time in over 78% of hospitals.
A study published in PLOS One reveals that fishers in California are being poisoned by rat poisons used on illegal marijuana farms, leading to a 233% increase in poisoning-related deaths. The toxicants are particularly deadly for male fishers, which are five times more likely to die from poisoning than predation compared to females.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that 167 fisher deaths were attributed to rat poisoning from illegal marijuana grows, with exposure rates rising by 6% between 2012 and 2014. The poison, often used as bait, has been linked to 10% of fisher deaths and affects the animals' ability to recycle vitamin K.
Invasive Salmonella infections are a major cause of child illness and deaths in sub-Saharan Africa, with 3.4 million illnesses and 681,000 deaths worldwide in 2010, according to new research.
Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that a genetic mutation in macaques allowed them to tolerate bitter tastes, increasing their chances of survival. This finding challenges the common belief that an inability to taste bitterness is a disadvantage.
A recent study found that coagulation tests used to monitor internal bleeding in patients taking blood thinners like Xarelto and Eliquis may not be reliable. The tests, such as prothrombin time (PT), PTT, or INR, were found to be elevated in a minority of cases but appear unreliable to measure the risk of internal bleeding.
Researchers discovered a toxin that turns a common protein into poison, disabling the immune cell's ability to neutralize bacteria. The toxin targets a protein called formin, which is essential for assembling actin filaments, ultimately crippling the cell.
Researchers at UMass Medical School found that Google Glass can effectively extend toxicology consults to remote hospitals, improving patient diagnosis and management. The device enables physicians to consult with remote specialists in real-time, validating bedside exams and diagnosing specific poisonings.
A study found that non-chronic opioid users with low prescribed doses are at risk of overdose, contradicting current guidelines. Concurrent sedative use also contributes to overdose risk.
A case study in Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights the risks of eating wild mushrooms, with a woman requiring a liver transplant after consuming misidentified Aminata bisporigera. The authors emphasize the importance of proper identification and caution against premature discharge from hospital or emergency department.
A new study estimates Florida's annual incidence of ciguatera toxin poisoning at about 5.6 cases per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the previous estimate of .2 cases per 100,000. The highest risk areas are around Miami and in the Florida Keys.
A nationwide study reveals a significant rise in marijuana exposure among children under 5, with over 75% of cases involving ingestion. The study calls for states to include child safety measures in their laws when considering marijuana legalization.
For severe salicylate poisoning, hemodialysis is the best remedy according to a comprehensive review of medical literature. Salicylate poisoning causes significant harm and death, requiring prompt treatment with dialysis.
A study published in Clinical Toxicology found that US poisonings are underreported by 60-90%, with charges approaching $8 billion annually. Alcohol and illicit drug use were the most common reasons for hospital visits.
Researchers have developed a mass spectrometry-based process to detect the toxic bacteria's emetic toxin, cereulide. The new method identified 18 variants of cereulide and is being evaluated for its reliability in detecting contaminated products.
Researchers have created a safer and more environmentally friendly antifreeze by combining propylene glycol with an additive that improves heat transfer. The new product is 60% more efficient than conventional formulations, making it suitable for smaller markets like the food industry.
Poisoning from prescription drugs and emerging substances like 'bath salts' and laundry detergent pods led to millions of human poison exposures in the US. In 2012, poison centers reported 2.2 million exposures, with children and teenagers being disproportionately affected.
A team of Michigan State University scientists has discovered an enzyme, called POPB, which converts toxins into cyclic peptides with missile-like precision in the human liver. This breakthrough could lead to single-minded medicines with zero side effects by harnessing the distinct properties of POPB.
A new study found that over 40% of energy drink exposure reports to US poison control centers involved children under 6, suffering from serious cardiac and neurological symptoms. Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and other ingredients that can cause these effects, particularly when mixed with alcohol.
A new study found that laundry detergent pods pose a significant risk to young children, with 17,230 cases reported between 2012 and 2013. Children under 6 years old accounted for nearly two-thirds of cases, with nearly half experiencing vomiting after exposure.
Researchers found that bright coloration preceded louder, more complex calls in certain species of poisonous frogs, which helped protect them from predators. This led to the development of unique vocalizations, with females preferring lower-pitch, pulsing calls.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that 63,000 children under six experience medication errors annually, with younger children at higher risk. The most common mistakes involve painkillers and fever-reducers, highlighting the need for better dosing instructions and product packaging.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that oral chelation therapy with dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) reduced the amount of lead in blood of young children in Zamfara State, Nigeria. The treatment was associated with a significant reduction in venous blood lead levels, and no clinically severe adverse effects were reported.
A new poison dart frog species, Andinobates geminisae, has been discovered in Donoso, Panama. Genetic sequencing confirms it is a distinct species from another known poison dart frog, Oophaga pumilio.
E-cigarette nicotine refill cartridges contain high levels of nicotine, posing a risk to young children who may accidentally ingest them. The US CDC reports a massive rise in accidental poison calls related to e-cigarette refills, with over half involving children under 5.
