Studying transthyretin amyloidoses-a group of progressive nerve and cardiac degenerative diseases caused by the buildup of misfolded transthyretin (TTR) proteins in the body-has long been hampered by the lack of animal models of the disease. Mice, for instance, don’t show the same symptoms as humans, even when misfolded TTR accumulates in their organs. Now, scientists […]
Study Urges Genetic Testing of Relatives of Aortic Disease Patients
TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 — Many lives could be saved if relatives of patients with aortic diseases underwent routine screening and genetic testing, a new study suggests. Aneurysms, tears in the lining called dissections and other types of thoracic aortic disease (TAD) are often undetected until they become life-threatening emergencies. At that point, the risk […]
Study of tick-borne disease dynamics could thwart future outbreaks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report earlier this year on the increase of tick-, flea- and mosquito-borne illnesses in the United States, but don’t panic. Kurt Vandegrift, assistant research professor of biology at Penn State, works on emerging infectious diseases, and his lab studies ticks. Vandegrift’s lab is part of a National […]
Injection of vasoactive intestinal peptide into the eye improves corneal transplant survival
A new study in the American Journal of Pathology reports for the first time that injection of neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) directly into the eye of mice enhanced corneal graft survival. VIP produced other benefits, including acceleration of endothelial wound closure, protection of corneal endothelial cells (CEnCs), and improved corneal graft clarity. If proven […]
Twin study highlights importance of both genetics and environment on gene activity
New research highlights the extent to which epigenetic variation is influenced by both inherited and environmental factors. Epigenetic processes affect the expression or activity of genes without changing the underlying DNA sequence and are believed to be one mechanism by which the environment can interact with the genome. Now, an international group of researchers including […]
The rise of the conscious carnivore
The August long weekend approaches, and many Canadians will celebrate with picnics and barbecues. Meat often plays a central role when choosing the menu for gatherings among family and friends. But it seems eating meat is becoming increasingly controversial, as is selling it. In foie gras-friendly France, for example, there’s been an increasing number of […]
Medical researchers seek eradication of peste des petits ruminants disease
Peste des petits ruminants is a highly contagious disease found in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and was recently detected in Bulgaria on the border with Turkey. This highly contagious viral disease affects almost a billion sheep and goats in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. It causes substantial economic losses due to high […]
Active substance raises hopes of curing hepatitis E
An international team of researchers has now found a possible active substance against the virus in the naturally occurring substance silvestrol. The substance inhibited the replication of pathogens both in cell culture and in a mouse model. The researchers led by Dr. Daniel Todt and Prof Dr. Eike Steinmann from the Department of Medical and […]
8 effects of psoriatic arthritis on the body
Psoriatic arthritis or PsA is a type of arthritis that affects up to 30 percent of people who have the skin condition psoriasis. Here, we explore the many effects of PsA on the body, including on a person’s vision, digestion, breathing, and movement. We also discuss treatment options for the condition. 1. Effects on the […]
Readmission rate 19.2 percent after acute exacerbation of COPD
(HealthDay)—The rate of 30-day index readmissions after acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is 19.2 percent, according to a study published in the July issue of the Annals of the American Thoracic Society. David M. Jacobs, Pharm.D., Ph.D., from the University of Buffalo in New York, and colleagues analyzed the Nationwide Readmission Database […]