UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Scientists have identified a new role for a protein complex at the center of a human genetic disorder called Bardet-Biedl syndrome, or BBS, for which there is currently no cure. Bardet-Biedl syndrome arises when the BBSome protein complex malfunctions. Because the BBSome regulates the form and function of cilia, the hair-like structures...
Month: <span>June 2022</span>
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Researchers identify rise in Guillain-Barré syndrome following AstraZeneca vaccine
by University College London In typical GBS, virus particles stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that detect both viral surface proteins, but also proteins on the surface of peripheral nerves that cause “auto-immune” destruction. Credit: Dr. Stephen Keddie, UCL A correlation between a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine and a small but significant...
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The paired perils of breast cancer and diabetes
by University of California – San Diego A breast cancer cell captured in the process of division, with tubulin (a structural protein) in red; mitochondria in green; and chromosomes in blue. Credit: Wei Qian\National Cancer Institute Breast cancer and type 2 diabetes would seem to be distinctly different diseases, with commonality only in their commonality....
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Seeing how odor is processed in the brain
by University of Tokyo During the EEG measurement, participants were asked to rate the pleasantness of the odors. They then evaluated the odors using descriptions ranging from citrus and tea leaves, to mothballs and wet dog. Credit: Mugihiko Kato A specially created odor delivery device, along with machine learning-based analysis of a scalp-recorded electroencephalogram, has...
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Immune cell linked to better lung cancer survival
by King’s College London Experimental design and γδ T cell composition in lung tissues and NSCLCs. a, Overview of study design. Paired tumor regions (red) and NT lung tissues (blue) collected under the TRACERx Study were enzymatically digested to extract tissue/TILs. TILs were cryopreserved and thawed at a later date for flow cytometry ± RNA-seq. In parallel,...
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Why do some asthma patients respond poorly to treatment?
by Rutgers University Obstruction of the lumen of a bronchiole by mucoid exudate, goblet cell metaplasia, and epithelial basement membrane thickening in a person with asthma. Credit: Yale Rosen/Wikipedia/CC BY-SA 2.0 When taking medicine during an asthma attack, patients with the most severe form of asthma produce in their airways special substances that block the...
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New study reveals hundreds of new drug targets to combat tuberculosis
by Rockefeller University Scanning electron micrograph of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, which cause TB. Credit: NIAID Tuberculosis is a stubborn disease, born of yet more stubborn microbes. While many bacterial infections resolve within days of starting antibiotics, tuberculosis often refuses to budge for around six months, and in some cases, may never release its vice grip on the...
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US, Canadian regulators tie hepatitis cases to strawberries
by Dee-Ann Durbin Fresh-picked strawberries are shown. U.S. and Canadian regulators are investigating a hepatitis outbreak that may be linked to fresh organic strawberries. Credit: AP Photo/File U.S. and Canadian regulators are investigating a hepatitis outbreak that may be linked to fresh organic strawberries. In a joint weekend statement, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration...
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Study shows that very high doses of CBD, a cannabis component, don’t affect driving
by University of Sydney Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Millions of consumers and patients around the world will be heartened by the results of the latest study on cannabis and driving. The University of Sydney-led research finds that 1500 mg, the highest daily medicinal dose of cannabidiol (CBD), has no impact on people’s driving or cognitive...