Category Biology/Biotechnology

Nanoparticles to treat Snakebites

Venomous snakebites affect 2.5 million people, and annually cause more than 100,000 deaths and leave 400,000 individuals with permanent physical and psychological trauma each year. Researchers reporting in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases have now described a new approach to treating snake bites, using nanoparticles to bind to venom toxins and prevent the spread of venom through the body.

The standard treatment for snakebites is the intravenous administration of IgG immune molecules that recognize venoms. However, such antivenom therapies must be administered quickly – and by trained healthcare workers – to be effective and are highly specific to particular venoms...

Analyzing data from more than 400,000 people, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that consuming one to two drinks four or more times per week — an amount deemed healthy by current guidelines — increases the risk of premature death by 20 percent.

At any age, daily drinkers 20% more likely to die prematurely than less frequent drinkers. Drinking a daily glass of wine for health reasons may not be so healthy after all, suggests a new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Analyzing data from more than 400,000 people ages 18 to 85, the researchers found that consuming 1 to 2 drinks four or more times per week – an amount deemed healthy by current guidelines – increases the risk of premature death by 20%, compared with ...

Diets rich in whole grains increase betainized compounds associated with glucose metabolism. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2018; DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy169

Scientists have discovered new compounds that may explain whole grain health benefits, reports a new study led by the University of Eastern Finland. A high intake of whole grains increased the levels of betaine compounds in the body which, in turn, was associated with improved glucose metabolism, among other things. The findings shed new light on the cell level effects of a whole grain-rich diet, and can help in the development of increasingly healthy food products.

“Whole grains are one of the healthiest foods there is...

Fisetin, found in many fruits and vegetables, has significant positive effects on health and lifespan, a new study in mice suggests.
Credit: © bit24 / Fotolia

Natural product found to reduce the level of damaged cells in the body, caused by aging. Previous research published earlier this year in Nature Medicine involving University of Minnesota Medical School faculty Paul D. Robbins and Laura J. Niedernhofer and Mayo Clinic investigators James L. Kirkland and Tamara Tchkonia, showed it was possible to reduce the burden of damaged cells, ie senescent cells, and extend lifespan and improve health, even when treatment was initiated late in life...