Sunday, January 17, 2016

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Two-for-one bacterial virulence factor revealed

Posted: 16 Jan 2016 06:49 PM PST

Given that antibiotics are losing effectiveness faster than replacements are being found, a chemist suggests we try a new approach. Drugs that hobble the production of virulence factors, small molecules that help bacteria to establish an infection in a host, would put much less selective pressure on bacteria and delay the evolution of resistance. In a new article, he describes recent work on a target virulence factor.

Gregarious chimps harbor richer gut microbiomes

Posted: 16 Jan 2016 06:47 PM PST

Spending time in close contact with others means risking catching germs and getting sick. But being sociable may also help transmit 'good' microbes, finds a new study. Researchers monitored changes in the gut microbiomes and social behavior of chimpanzees over eight years in Tanzania. The number of bacterial species in a chimp's GI tract increased when the chimps were more gregarious. The results help scientists understand the factors that maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

Weight loss, quitting smoking and giving up alcohol may be aided by hormones from our guts

Posted: 15 Jan 2016 05:53 AM PST

Scientists are investigating whether an infusion of gut hormones could help people to stop over-eating, quit smoking, or give up alcohol. In the study, volunteers will have three infusions of hormones similar to GLP-1 and ghrelin, or a placebo infusion of salt water. There will be 90 participants in total -- 30 will be overweight and trying to lose weight, 30 will be ex-smokers and another 30 will be ex-drinkers.

How a developmental gene controls feeding behaviour

Posted: 15 Jan 2016 05:53 AM PST

New insights into a Hox gene have been gained by biologists, using the fruit fly model organism. The team of scientists studied the function of a special developmental gene of the Hox gene family. This gene is essential for maintaining a motor unit in the fly's head that consists of a muscle and the stimulating neurons that enable the fly to feed.

Cause of an aggressive form of childhood cancer identified

Posted: 15 Jan 2016 05:52 AM PST

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a very aggressive cancer of the blood, which usually occurs as a tumour in lymph nodes, the skin, the lungs, the liver, and in soft tissue, and mainly affects children and young adults. The cause of this disease has not previously been researched. But now, scientists for the first time have succeeded in identifying the origins of ALCL.

New particle can track chemo

Posted: 14 Jan 2016 06:24 PM PST

Tracking the path of chemotherapy drugs in real time and at a cellular level could revolutionize cancer care and help doctors sort out why two patients might respond differently to the same treatment. Researchers have found a way to light up a common cancer drug so they can see where the chemo goes and how long it takes to get there.

Occupational textile dust exposure linked to rheumatoid arthritis

Posted: 14 Jan 2016 06:24 PM PST

Occupational exposure to textile dust is associated with a more than doubling in the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, finds new research. And it is also linked to a heightened risk of genetic susceptibility to the risk of developing antibodies to rheumatoid arthritis, known as ACPA, which hasten progression of the disease.

UK teens heavily exposed to alcohol and tobacco content in YouTube music videos

Posted: 14 Jan 2016 06:24 PM PST

UK teens are heavily exposed to alcohol and tobacco images and lyrics in digital YouTube music videos, indicates new research. Those exposed the most are 13-15 year olds, and girls, the findings suggest.
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