Articles tagged with Poisons
Scientists seek to create rat poisons that specifically target rats without posing a threat to people, pets, or wildlife. Researchers are working on tracking rodent consumption and studying resistance mechanisms to develop safer alternatives.
A new shellfish marker developed by University of California, San Diego researchers enables the detection of toxin-producing dinoflagellates in shellfish. The marker reveals fluorescent tags on dinoflagellates, indicating potential food poisoning risks, and can be used to develop early warning systems for aquaculturists.
A new study has found widespread toxic lead contamination in used consumer products such as toys, home décor items, and jewelry. Researchers tested 28 items from second-hand stores and found 19 exceeded the federal limit for lead content.
Exposure to arsenic in rural Bangladesh is poisonous to the nation's economy, reducing labor supply by 8 percent. The study also shows that women are working fewer hours outside the home while men are working more to compensate for the lack of healthcare access.
Researchers at Arizona State University have successfully produced plant-derived human butyrylcholinesterase, a bioscavenger that can neutralize organophosphate toxins. This breakthrough holds promise for protecting the nervous system from pesticide and nerve agent poisoning, as well as treating related diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Scientists have discovered two new compounds that show promise as treatments for botulism poisoning, building on a multiple sclerosis drug. The compounds did not enter the brain and showed good potential in mice paralyzed by the toxin.
A Brown University-led study reveals significant geographic disparities in lead poisoning rates across Rhode Island, with some areas experiencing rates as high as 48.6% among young children. The analysis highlights the need for targeted cleanup efforts to address these disparities and mitigate the long-term effects of lead poisoning.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that agricultural pesticide poisoning is the single most common means of suicide worldwide, with significant variation in case fatality rates among different pesticides. The authors argue that basing regulation on human toxicity, rather than animal data, could help reduce suicides and improve pu...
A new study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that succimer does not effectively remove mercury from the body. Despite lower blood concentrations after one week, continued therapy over five months showed only a slight slowing of mercury accumulation.
Millions in China's Guizhou province suffer from fluorosis due to air pollution from burned coal, leading to dental problems and joint pain. The Chinese government has implemented programs to improve ventilation in homes and reduce particulate matter.
A study of medical records in Hong Kong found 66 cases of poisoning from natural slimming therapy, with one fatality. The researchers identified 12 agents used in 81 products as falling into categories that include undeclared weight-loss drugs and banned substances.
Lestria bacteria can overcome harsh acidic conditions by exploiting key food ingredients like glutamate, neutralising acid and passing through the stomach unscathed. Consuming Lestria in one food may be safe, but eating it in another could be lethal due to varying food matrix properties.
A new study published in The Lancet found that exposure to arsenic in drinking water is linked to increased mortality rates, particularly among those with heart disease and other chronic conditions. Researchers tracked 12,000 people in Bangladesh over a decade to gather data on the health effects of arsenic exposure.
The University of Maryland Medical Center's Historical Clinicopathological Conference has re-examined Simon Bolivar's death, suggesting chronic arsenic poisoning led to a serious respiratory illness. Dr. Paul G. Auwaerter believes the symptoms align with gradual arsenic poisoning, contradicting the initial diagnosis of tuberculosis.
A new tobacco product with a candy-like appearance and flavorings may increase appeal to young people, leading to nicotine addiction. Researchers found that ingestion of as little as 1mg of nicotine can cause severe symptoms in children, posing a significant public health risk.
A recent study found that consumers in conflict are more likely to accept compromise alternatives and defer decisions, leading to unintended choices. The researchers identified two types of regulatory goals: those focused on gains and those focused on losses, which affect decision-making.
Researchers have discovered two compounds that allow cells to survive attacks from ricin and Shiga-like toxins, rendering them immune to these deadly threats. These compounds work by blocking the toxins' escape via cellular components, providing potential countermeasures against bioterrorism.
Hospitalizations for prescription opioid, sedative, and tranquilizer poisoning increased by 65% from 1999-2006. Unintentional poisonings by these drugs increased by 37%, while intentional overdoses rose by 130%.
A new two-in-one test can detect both E. coli bacteria and its toxins, reducing foodborne illness and product recalls. The test cuts waiting time to just 24 hours, improving sensitivity and enabling early detection of contaminated products.
Researchers found that patients with mild to moderate liver coma survived nearly 2.5 times more with N-acetylcysteine treatment than placebo, offering a new glimmer of hope for those affected by non-acetaminophen acute liver failure.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found a significant increase in deaths from unintentional injuries, particularly among middle-aged white women and men. The death rate from falls increased by 38% for white men and 48% for white women 65 and older.
