All Editorial articles – Page 30
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NewsGene found in rough Salmonella Infantis variant offers drug target for variety of pathogens
A new study identifies a gene in a rough Salmonella Infantis variant that could offer a target for developing effective vaccines and therapeutic strategies, not only for Salmonella but other Enterobacteriaceae as well.
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NewsVentilation in hospitals could cause viruses to spread further
Increased use of ventilation and air cleaners, designed to mitigate the spread of viral infections in hospitals, is likely to have unpredictable effects and may cause viral particles to move around more, according to a new study.
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NewsWhy you shouldn’t scratch an itchy rash: New study explains
New research uncovers how scratching aggravates inflammation and swelling in a mouse model of a type of eczema called allergic contact dermatitis.
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NewsAntibody treatment prevents severe bird flu in monkeys
A prophylactic antibody-based immune therapy protects monkeys against severe disease caused by H5N1 avian flu, a new study reports.
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NewsResearchers in Brazil discover a gene that may afford protection against COVID-19
During the pandemic, health worker Maria Tereza Malheiros Sapienza’s curiosity was aroused by her immunity to SARS-CoV-2, even though her husband was infected twice. A new study reveals that an overexpression of IFIT3 protein was responsible.
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NewsA new process with zero emissions for truly biodegradable plastics
A new approach to producing biodegradable plastics - polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) - was discovered as a promising alternative that requires minimal organic materials and is naturally produced by photosynthetic microorganisms.
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NewsPrecision medicine and inflammatory disease: Power of metabolic modelling to generate personalized probiotics
A research study has recently highlighted the application of large-scale computational modelling of metabolomics in the human gut microbiome to design personalised probiotics for treating gut inflammatory diseases.
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NewsWeather change linked to increased risk of Salmonella outbreaks
A research study has shown a significant impact on Salmonella outbreaks from weather changes, which can be used as a tool to predict risk of outbreaks and implement preventative measures, under a climate change scenario.
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NewsZika uses human skin as ‘mosquito magnet’ to spread virus further
A new study shows that the Zika virus causes metabolic changes in human skin that essentially transforms it from a protective barrier to a magnet for mosquitoes.
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NewsNew fungal species named in honour of Sir David Attenborough making zombies of cave spiders
A study to investigate the identity of a fungus found on a spider during filming of the BBC Winterwatch series in Northern Ireland has confirmed it as a novel species that manipulates its host by compelling it to migrate and die in exposed situations.
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NewsStudy reveals how microbes help detoxify our atmosphere
A new study from the Greening Lab reveals at an atomic level how microbes consume carbon monoxide present in the atmosphere. They use a special enzyme, called the CO dehydrogenase, to extract energy from this universally present but highly toxic gas.
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NewsWHO verifies Niger as the first country in the African Region to eliminate onchocerciasis
Niger has met the criteria for onchocerciasis elimination, making it the fifth country globally and the first country in Africa to be acknowledged by WHO for interrupting transmission of the parasite Onchocerca volvulus.
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News New tool can detect fast-spreading SARS-COV-2 variants before they take off
By analysing millions of viral genome sequences from around the world, a team of scientists has uncovered the specific mutations that give SARS-CoV-2 a ‘turbo boost’ in its ability to spread.
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NewsFungal protein yields new ways to modulate cell activity remotely
A new study introduces tools that remotely and non-invasively communicate with and control the activity of engineered cells once they’ve entered the body. It focuses on a fungal protein the team have developed called Melt, which can be toggled by temperature.
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NewsGuinea eliminates human African trypanosomiasis as a public health problem
The World Health Organization (WHO) has congratulated Guinea for eliminating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis as a public health problem. This is the first neglected tropical disease to be eliminated in the country.
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NewsPapers outline 4 advances for inactivating infectious viruses and bacteria
Four papers provide insights into novel antiviral compounds and methods to inactivate infectious viral particles and bacteria.
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NewsA common mouth and gut bacterium may be linked with increased stroke risk
A common bacterium usually found in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, Streptococcus anginosis, may be abundant in the guts of people with stroke and is associated with a worse prognosis and increased risk of death, according to a preliminary study.
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NewsTopical mupirocin lowers lupus inflammation - by targeting staph
A new trial of a topical skin treatment for cutaneous lupus erythematosus is based on the discovery that these rashes are often colonized with a common skin bacterium, Staphyloccous aureus, which contributes to inflammation in the rashes.
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NewsStudy yields new insights into the immunomodulatory properties of russula polysaccharides
A new study investigates the structural characteristics and immunomodulatory activities of polysaccharides extracted from Russula vinosa Lindblad using KOH, highlighting the potential of these polysaccharides for applications in pharmaceuticals and functional foods.
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NewsJapan’s ‘soft’ but not ineffective approach to public health during the COVID-19 pandemic
Researchers found that risk perception and infection prevention behaviors rose during Japan’s COVID-19 state of emergency. After it was lifted, hygienic behaviors persisted, but dread risk perception declined.