Scientists call for improved technologies to save imperiled California salmon
Scientists working to protect California's most endangered salmon say in a new report that key improvements in tracking Sacramento River winter-run Chinook through California's complex water delivery system would help recover the species while the water continues to flow.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-12/nfwc-scf121317.php
Lactic acid bacteria can protect against Influenza A virus, study finds
Lactic acid bacteria, commonly used as probiotics to improve digestive health, can offer protection against different subtypes of influenza A virus, resulting in reduced weight loss after virus infection and lower amounts of virus replication in the lungs, according to a study led by Georgia State University.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-12/gsu-lab121317.php
Three papers help to crack the code of coenzyme Q biosynthesis
Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a vital cog in the body's energy-producing machinery, a kind of chemical gateway in the conversion of food into cellular fuel. But six decades removed from its discovery, scientists still can't describe exactly how and when it is made.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-12/mifr-tph121317.php
The toxic sugar tree: Mapping the evolutionary history of a cancerous sugar gene
The gene CMAH, that allows for the synthesis of a sugar called Neu5Gc, is missing from humans. This sugar is present in red meats, some fish and dairy products. When humans consume an animal with that gene, the body has an immune reaction to the foreign sugar, which can cause inflammation, arthritis, and cancer. University of Nevada, Reno researchers, have analyzed 322 animal genome sequences looking for animals with the presence of active CMAH genes.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-12/uonr-tts121317.php
Monkeys infected by mosquito bites further Zika virus research
Monkeys who catch Zika virus through bites from infected mosquitoes develop infections that look like human Zika cases, and may help researchers understand the many ways Zika can be transmitted.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-12/uow-mib121317.php
Virginia Tech researchers trace the potato's origins, learn about its untapped potential
Thanks to Veilleux and Laimbeer, it will soon be easier to breed the perfect potato chip or to access desirable traits such as enhanced disease resistance in wild or primitive species.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-12/vt-vtr121317.php
Memory T cells responsible for long-term immunity have been cross-trained
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Emory University research offers insight into origins of the T cells that provide enduring immune protection; findings should aid vaccine development and cancer immunotherapies.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-12/sjcr-mtc121317.php
How well will the flu vaccine work this winter?
Scientists from UTMB and Biomed Protection predicted which H3N2 variants would become 'vaccine resistant', and this prediction has been confirmed during the 2017 Australian flu season. The results published suggest that the current flu vaccine will work better during the 2018 US flu season than the 2017 Australian flu season.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-12/uotm-hww121317.php
What keeps stem cells in their undifferentiated state?
UNC-Chapel Hill scientists found that a special cluster of proteins helps unwind DNA during cell division and plays a key role in keeping stem cells in their immature state. This UNC School of Medicine study also points to a better understanding of how cancer cells manage to sustain rapid cell division without triggering cell death.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-12/uonc-wks121317.php
Unique sensory responses to the pediatric HIV medication Kaletra
Research from the Monell Center documented wide individual differences to the taste of the life-saving HIV medication Kaletra and identified genetic sources of the taste variation. The findings suggest that the growing field of pharmacogenetics should assess the sensory response to medicines to promote medication compliance and treatment success.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-12/mcsc-usr121317.php
One in 5 young colon cancer patients have genetic link
Results of the study indicate a benefit for all young colon cancer patients to undergo genetic testing. But with than half of them exhibiting no family history, will insurers cover the tests?
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-12/mmu-1i5121317.php
Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/