Researchers at UC San Diego have sequenced the complete genome of the EDL933 E. coli strain, a common cause of food poisoning outbreaks in the US. The full genome sequence provides precise locations of jumping genes, potentially aiding in tracking and treating future outbreaks.
Aconite poisoning cases have surged in Australia due to increased use of Chinese herbal medicines. A recent case highlighted the potentially lethal nature of aconite, with symptoms including facial numbness, nausea, and abdominal pain.
The number of enquiries made to the National Poisons Information Service about 2,4-Dinitrophenol's harmful effects has sharply risen in the past three years. The most commonly reported symptoms include fever, rapid heart rate and sweating.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a natural fungus that can kill poison ivy, offering an alternative to chemical treatments. The fungus, Colletotrichum fioriniae, is being explored as a potential biological control method for invasive plants.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that Massachusetts' comprehensive health care reform led to a significant decline in deaths, particularly among nonelderly residents. The researchers estimated that the reform prevented 320 deaths per year and saved one life for every 830 persons gaining insurance. Additionally, th...
Children and young adults with epilepsy are more likely to suffer broken bones, burns, and poisonings compared to those without the condition. Young people with epilepsy are at significantly greater risk of being poisoned by medication, especially in the age group of 19-24 years old.
Carbon monoxide exposure cases rise after snowstorms and power loss, with generators and car exhaust as common sources; public health education crucial to prevent poisoning.
The updated guidelines for treating paracetamol overdoses are costing the NHS millions of pounds a year, with over 31,000 extra patients needing treatment. The changes have led to an increase in hospital admissions, with more than 49,000 patients receiving treatment annually.
African wildlife faces devastating effects from pesticide use, with a new study uncovering widespread killing of species. The research calls for regional centers to identify hotspots and promote chemical testing, education, and public engagement to combat poisoning.
Patients who received assistance from poison centers had shorter hospital stays and lower hospital charges. The study found a cumulative decrease of $2,078 in hospital charges per 10 patients.
Prey animals adopt garish colors to live long and prosper, even if they aren't poisonous. The evolutionary benefit of mimicry works, with predators reacting to the impersonations and avoiding eating the imposters. This study used evolving populations of digital organisms in a virtual world called Avida.
A patient's symptoms were linked to cobalt poisoning after a doctor used a TV show as a teaching tool to diagnose a rare disease. The patient had undergone a metal hip replacement, leading to severe heart failure and other symptoms that were eventually resolved with a new ceramic prosthesis.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that states decriminalizing marijuana saw a dramatic increase in children requiring medical intervention at emergency rooms. High-dose edible products containing tetrahydrocannabinol were identified as a significant contributor to these incidents.
Research reveals that male dyeing poison frogs prefer to deposit their tadpoles in already occupied pools with larger conspecific larvae, despite high cannibalism risk. This unusual decision may be a gamble for frog fathers, weighing stable conditions against potential predation.
The use of lead-free steel shot in Spanish wetlands has significantly reduced waterfowl poisoning, with a 50% decrease in lead accumulation detected. Researchers attribute this to the change in material from lead to steel shot.
A study found that African vultures focus on areas with high prey mortality, rather than abundance, to locate food sources. Vultures travel vast distances throughout the year in search of food, covering regions larger than New Jersey and New York State combined.
A new study reveals a sharp rise in US drug poisoning deaths by county, with both urban and rural areas experiencing significant increases. Rural areas showed a greater percentage increase in death rates, highlighting the need for targeted policies and programs to address this growing public health concern.
A study found that green poison-dart frogs vary their mating calls according to the availability of potential mates, adjusting their behavior to balance the risk of predation and securing a mate. In certain contexts, green males appear more conspicuous to females than red males, but less visible to predators.
A study found that Twitter is used by individuals and organizations involved in clinical toxicology and poison control to share information on diagnosis, management, and conferences. The audit yielded 51 relevant accounts with an average of 1,084 followers.
A recent study found that olive leaf extract can protect against lead-induced brain injury by increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing apoptosis. The study published in Neural Regeneration Research reveals the action mechanism underlying olive leaf extract treatment for lead poisoning.
Researchers suggest that trypophobia may stem from a specific visual feature common to poisonous animals, including high contrast energy at midrange spatial frequencies. Studies exploring the phenomenon are underway to shed light on its ingrained nature in everyday objects.
A new model predicts arsenic contamination risks in China, identifying high-risk areas where millions of people live. The model could also be used to identify contaminated water sources in other arid regions worldwide.
A study by researchers found that gypsum wallboard allows carbon monoxide to diffuse through it. This could explain instances of CO poisoning in contiguous residences. The findings highlight the need for CO alarm use and education in homes with this type of wallboard.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a wearable helmet sensor that can detect the onset of carbon monoxide poisoning in construction workers with a probability of greater than 99%. The sensor uses pulse oximetry technology to monitor blood gas saturation levels, providing early warnings to prevent potential harm.
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens highlights the importance of balancing the gut microbiome to prevent food-borne infections. The researchers found that SIGIRR protein plays a critical role in protecting the gut against bacterial pathogens, and its dysfunction can lead to increased susceptibility to colonization by harmful microbes.