Food chain of evidence points to brain toxin
Article Abstract:
Researchers have discovered a specific substance in one type of food that can cause a neurodegenerative disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig's disease. It is an amino acid called beta-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), and it is produced by a group of bacteria called cyanobacteria. The Chamorro population of Guam eat a bat that feeds on the seeds of the cycad tree, whose roots are infected with the bacteria. The BMAA neurotoxin becomes more and more concentrated as it moves up the food chain.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2003
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Signaling proteins boost drug activity
Article Abstract:
The activity of a drug can be enhanced by manipulating the effects of a particular group of signaling proteins involved in bringing messages from the cell surface to its interiors. This strategy could potentially increase the effectiveness and precision of up to 60% of currently available drugs and result in fewer adverse effects as well as help in development of new therapeutic agents.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2006
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Healing power found in 'nano knitting'
Article Abstract:
A novel technology using nanofibers has shown promise for helping the body repair and restore tissue damaged through injury or disease, including brain trauma, and also for halting blood loss. The research on nanofibers has indicated that the peptide nanofiber scaffolds might have potential in humans for mending damage to the central nervous system, due to stroke, injury or surgery.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2007
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