Researchers have identified a new nerve growth factor, MANF, that can halt the progress of Parkinson's disease and restore damaged cells in rats. The study shows promising results, suggesting that MANF may be a highly significant finding in respect to growth factor therapy for PD.
Researchers in China have discovered a new protein-based neurotoxin, anntoxin, found in the skin of the Chinese tree frog. This finding sheds light on the evolution of amphibians and poison, revealing a unique toxin that differs from other vertebrate animals.
A new study found that 73% of consumer paint brands from 12 countries exceeded the US standard of 600 ppm for lead in paint, while 69% had levels over 10,000 ppm. The researchers call for a global ban on lead-based paint to protect over three billion people worldwide.
The dioxin poisoning of Victor Yushchenko demonstrates the importance of monitoring TCDD and its metabolites in human tissues. Metabolites were predominantly found in faeces, indicating a slow metabolism by the liver and skin.
A team of Queen's scientists will train thousands of people in Eastern India on a novel chemical-free arsenic removal method over the next three years. The program aims to empower local communities to manage natural resources and address deeply entrenched arsenic contamination of groundwater.
Researchers have discovered nine novel poison molecules in the venom of the Scorpiops jendeki scorpion, expanding knowledge of scorpion venoms. The study found ten known types of poisons with diverse modes of action, offering a rich resource for drug development.
A clinical trial in Sri Lanka found no significant improvement in survival rates among patients treated with the WHO-recommended antidote pralidoxime, suggesting it may be harmful. Further trials are needed to explore the risks and benefits of oximes and dosing regimens.
Researchers found that 75% of children treated for carbon monoxide poisoning were playing video games when generators were used to power electronic gadgets. The study emphasizes the need for generator safety awareness among parents and educators to prevent such incidents.
Ciguatera poisoning, caused by eating large carnivorous reef fish, may have prompted Polynesian migrations out of paradise. Researchers propose that climate change and ciguatera outbreaks led to historical mass migrations of Cook Islanders from Rarotonga to New Zealand, Easter Island, and possibly Hawaii.
A study published in NEJM reports that administering scorpion-specific antivenom to children with severe nerve poisoning from scorpion stings results in rapid symptom resolution, often within two hours. The antivenom was effective in treating all 15 children involved in the study, saving lives and reducing treatment costs.
A new system developed by Prof. Abraham Katzir can detect contaminants in water supply in real time, providing early warning to authorities. The system uses special fibers that can distinguish between pure and contaminated water using the invisible infrared spectrum.
A study by University of Georgia researchers found a rise in homicidal poisonings, with infants being the most common victims. The majority of these cases are likely negligent homicides committed by parents or caretakers, rather than premeditated crimes.
Dental amalgam has been deemed safe and effective for over 200 years, with the majority of health risks associated with large doses. A person would need hundreds of amalgam fillings to experience symptoms of mercury toxicity, according to Dr. Rod Mackert.
Researchers found that bacteria in the soil and sediment of river basins in Asia convert iron and arsenic into a form that readily dissolves in water, contaminating groundwater. This discovery has significant implications for policymakers trying to reverse the mass poisoning crisis.
Researchers from the Alfred Wegener Institute have identified a tiny algal species, Azadinium spinosum, as the producer of azaspiracid toxin, causing severe poisoning in human consumers of mussels. The discovery provides an effective early warning system for mussel farms.
A new study from the University of Texas at Austin reveals that Amazonian amphibian diversity originated from ancestral frogs leaping into the region from the Andes Mountains, with at least 14 dispersals occurring between 23 and 1 million years ago.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a genetic mutation in rats that links to cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and potentially Alzheimer's disease. The study found that the mutation also increases susceptibility to arterial calcification.
Researchers identified eighteen new genetic changes in rats from four continents that enable resistance to warfarin. VKORC1 gene mutations may cause heritable resistance by preventing coumarin derivatives from interfering with the reductase enzyme activity.
Lucrezia Borgia, illegitimate daughter of Pope Alexander VI, defied conventions by running massive land development projects and accumulating vast wealth. Her business ventures, including draining marshy lands and cultivating grains, demonstrate a capitalist attitude and knowledge of contract terms.
