Monthly Archives: August 2016
Tasmanian devils evolve to resist deadly cancer
“Andrew Storfer, WSU professor of biology, and an international team of scientists discovered that two regions in the genomes of Australia’s iconic marsupials are changing in response to the rapid spread of devil facial tumor disease (DFTD), a nearly 100 percent fatal and transmissible cancer first detected in 1996.”
Vacation and Meditation Impact Stress Response- and Immune Function-Related Gene Activity
“The team found that a resort vacation provides a strong and immediate impact on molecular networks associated with stress and immune pathways […]. A meditation retreat, for those who already used meditation regularly, was associated with molecular networks characterized by antiviral activity. The molecular signature of long-term meditators was distinct from the non-meditating vacationers.”
Osteopathic manipulative treatment improves outcomes for elderly pneumonia patients
“Osteopathic manipulative therapy was developed in the pre-antibiotic era specifically for the management of pneumonia. While antibiotic therapy is the current standard of care, the emergence of resistant bacteria is a global threat and provides an incentive to explore adjunct treatments that can improve their efficacy,” said James Bailey, DO, assistant professor in physical medicine […]
Mediterranean diet associated with lower risk of death in cardiovascular disease patients
“The researchers deepened their investigation by looking at the role played by individual foods that make up Mediterranean diet. “The major contributors to mortality risk reduction were a higher consumption of vegetables, fish, fruits, nuts and monounsaturated fatty acids – that means olive oil,” said Dr Bonaccio.”
Breast milk sugar may protect babies against deadly infection
“A type of sugar found naturally in some women’s breast milk may protect new born babies from infection with a potentially life threatening bacterium called Group B streptococcus, according to a new study from Imperial College London. These bacteria are a common cause of meningitis in new borns and the leading cause of infection in […]
Strict diet combats rare progeria aging disorders in mice
“The study has now established that in mice with this disease it is actually very important to eat less. ‘Mice that were given 30 percent less food lived for more than a year, compared to only 4 to 6 months if they were not put on a diet. The rapid deterioration of the nervous system, […]
Gut bacteria could tip balance in developing celiac disease or staying healthy
“About 40 per cent of the population have a genetic disposition to celiac disease, but only about one per cent develop the autoimmune condition when exposed to gluten, and this could be promoted by the type of bacteria present in the gut.
Fungi eat up old batteries and spit out metals
“Acids produced by fungi can extract lithium and cobalt from old lithium-ion batteries, researchers from the University of South Florida have discovered. This new way to recycle batteries represents a safer and environmentally friendlier way to extract these metals, as current techniques typically require harsh chemicals and high temperatures.”
BPA induced reprogramming of male turtle brains to show female behavior
“Last year, a team of researchers led by the University of Missouri determined that BPA can disrupt sexual function in painted turtles, causing males to develop female sex organs. Now, the team has shown that BPA also can induce behavioral changes in turtles, reprogramming male turtle brains to show behavior common in females. Researchers worry […]
Evidence piles up for popular pesticides’ link to pollinator problems
“The link between pollinator problems and neonicotinoids, a group of agricultural pesticides commonly associated with declines in honeybees, continues to build with two new studies published this week.”