Infection by filoviruses (Ebola virus and Marburg virus) causes lethal hemorrhagic fever with fatality rates as high as 90%. There are no approved treatments or prophylactics for these viral infections, and concern about their potential for accidental outbreaks or use as biological weapons is great. Research led by Gene Olinger at the US Army MedicalContinueContinue reading “First steps toward a filovirus treatment”
Category Archives: research news
Vitamin E fights liver disease
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a complication of obesity, is characterized by fat accumulation, oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver. This severe form of liver disease causes cirrhosis that can lead to liver failure or cancer. There is currently no treatment for NASH; many of those affected must seek liver transplantation. Now, Danny Manor (Case WesternContinueContinue reading “Vitamin E fights liver disease”
Fishing for an antidote to cyanide
The use of animals as sentinels for exposure to toxins is not new but has come a long way since the first canary was brought into a coal mine. A recent twist took the sentinel from airborne to aquatic, establishing three key results: first, zebrafish are a viable model for cyanide exposure in humans. Second,ContinueContinue reading “Fishing for an antidote to cyanide”
Berries benefit the brain
Berries are considered nutritional ‘superfoods,’ packed with antioxidants believed to scavenge potentially damaging compounds in the body, reducing inflammation and ameliorating the effects of stress. Shibu Poulouse (Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA) and colleagues specifically evaluated whether berries could protect the brain by reducing the accumulation of toxic proteins. LabContinueContinue reading “Berries benefit the brain”
Grapefruit nanovectors for drug delivery
Synthetic nanoparticles can be used to target drug delivery within the body, increasing treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. But these nanoparticles may have toxic side effects of their own, carry high costs to produce on a large scale and generate biohazardous waste. So Huang-Ge Zhang and colleagues (University of Louisville, KY) looked to natureContinueContinue reading “Grapefruit nanovectors for drug delivery”
An aspirin a day keeps cancer at bay?
Regular use of aspirin may prevent the progression of breast cancer, according to results of a study done by researchers in Kansas City. The study found that aspirin significantly reduced the growth of tumors in mice. It also slowed the growth of breast cancer cell lines in vitro. Gargi Maity (Veterans Affairs Medical Center, KansasContinueContinue reading “An aspirin a day keeps cancer at bay?”
Migraine linked to gene mutation
Migraine is a disabling disorder characterized by severe headache often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity. Although it is relatively common and believed to have a genetic component, little is known about its underlying causes. Current migraine treatments may offer relief to some patients, but according to Louis J. Ptáček (University of California SanContinueContinue reading “Migraine linked to gene mutation”
Bioengineered kidneys at work in rats
Kidney failure affects nearly 1 million people in the US. Without treatment, it results in the retention of excess water and waste products in the body. Renal failure can be reversed by transplanting kidneys from matched donors, but the supply of donated kidneys is insufficient to meet demand, and ~20% of transplants undergo organ rejectionContinueContinue reading “Bioengineered kidneys at work in rats”
Blocking inflammation to treat influenza
Influenza virus continually evolves, giving rise to both seasonal outbreaks and catastrophic pandemics. Current management strategies involve annual vaccines for prevention and compounds that block the viral surface protein neuraminidase for treatment. But annual vaccines are unlikely to be useful in the event of a pandemic infectious outbreak, and neuraminidase blockers must be taken veryContinueContinue reading “Blocking inflammation to treat influenza”
In vitro alternative for skin sensitization tests
The sensitizing potential of chemicals is currently assessed using animal tests. This testing is not only costly but also fraught with ethical concerns and legislative challenges, particularly in Europe. Hence, the development and validation of alternative methods for evaluating skin sensitization potential is an active area of research. Lab Anim. (NY) 42, 154 (2013). viewContinueContinue reading “In vitro alternative for skin sensitization tests”
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