Bacteria-based cancer therapy reactivates vaccines you’ve already had

Vaccines against cancer are somewhat of a holy grail for medicine – but what if you could repurpose a vaccine you’ve already had? Scientists have demonstrated in mice a way to trick the immune system into attacking tumors by mistaking them for a pathog… Continue reading Bacteria-based cancer therapy reactivates vaccines you’ve already had

Experimental type of vaccine could prevent hospital-acquired infections

Hospitals are meant to be places of healing, but patients often pick up new infections there that are potentially dangerous and hard to treat. A new, experimental vaccine given on arrival to hospital could help prevent infections from a range of drug-r… Continue reading Experimental type of vaccine could prevent hospital-acquired infections

New findings challenge ‘hygiene hypothesis’ behind allergy development

Does early childhood exposure to a broad variety of germs and bacteria make one less likely to develop asthma and allergies? A new animal study challenges this popular idea, finding diverse microbial exposure when young may have little effect on allerg… Continue reading New findings challenge ‘hygiene hypothesis’ behind allergy development

Nanoparticles and novel drug combine in breakthrough acne treatment

For the estimated 800 million people worldwide – and 45 million in the US alone – battling personal wars with acne, a new, broadly successful mode of treatment would have a profound impact on quality of life.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: Unive… Continue reading Nanoparticles and novel drug combine in breakthrough acne treatment

Smart pill uses luminescing bacteria to diagnose gut problems

Not only are colonoscopies invasive and uncomfortable, they may also miss gut-problem-related biomarkers that are only present in the body for a short time. A new “smart pill” is designed to address such shortcomings, utilizing live light-up bacteria.C… Continue reading Smart pill uses luminescing bacteria to diagnose gut problems

Home test kit could soon spot gingivitis between visits to the dentist

While gingivitis can lead to tooth loss, the bacteria responsible for the gum disease can also enter the bloodstream and cause heart disease or other maladies. That’s why early detection is important, which is where a new home testing kit may soon come… Continue reading Home test kit could soon spot gingivitis between visits to the dentist

Material uses live cyanobacteria to neutralize waterborne pollutants

We often hear of cyanobacteria as being the cause of toxic blue-green algae blooms in lakes and rivers. Soon, however, a 3D-printed material that incorporates the microbes could be used to help purify polluted water – and after the bacteria are finishe… Continue reading Material uses live cyanobacteria to neutralize waterborne pollutants

Probiotic shows promise as multiple sclerosis therapy in mice tests

Scientists have demonstrated in mouse studies that specially designed probiotics can reduce brain inflammation associated with diseases like multiple sclerosis. The study points to new potential therapies for hard-to-treat chronic conditions that may b… Continue reading Probiotic shows promise as multiple sclerosis therapy in mice tests

95% of wristbands found to be a breeding ground for bacteria

A new study has found that almost all wristbands harbor bacteria that have the potential to make us sick, but some wristband materials are prone to higher bacterial counts than others. It’s a timely reminder of the importance of regularly disinfecting … Continue reading 95% of wristbands found to be a breeding ground for bacteria

“Pickpocket” bacteria steal tumor DNA for accurate cancer diagnoses

Certain gut bacteria have been linked to colon cancer, but now they might get a chance at redemption. Scientists have engineered “pickpocket” bacteria to detect colorectal cancer, with a 100% success rate in mouse tests.Continue ReadingCategory: Medica… Continue reading “Pickpocket” bacteria steal tumor DNA for accurate cancer diagnoses