https://phys.org/ en-us Latest news from American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Researchers have used advanced sequencing technology to determine how the mix of microbes present in patients with healthy eyes differs from the mix found in patients with dry eye. The new work could lead to improved treatments for various eye problems and for diseases affecting other parts of the body. https://phys.org/news/2024-03-uncover-microbial-secrets-dry-eye.html Cell & Microbiology Tue, 26 Mar 2024 17:30:01 EDT news630685381 Could taking statins benefit your mouth in addition to your arteries? A new study conducted in cell cultures has shown that cholesterol-lowering drugs help to dampen the inflammation associated with periodontal disease by altering the behavior of macrophages, a type of immune cell. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-03-statins-gum-disease.html Medications Mon, 25 Mar 2024 17:30:03 EDT news630598141 Researchers have identified a new complex-carbohydrate biomolecule, or glycan, that plays a key role in the nasal colonization of the Bordetella bacteria responsible for whooping cough. The discovery could make it possible to create a new drug or vaccine that interferes with the glycan to greatly reduce or even stop ongoing Bordetella transmission. https://phys.org/news/2024-03-uncover-key-biomolecule-involved-whooping.html Cell & Microbiology Mon, 25 Mar 2024 17:30:03 EDT news630588782 Scientists have developed a new lung surfactant that is produced synthetically rather than relying on the use of animal tissues. With further development, the formulation could provide a cheaper and more readily available alternative to Infasurf, a medication used to prevent and treat respiratory distress in premature babies. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-03-surfactant-lung-treatments-premature-babies.html Medical research Mon, 25 Mar 2024 17:30:03 EDT news630597422 A newly discovered feedback loop involving estrogen may explain why women might become dependent on nicotine more quickly and with less nicotine exposure than men. The research could lead to new treatments for women who are having trouble quitting nicotine-containing products such as cigarettes. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-03-estrogen-nicotine-addiction-women.html Addiction Mon, 25 Mar 2024 17:30:03 EDT news630598321 A new study found higher levels of neurodegeneration in rats that consumed reused deep-fried cooking oils and their offspring compared to rats on a normal diet. Deep frying, which involves completely submerging food in hot oil, is a common method of food preparation around the world. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-03-links-term-consumption-reused-deep.html Neuroscience Mon, 25 Mar 2024 17:30:01 EDT news630590788 Scientists report they have extracted a compound with powerful antibacterial properties from the skin of farmed African catfish. Although additional testing is necessary to prove the compound is safe and effective for use as future antibiotic, the researchers say it could one day represent a potent new tool against antimicrobial-resistant bacteria such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli. https://phys.org/news/2024-03-african-catfish-skin-mucus-yields.html Biochemistry Mon, 25 Mar 2024 09:30:01 EDT news630575326 A newly developed compound is showing promise in animal studies as a more effective treatment for human schistosomiasis, an understudied tropical disease caused by parasitic worms. The spread of schistosomiasis, a disease responsible for nearly 12,000 deaths globally each year, has been documented in 78 nations. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-03-compound-deadly-tropical-disease.html Medical research Mon, 25 Mar 2024 08:49:18 EDT news630575351 New research conducted in mice offers insights into what's going on at the molecular level that could cause people with diabetes to develop Alzheimer's disease. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-03-diabetes-alzheimer-liver-key.html Alzheimer's disease & dementia Mon, 25 Mar 2024 08:48:15 EDT news630575292 A new study examining cholesteryl esters suggests that periods of prolonged inactivity may affect people differently depending on their age. Cholesteryl esters—which consist of cholesterol molecules bonded with fatty acids—store and transport cholesterol throughout the body. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-03-bedrest-affect-cholesterol-dynamics-differently.html Cardiology Mon, 25 Mar 2024 08:48:08 EDT news630575285 Last week, the Journal of Biological Chemistry (JBC) published an editorial to define appropriate and inappropriate uses of artificial intelligence technology in the "preparation and review of manuscripts being considered for publication." https://phys.org/news/2023-07-journal-editors-ai-science-publishing.html Other Mon, 24 Jul 2023 17:09:10 EDT news609437347 A recent study has unveiled the doorway that SARS-CoV2 uses to slip inside cells undetected. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-06-role-high-cholesterol-sars-cov-infectivity.html Medical research Tue, 20 Jun 2023 15:05:58 EDT news606492354 In a recent study, researchers determined that derivatives of natural emulsifiers such as phospholipids found in high-fat, high-cholesterol diets can promote atherosclerosis via gut bacteria interactions with the immune system. This study could pave the way for targeted interventions for individuals who are at risk for developing heart disease. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-05-high-fat-diet-thermostat-atherosclerosis.html Medical research Thu, 11 May 2023 15:37:03 EDT news603038221 A recent study revealed that a protein important for neuron communication is associated with patient resistance to Alzheimer's disease and may delay cognitive decline. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-04-alzheimer.html Neuroscience Thu, 27 Apr 2023 12:53:58 EDT news601818830 A recent study using mice has revealed a way to turn back the clock after heart attack. The researchers behind the work used RNAs to instruct cells in an injured heart to eliminate scar tissue and recreate cardiac muscle, allowing the heart to function like new again. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-04-chance-healthy-heart-cellular-reprogramming.html Cardiology Wed, 19 Apr 2023 14:57:23 EDT news601135040 A new study has identified potential neurological biomarkers of long COVID-19 in nonhuman primates that may help physicians diagnose, monitor and treat this condition. