Researchers have discovered that a synthetic protein is capable of breaking up the slimy films that harmful bacteria use to stick themselves to human tissues. The protein molecule is called “1018” and is modelled after proteins produced by the human immune system. A new study shows the molecule prevented biofilm growth in E. Coli, Salmonella and […]
Tag: health
Funding health innovations – the lucky iron fish
Grand Challenges Canada, funded by the Government of Canada, has announced $12 million for projects worldwide aimed at improving the health and saving the lives of mothers, newborns and children in developing countries. Four projects with a proven track record will receive “transition to scale” investments: an example is the “Lucky Iron Fish” developed by a […]
Most NHL players peak by age 29
Hockey players reach their peak performance by age 29, according to a new mathematical analysis. The study used regular-season NHL records from 1997 to 2012 and compared player age with points scored per game. The authors estimate scoring peak age is slightly earlier by about a year for forwards (between 27 and 28) than […]
Blood test predicts premature birth
Researchers have created a new blood test that helps predict whether a pregnant woman is likely to go into labour prematurely. Currently, many of the women admitted to hospital with signs of premature labour do not end up giving birth within ten days. The new test examines blood for signs of the expression of certain genes, […]
Second U.S. case of MERS | Experts Available
Second U.S. case of MERS | SMCC Experts Available | May 14, 2014 On Monday May 12, 2014 the U.S. Centres of Disease control reported the “unwelcome but not unexpected” news that a second person in the US has been diagnosed with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. This second case, which occurred in Florida, follows […]
⚑ Glowing mice track nanoparticle exposure
Researchers have come up with a quick, non-invasive way to measure nanoparticle exposure: examine the skin. Previous work with gold nanoparticles and quantum dots made of various metals has shown that these nanoparticles accumulate primarily in the liver or the spleen, but they show up in the skin too; in high enough doses, they can […]
Pregnancy increases risk of serious traffic crashes
A new study of 507 262 women who gave birth in Ontario between 2006 and 2011 indicates that pregnant women are at greater risk of being involved in a car accident. During the 3 years before pregnancy, the group averaged 177 crashes per month, but during the second trimester of pregnancy, this rose to 252 […]
Cell aging theory turned upside down
A new study shows that raising the level of free radicals in the nematode worm C. elegans actually increases its lifespan, contrary to popular belief. Free radicals are the reactive molecules that sometimes damage DNA and the ones that antioxidants are supposed to fight against – could in some cases help us live longer. The authors show […]
DNA sensor shines light on cancer
Researchers have created a DNA-based sensor capable of lighting up when it gets near cancer cells. The nano-sized construct alters its shape in response to tiny changes in pH; these contortions bring together two molecules which react to give off a light signal. Because cancer cells are often at a slightly different pH than non-cancerous […]
Research uncovering the mysteries of the Red Planet
University of Alberta PhD candidate Ross Lockwood is one of six team members currently camped 8,000 ft. above sea level on the side of a Hawaiian volcano. They are working to advance our understanding of Mars and its potential for life, and have chosen this location for its likeness to the Red Planet. The team is […]
New nanoparticles provide superior pollution prevention
Removing toxic carbon monoxide (CO) from car exhaust and other pollution sources could soon be cheaper and more efficient, thanks to a new type of nanoparticle catalyst. Catalytic converters that turn CO into benign CO2 rely on expensive metals like platinum to speed up the chemical reaction. The new nanoparticles combine platinum with cheaper iron […]
Towards stem cell therapy for infertile men
Researchers have created sperm cells from infertile men who could not produce healthy sperm them on their own. They did this by converting skin cells into stem cells, which then became fertile human sperm cells when transplanted into the testicles of mice. This opens up the possibility of clinical cell-based therapy that could make infertile […]
The variation inside
A Quebec-based study of 1000 people has found that even those with similar genes can have big variations in how those genes are expressed. The study looked at mitochondria, components of the cell that have their own DNA. The researchers found that when this DNA is transcribed to RNA, there was a lot of variation […]
When not to treat prostate cancer
A new study suggests that in some cases, not treating prostate cancer can increase quality of life for patients and save millions of dollars. The Quebec-based study found that active surveillance – watching and waiting – for five years could save up to $96 million for the health care system while improving quality of life […]
‘Lab-in-a-pill’ improves remote water testing
Take a cup a water, drop in a pill and shake it up; if the water turns purple, your well could be contaminated with bacteria. Such test are now possible thanks to a new method for encapsulating enzymes – including those used in lab tests for bacterial contamination – in a material called pullulan, the […]
The evolution of self-control
A new study has found species with larger brains (great apes and old-world monkeys) may have more self-control than species with smaller brains (birds and lemurs).
