Research News

Using powerful tools and techniques developed in the field of structural biology, researchers at the University of Washington and Scripps Research have discovered new details about the human immunodeficiency virus, HIV. The findings bring into focus the basic architecture of the virus just above and below its surface and may help in the design and development of a vaccine that can protect against AIDS.

Researchers in Lund have discovered an antitoxin mechanism that seems to be able to neutralise hundreds of different toxins and may protect bacteria against virus attacks. The mechanism has been named Panacea, after the Greek goddess of medicine whose name has become synonymous with universal cure. The understanding of bacterial toxin and antitoxin mechanisms will be crucial for the future success of so-called phage therapy for the treatment of antibiotic resistance infections, the researchers say. The study has been published in PNAS.

A Caltech-led team of researchers has discovered that a small-molecule metabolite, produced by bacteria that reside in the mouse gut, can travel to the brain and alter the function of brain cells, leading to increased anxiety in mice. The work helps uncover a molecular explanation for recent observations that gut microbiome changes are associated with complex emotional behaviors.

Based on the intricacies of origami and inspired by the movements of nature’s leeches his research is advancing how robots could carry out basic health care tasks in certain conditions, including in remote regions, or where minimal personal contact is needed, such as during pandemics. The research is published in the journal npj Flexible Electronics from Nature Publishing Group.

Decreased serum vitamin B12 levels are independently associated with the development of narcolepsy, a sleep disorder, said recent research. The novel study illustrates the complex relationship between vitamin B12 and narcolepsy.

Researchers from China found out in their recent study that use of Copper Intrauterine devices can be risky during pregnancy and it could compromise embryonic development.

Generally, IUDs (Intrauterine devices) are used to avoid pregnancy by women. But Women who use IUDs may become pregnant, albeit rarely, and many such women continue to use IUDs. Because it is difficult to remove or it may cause miscarriage.

Scientists at McMaster University who have developed an inhaled form of COVID vaccine have confirmed it can provide broad, long-lasting protection against the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 and variants of concern.

The research, recently published in the journal Cell, reveals the immune mechanisms and significant benefits of vaccines being delivered directly into the respiratory tract, rather than by traditional injection.

The phase II trial, led by researchers at St George’s, University of London and St George’s Hospital was joint-funded by the US-based Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation and the UK Alzheimer’s Society. The trial tested whether tadalafil increases brain blood flow in older men and women with narrowing of the brain arteries, a condition that can cause strokes and vascular dementia.

A team of scientists has developed a new technology, platform for fluorometric detection of pathogens such as viruses by measurement of fluorescent light emitted. The potential of the new technology has been demonstrated for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. This technology platform can also be used to detect other DNA/RNA pathogens such as HIV, influenza, HCV, Zika, Ebola, bacteria, and other mutating/evolving pathogens.