Scientists have successfully engineered bacteria to produce unusually long-chain alcohols essential in the creation of biofuels, packing more energy into a smaller space. The new method could lead to more efficient production of gasoline and jet fuel, reducing volatility and corrosion., Researchers used genetic modification to expand n...
Researchers have found a potential treatment for ciguatera poisoning using the compound brevenal, which can block the effect of the toxin on sodium channels. Currently, there are few effective treatments available for acute impact of ciguatera poisoning on humans and marine mammals.
A new study identified five counties in Oregon with the most meth-linked incidents per capita, including sparsely populated Umatilla County. The analysis found that every lab or dump site was 11.5 times more likely to be in Umatilla County than anywhere else in the state.
Researchers found that Listeria monocytogenes can survive on meat factory surfaces more effectively when competing with Pseudomonas fluorescens, a common food spoilage bacteria. The presence of duck juices at optimal temperatures allows for higher attachment levels of Listeria.
A study by Indiana University researchers suggests treating contaminated urban soils with water can prevent chronic lead poisoning in children. The study reveals that older cities like Indianapolis have a high lead burden resulting in a lead poisoning epidemic among their youngest citizens.
A new definition for intermediate syndrome (IMS) resulting from organophosphate poisoning has been proposed based on a study of 78 patients. The researchers found that specific changes in nerve transmission occurred before the development of IMS, suggesting that these changes may be an indicator of future poor outcome.
The Florida Department of Health has approved the use of Cyanokit 5g, a hydroxocobalamin injection, in emergency medical services (EMS) and fire vehicles. This treatment is intended to help first responders quickly respond to suspected cases of cyanide poisoning at the scene of an accident.
Researchers developed a method to identify bromadiolone poisoning in humans, which has a 20% mortality rate. The analysis method helps treat bleeding disorders by quickly identifying the cause of the condition.
Researchers have identified at least three clays that kill or significantly reduce the growth of MRSA, Mycobacterium ulcerans, E. coli, and Salmonella bacteria. The clays' antibacterial activity is believed to be due to specific compounds within them.
A new study reveals that some snakes have evolved super-resistance to the toxic newt's poison, rendering it ineffective. This rare exception highlights a previously unknown aspect of co-evolutionary arms races and challenges our understanding of species interactions.
Researchers found that snakes in some areas have developed extreme resistance to tetrodotoxin, a toxin produced by poisonous newts. This means that the newts' toxicity levels are no longer effective against these snakes, allowing them to thrive and even dominate the populations.
A randomized controlled trial found that multiple-dose activated charcoal has no effect on mortality in patients who have poisoned themselves with toxic pesticides or plants. The study involved over 4600 patients and showed no differences in mortality rates between those who received activated charcoal and those who did not.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital found that routine screening for carbon monoxide poisoning can detect life-threatening cases in emergency room patients. The study screened over 14,000 patients and identified 11 unexpected cases, highlighting the importance of universal screening to prevent further exposure.
A new study reveals that carbon monoxide directly damages heart muscle, leading to long-lasting cardiac function impairment. CO's effect on heart muscle is unrelated to oxygen deprivation in the recovery phase.
A retrospective study found that NAC treatment in children with non-acetaminophen induced acute liver failure resulted in shorter hospital stays, higher liver recovery rates, and improved survival after transplantation. Adverse effects were minor and self-limited, supporting the safe use of NAC for this condition.
Researchers developed a fast-acting antidote to cyanide poisoning that works in under three minutes and can be taken orally, giving emergency responders more time to respond. The new antidote has been tested on animals and shows exceptional effectiveness.
A new study by the New York City Health Department found that immigrant children are five times more likely to suffer from lead poisoning than U.S.-born children. The risk is highest among recent immigrants from countries with less stringent lead regulations, such as the Dominican Republic and Pakistan. To protect their children, paren...
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that protein PEPT2 shields the brain from a naturally occurring but toxic compound found in lead poisoning and liver diseases. The study found that mice lacking PEPT2 died sooner and had higher concentrations of the toxin in their cerebrospinal fluid.
Researchers at Michigan State University used genetic technology to discover a unique pathway in death cap mushrooms that produces the deadly toxin alpha-amanitin. The discovery sheds light on the underlying biochemical machinery and may lead to the development of novel chemicals with therapeutic potential.
A new study reveals that a carbon monoxide test can quickly and noninvasively identify patients' smoking status, helping doctors deliver targeted smoking cessation counseling. The device's use has been shown to be effective in identifying smokers, secondhand smokers, and nonsmokers.