Flowers from Nicotiana alata, a tobacco plant, may hold the key to dealing with drug-resistant bacteria known as "superbugs." The discovery was made by researchers with La Trobe University, where they found that the specific peptide NaD1 can combat infections. The discovery follows a previous one by the same team who found the peptide to be a possible treatment for killing cancer cells.
Ebola, a virus that causes hemorrhagic fever, has appeared in a large city in the Democratic Republic of Congo, stoking fears of an outbreak occurring in a densely populated region. The virus typically crops up in remote regions in Africa, but the World Health Organization reports that an ebola case was confirmed in Mbandaka, a city with a population of 1.2 million.
We are surrounded by technology throughout our waking hours. In fact, some of them, through devious intention or accidental side effect, seem to be designed to keep us awake. There has been a recent surge of interest in technologies that will help us stay fit but, again, they put more emphasis on being active and awake.
Very few focus on taking advantage of science and technology to give our bodies the boost they need during sleeping hours. One of those few is Molecule, a new startup that is breaking into the mattress market with a Mattress that will help you keep your cool and keep you sleeping soundly.
Ohio State University researchers have created a neurostimulation device that is implanted into stroke patients, helping them recover from the tragic medical event faster than traditional rehabilitation techniques. The implant, which works by stimulating the patient's vagus nerve, helps essentially rewire the patient's brain circuits, helping restore select motor functions.
A groundbreaking total ear reconstruction, which saw a new ear grown on a soldier's arm to replace one lost in an accident, has been successfully carried out by the US military. Described as the first time such a process has been carried out by the US Army, it involved cultivating a completely new ear from cartilage taken from the soldier's ribs.
Alphabet company Verily is working on a health device that collects blood using exploding micro-needles, according to sources. The device reportedly features magnets and tiny needles, attaching to the patient's body to collect blood in a less invasive way than existing blood collection tech. Sources claim the company has been working on this device for several years.
A newly published study warns that antibiotic use in infants could interfere with the efficacy of five vital routine vaccines. According to Associated Professor David Lynn of Flinders University, administering antibiotics to infants before the age of 1 could change how their body develops immunity and responds to these routine vaccines.
Most people know about second-hand smoke -- the cigarette smoke you inhale when in close proximity to someone who is smoking. Less known is "third-hand" smoke, which is the residue that persists on smokers' clothes and other things after they've finished smoking. This third-hand smoke may have a bigger impact on health than thought, with researchers finding that it makes its way into non-smoking environments.
Researchers with Stony Brook University have published a study with concerning implications for future manned lunar missions. Using simulated lunar soil, the team found that moon dust may be toxic to humans, particularly to lungs. As well, the research shows a toxic effect on mouse neurons, indicating other possible health ramifications that await humans traveling to the lunar surface.
Fitbit is kicking off its week by announcing that a long-requested feature will soon be coming to its products: female health tracking. Specifically, this means fertility and menstrual cycle tracking. It seems that we have a little longer to wait before these features go live, but Fitbit gave us some in-depth details today.
Microsoft is launching AI for Accessibility, a $25m program to fund ways to leverage artificial intelligence to the benefit of those with disabilities. Announced at Build 2018 today, the five year scheme will fund and support projects that use AI to alleviate the impact of being blind, deaf, and more.
Microbeads are terrible for the environment, but they show promise for healing burns. That's according to computer simulations showing that microbeads coated with protein may be able to block bacteria that could otherwise infect burns and delay the healing process. Past studies using burnt rats have shown similar promising results.