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-04-combat-covid.html Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:57:39 EDT news599918253 A recent study in the Journal of Biological Chemistry revealed the key to a protein that commonly causes blindness. The biological process involves a protein that is essential for transporting toxic compounds out of the eye, similar to a garbage recycling service. The challenge is that, like food and the waste it generates, these compounds are essential for the eye to function properly—until they build up and cause blindness. https://phys.org/news/2023-04-peering-ocular-recycling.html Biochemistry Tue, 04 Apr 2023 11:57:58 EDT news599828275 The fruit of the cocklebur plant, which grows worldwide and is often considered a noxious weed, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components that could make it useful as a skin protectant, according to new research. https://phys.org/news/2023-03-scientists-anti-aging-potential-invasive-weed.html Biochemistry Tue, 28 Mar 2023 19:00:02 EDT news599239527 A new study has revealed insights into how cells sense and respond to the weightlessness experienced in space. The information could be useful for keeping astronauts healthy on future space missions. https://phys.org/news/2023-03-insights-cells-gravity-experienced-space.html Cell & Microbiology Tue, 28 Mar 2023 19:00:01 EDT news599239521 New research has revealed important information about how aspirin works. Even though this drug has been available commercially since the late 1800s, scientists have not yet fully elucidated its detailed mechanism of action and cellular targets. The new findings could pave the way to safer aspirin alternatives and might also have implications for improving cancer immunotherapies. https://phys.org/news/2023-03-insights-drug-scientists-aspirin.html Biochemistry Tue, 28 Mar 2023 19:00:01 EDT news599239499 Growing concerns over the potential health effects of exposure to phthalates, a component of many plastics and also known as a plasticizer, have led to a search for safer alternatives. In a new study conducted in cell cultures, researchers found that the chemical acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) might not be the best replacement because it appears to interfere with the growth and maintenance of neurons. https://phys.org/news/2023-03-phthalate-alternative-brain-health.html Biochemistry Mon, 27 Mar 2023 19:30:01 EDT news599154555 A new study has found that people who are currently suffering or face a high risk of post-traumatic stress disorder show particular patterns in four biomarkers that are measurable with a simple blood test. The findings suggest these biomarkers could be used to predict a person's likelihood of developing PTSD, diagnose the disorder or monitor the response to treatment. https://phys.org/news/2023-03-markers-ptsd-blood.html Biochemistry Mon, 27 Mar 2023 19:30:01 EDT news599154419 For the first time, researchers have developed a form of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that is capable of crossing into the eye's retina to ward off visual declines related to Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and other disorders. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-03-omega-visual-decline-alzheimer-disease.html Alzheimer's disease & dementia Mon, 27 Mar 2023 18:20:01 EDT news599154323 In a new study, researchers examined how a country's number of published 3D protein structures for coronaviruses, including the one responsible for COVID-19, correlated with its economic output and population. The findings reveal important insights into how different countries' research establishments respond to disease outbreaks and could be useful for planning responses to future pandemics. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-03-global-analysis-coronavirus-protein-reveals.html Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes Mon, 27 Mar 2023 04:24:33 EDT news599109867 Each year, about 500,000 people in the U.S. deal with gastrointestinal infections from Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), and more than 20,000 die from these infections. A new study performed in mice has identified a compound that prevented C. diff infection caused by multiple strains of the bacterium, including those that cause serious illness. Researchers are now using this compound to develop new drug candidates that might eventually offer a way to prevent serious C. diff infections in people. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-03-scientists-critical-diff-infections.html Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes Mon, 27 Mar 2023 04:23:02 EDT news599109776 One of the ways that cancer cells hide from the body's immune system is by forming a thin surface barrier called the glycocalyx. In a new study, researchers examined the material properties of this barrier with unprecedented resolution, revealing information that could help improve current cell-based cancer immunotherapies. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-03-cancer-cells-thicker-glycocalyx-barrier.html Immunology Mon, 27 Mar 2023 04:22:22 EDT news599109737 A new study examining the gene expression of gut microbes suggests that the heart-healthy benefits of walnuts may be linked to beneficial changes in the mix of microbes found in our gut. The findings could help identify other foods or supplements with similar nutritional benefits. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-03-heart-benefits-walnuts-gut.html Cardiology Sat, 25 Mar 2023 15:37:12 EDT news598977424 A recent study in the Journal of Biological Chemistry has revealed the secret behind an evolutionary marvel: a bacteriophage with an extremely long tail. This extraordinary tail is part of a bacteriophage that lives in inhospitable hot springs and preys on some of the toughest bacteria on the planet. https://phys.org/news/2023-03-rapunzel-virus-evolutionary-oddity.html Cell & Microbiology Tue, 14 Mar 2023 14:00:04 EDT news598021201 A team of researchers has discovered a potential therapeutic that can synergize with existing drugs to more effectively kill certain leukemia cells. The authors published their results in Molecular & Cellular Proteomics. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-03-leukemia-achilles-heel.html Medical research Wed, 08 Mar 2023 10:05:54 EST news597492349 A team of researchers has developed a new method to screen FDA-approved drugs to determine if they could be repurposed or improved to help patients with a rare, debilitating disease of the nervous system. https://phys.org/news/2023-02-reimagining-drugs-rare-brain-disorder.html Biochemistry Thu, 16 Feb 2023 10:17:33 EST news595765047