Brain researchers bullish on prospects for preserving mental functioning in elderly

Article Abstract:

Recent research advances may lead to treatments that prevent or slow neurodegeneration in the elderly and in individuals with neurodegenerative disorders. While no treatment is yet available, research shows that substances such as nerve growth factors may help repair damage to or prevent degeneration of nerve cells. Patients with Alzheimer's disease may experience more rapid breakdown of brain cell membranes, especially in cells that release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Patients with neurodegenerative diseases may produce substances that damage cell membranes and genetic material. Patients with Parkinson's disease may have increased production of hydrogen peroxide in nerve cells, which causes the production of substances that injure cells. The number of nerve cells may not decrease with age, but their size may decrease. Changes in nerve cell density and nerve cell receptors may occur in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Staying mentally active and increasing blood sugar levels may prevent or slow neurodegeneration.

Aged, Elderly, Nervous system, Nerve degeneration, Cognition in old age, Old age cognition

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Researchers try new definitions, new therapies in effort to solve growing problem of sepsis

Article Abstract:

Scientists discussed different treatments for sepsis at the 32nd annual Interscience Conference of Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. Sepsis is the presence of pathogenic bacteria and their toxins in the blood and other tissues of the body. Approximately 35% of individuals with sepsis die despite improvements in the treatment of septic shock since the 1970s. Septic shock is caused by the overproduction of substances that mediate the inflammatory response, such as cytokines and interleukin 1. A recombinant (genetically engineered) interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) has been tested in human volunteers. This substance limits the inflammation response by the cells of the immune system to infection or injury. Treatment with low to high doses of IL-1ra has increased the survival of patients suffering from sepsis. Other treatments for sepsis include different substances that decrease this inflammatory response.

Health aspects, Anti-infective agents, Drug therapy, Bacterial infections, Interleukin-1

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Russian and US researchers develop 'biochips' for faster, inexpensive biomedical tests

Article Abstract:

Russian and US scientists are developing a biochip that could rapidly screen blood and tissue samples for hundreds of genetic sequences, microorganisms, biological substances, and environmental chemicals at one time. The chip is a small glass plate measuring one square centimeter that is coated with a gel. Then a robot device attaches sensors for different chemicals or DNA sequences to the chip at precise locations that are stored in a computer. The chip could contain 20,000 to 30,000 sensors. Fluorescent dyes could be used to indicate that the sensor has detected a specific chemical or DNA sequence. The computer could tell from the location on the chip exactly what was detected.

Innovations, Biosensors, Diagnosis, Laboratory, Laboratory diagnosis

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