Health Jockey

Can robotic technologies be used to destroy cancer cells? Probably yes, as scientists from the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University have developed a robotic device comprising DNA, which could have the potential to push cancer cells to self-destruction.

By means of DNA origami techniques, the investigators developed a nanosized robot that looked like a container with its 2 portions linked by a hinge. The DNA barrel is encapsulated by specific DNA latches that can gauge cell-surface proteins inclusive of disease biomarkers.

In cases of diseases like leukemia and lymphoma, the team made use of different antibody combinations in the devices. As per the outcomes, these nanodevices seemingly attached themselves to cancerous cells and delivered signals for their self-destruction.

“We can finally integrate sensing Read the rest of this story >>

Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome is a rare multisystem disorder that is caused by overproduction of cortisol. Now, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved of the drug namely Korlym for the treatment of high blood sugar in patients of Cushing’s syndrome.

In a clinical trial, almost 50 individuals apparently experienced improvement in their blood sugar levels in the course of Korlym treatment. Some patients also seemed to encounter reductions in their insulin requirements following treatment with this medication.

This drug does not restrict the production of cortisol but functions by lowering the side-effects of excess cortisol such as high blood sugar levels. The drug seemingly impeded the binding of cortisol to its receptor, thereby alleviating its influences to some degree.

Some of the side effects of the medication are inclusive of headache, tiredness, nausea, arthralgia, swelling of the extremities, decreased appetite, dizziness and vomiting. Read the rest of this story >>

Alternative forms of administering medicines such as drug delivery devices and sprays are being used by professionals in recent days. A certain kind of nasal spray is being developed by scientists at the University of Nottingham, which can be used for the treatment of osteoporosis.

A drug namely Teriparatide is considered to be an effective therapeutic option for the aforementioned condition, but it is presently accessed in the form of an injection. The medication is supposed to be injected into the bodies of patients on a daily basis. This apparently makes it very cumbersome and difficult for patients, which is why different modes of administering the drug are critical. The nasal spray in progress by this team will utilize CriticalSorb nanotechnology that is marketed by Critical Pharmaceuticals.

“We are excited about working Read the rest of this story >>

The circadian clock built in our bodies is known to regulate key phases of daily activities like sleep and metabolic alterations. In this analysis by Yale University professionals, it came to light that sleep cycles may affect the probability of falling sick.

Basically, the team believed that disruptions in the circadian clock seemingly increased our vulnerability to pathogens. In a set of mice, the researchers found that the circadian clock apparently regulated the function of a principal gene. The latter guides the responses to viruses and bacteria in the body.

Erol Fikrig, professor of epidemiology and microbial pathogenesis, and senior author of the trial, commented, “People intuitively know that when their sleep patterns are disturbed, they are more likely to get sick. It does appear that disruptions Read the rest of this story >>

With high end media promotions surrounding bariatric surgeries, many individuals are discouraged from indulging in exercises. However, a team from the University of Western Australia (UWA) has urged people to engage in exercises as a principal step towards combating obesity.

Essentially, the team put forth that irrespective of weight loss, exercise could have many other beneficial effects on the body. Many persons who are lean but not fit eventually develop health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, liver problems and so on.

“Bariatric surgery has an important and evidence-based role in the treatment of severe obesity. However, lack of attention to prevention, especially exercise, effectively condemns a large proportion of the 20 per cent of Australians who are already obese to disease progression and, ultimately, Read the rest of this story >>

Many athletes exercising on a regular basis have a cold water bath after their regimes to decrease muscle soreness. However, a team from the University of Ulster has revealed that there could be some side-effects of exposure to cold water after physical activity.

As part of the study, nearly 366 people were incorporated in 17 trials. They were instructed to experience cold water bath soon after their exercise sessions such as running, resistance training or cycling. Though there were no apparent negative effects of cold water bath following exercise, the team believed that larger trials are required.

“Our take home message was that cold water immersion reduces muscle soreness by between 15 and 20 percent, however this was only when compared to a passive recovery such as resting and doing nothing. While 20% is a significant improvement for elite athletes who need to train intensely every day, non elites should consider that muscle soreness is generally Read the rest of this story >>

Antibiotics were recently claimed to be ineffective in treating sinus infections. Nevertheless, this analysis by Imperial College London professionals has disclosed an old antibiotic that could be used for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB).

According to the team, the main causal factor for TB is an enzyme called MMP-1 that is generated in high amounts among TB patients. This enzyme is apparently responsible for the destruction of lung tissue. In this research constituting guinea pigs, the investigators found that a drug called doxycycline seemingly repressed the creation of the aforesaid enzyme.

“Because doxycycline is cheap, safe and widely available throughout the developing world, it may be a useful new treatment for TB that can be used in resource-poor settings. Our results so far are promising but we have only looked at human cells and animal models. Read the rest of this story >>

Usually, individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease encounter symptoms like tremor and muscle rigidity. Scientists at the University of Illinois in Chicago have asserted that weight training may help in alleviating the effects of Parkinson’s disease, while also improving general health of patients.

The initial study conducted by the team showed that weight training for a span of 2 years could improve motor skills of patients suffering from Parkinson’s, as compared to other exercises like balancing and stretching. The latter did not seem to improve the symptoms after a period of 6 months.

Another trial to affirm the aforesaid effects is underway. In the study, persons suffering from Parkinson’s disease will be divided into 3 groups. While the first group will prolong their current activities, the second set will engage in endurance Read the rest of this story >>

We are aware that primary care interventions involving group discussions and counseling could assist in achieving weight loss. On a similar note, professionals from the The Miriam Hospital’s Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University have revealed that team work may help in attaining weight loss.

The trial is part of the 2009 Shape Up Rhode Island (SURI) campaign, where there were many teams competing in terms of pedometer steps, weight loss and physical activity. Almost 3,330 obese persons, who belonged to any of the 987 teams, were studied. The number of members in each group ranged between 5 and 11.

“We know that obesity can be socially contagious, but now we know that social networks play a significant role in weight loss as well, particularly team-based weight loss competitions. Read the rest of this story >>

Scientists have always probed into the origination of diabetes by observing its effects on the pancreas and liver. However, the first manifestation of diabetes could be observed in the intestines, assert scientists from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

A set of diabetic mice were examined in the trial. The team found that these mice began to lose weight and also seemed to suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea. Therefore, the researchers observed the gut of the subjects closely and found large amounts of inflammation in the same.

Principal investigator Clay F. Semenkovich, MD, remarked, “Diabetes may indeed start in your gut. When people become resistant to insulin, as happens when they gain weight, FAS doesn’t work properly, which causes inflammation that, in Read the rest of this story >>