News
SNAP25 identified as key to sour taste perception and cell survival
The tongue contains numerous taste buds-tiny sensory organs responsible for detecting taste. Taste buds consist of specialized cells that translate chemical stimuli into neural signals. Among them, type II cells, which respond to sweet, umami, and bitter stimuli, utilize channel-based signal transmission. In contrast, type III cells are believed to mediate sour signals via synaptic vesicle release. While the signaling mechanisms of type II cells are well-characterized, the process of vesicular synaptic transmission in type III cells is poorly understood.
Respiratory Viruses Can Reactivate Dormant Breast Cancer Cells in Lungs, Study Finds
New research shows COVID-19 and flu infections may awaken dormant breast cancer cells in lungs, increasing the risk of metastasis.
Two-dose therapy for S. aureus bloodstream infections on par with standard treatment
“Given the small number of antimicrobial drugs available to treat Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections and the bacteria’s growing drug resistance, establishing dalbavancin as a beneficial therapy for these severe infections gives us a vital new alternative to treat them”
Review finds coffee linked to longer life and lower disease risk
Review findings revealed that moderate coffee consumption is associated with more benefits than harms, with epidemiological evidence consistently demonstrating that three to five cups of coffee per day is linked to a lower risk of all-cause mortality and a reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and several types of cancer. The review also noted benefits across conditions such as respiratory disease, kidney disease, and reduced risk of frailty and accidents.
Quitting smoking is associated with recovery from other addictions
Adults who smoke cigarettes and are addicted to alcohol or other drugs were more likely to achieve sustained remission of their substance use disorder symptoms if they also quit smoking, according to scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Based on their analysis of data from a large U.S. study of smoking and health, researchers believe the results clearly show the benefit of pairing smoking cessation with addiction recovery efforts.
Seven blood metabolites associated with excessive daytime sleepiness
Approximately one in three Americans reports experiencing overwhelming drowsiness during the day-a condition known as excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). EDS is linked to an increased risk of serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. This study identifies several metabolites that are linked to EDS.
Cell Culture Contamination
The best approach to fighting contamination is for each person to keep records of all cell culture work including each passage, general cell appearance, and manipulations including feeding, splitting, and counting of cells. If contamination does occur, make a note of the characteristics and the time and date. In this way, any contamination can be pinpointed at the time it occurs and improvements can be made to aseptic techniques or lab protocols.
Somatic mutations drive vascular aging and muscle weakness over time
Somatic mutations are non-hereditary genetic changes in cells and occur during a lifetime as a result of environmental factors or through random errors when a cell copies its DNA before dividing. The mutations can give rise to cancer, but otherwise their effect has been disputed. However, two new studies show that such mutations can reduce muscle strength and accelerate blood vessel aging.
Automated Sample Storage Market to Triple by 2034, Driven by Biobanking and AI Integration
As clinical laboratories push for greater efficiency in their processing of blood, urine, and tissue samples, research firm Global Market Insights (GMI) projects massive growth in the international market for automated systems used to safely store and retrieve these samples as well as chemical compounds used in drug discovery and research.
Study clarifies how amylin receptors respond to drugs
Amylin, a hormone that controls appetite and blood sugar by activating three different receptors in the brain, could be the basis for the next blockbuster obesity drugs.
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