Deadly spider’s life-saving heart and stroke drug set for clinical trial

An effective drug to stop potentially fatal cell damage in heart attack and ischemic stroke is one step closer to reality, after the K’gari funnel-web spider venom molecule Hi1a met critical benchmarks on its road to human trials.Continue ReadingCatego… Continue reading Deadly spider’s life-saving heart and stroke drug set for clinical trial

Drugs identified that may reverse brain fog caused by COVID-19

Experimenting on lab-grown mini-brains and mice, researchers have found that SARS-CoV-19 infection can cause ‘zombie’ cells to accumulate, contributing to the brain fog associated with long COVID, and have identified drugs that can reverse this virus-r… Continue reading Drugs identified that may reverse brain fog caused by COVID-19

Platelets produce same positive effect as exercise in the aged brain

Platelets are best known for stopping bleeding by clumping together to produce blood clots. But researchers have discovered they have an unexpected ability: they produce a biochemical that has been found to rejuvenate the brains of aged mice, similar t… Continue reading Platelets produce same positive effect as exercise in the aged brain

Half the population predicted to develop a mental health disorder by 75

A new global study has found that one in two people will be diagnosed with at least one mental health disorder by the age of 75. Given that many of these disorders first appear in childhood or early adulthood, the researchers say their findings highlig… Continue reading Half the population predicted to develop a mental health disorder by 75

Caterpillar toxin could ‘punch holes’ in cancer cells for future therapies

From penicillin to rapamycin, the route to discovering remarkable medicines has often been a fortuitous one. Now, researchers are hoping that another surprise find, once again linked to bacteria, can be harnessed for its medical potential and even be u… Continue reading Caterpillar toxin could ‘punch holes’ in cancer cells for future therapies

New venomous cocktails from cone snail have huge drug potential

In a world first, researchers have reared cone snails in a laboratory aquarium, which presents huge potential for understanding and unlocking the power of their complex venom for a vast range of human therapeutics.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, Sci… Continue reading New venomous cocktails from cone snail have huge drug potential

Needle-free vaccines one step closer as huge production plant opens

More than a decade in research and development, a state-of-the-art needle-free vaccine is imminent for commercial use as biotechnology company Vaxxas cuts the ribbon on a massive production plant and business headquarters in Brisbane, Australia.Continu… Continue reading Needle-free vaccines one step closer as huge production plant opens

COVID-19 virus can cause brain cells to fuse, may explain ‘brain fog’

New research has found that viruses such as the one that causes COVID-19 can cause brain cells to fuse together and malfunction. The findings might explain the ‘brain fog’ and other neurological symptoms some people experience following infection with … Continue reading COVID-19 virus can cause brain cells to fuse, may explain ‘brain fog’

‘World’s most painful insect sting’ found to target nerves in unique way

If you’ve been stung by an ant, you know how painful it can be. Australian researchers have found that some of the most painful ant stings are caused by nerve-targeting neurotoxins. But, unlike those found in snake and scorpion venom, ant toxins affect… Continue reading ‘World’s most painful insect sting’ found to target nerves in unique way

Origins of schizophrenia may be linked to mom’s vitamin D

Researchers have used molecular imaging technology to confirm maternal vitamin D levels’ crucial role in developing the brain cells that produce dopamine, the body’s ‘feel-good’ chemical. The finding provides a greater understanding of the mechanisms u… Continue reading Origins of schizophrenia may be linked to mom’s vitamin D