THE MACABRE WORLD OF MIND CONTROLLING PARASITES
Neuroparasitology could shed new light into the neurological basis for behavior and decision making, researchers say.… READ MORE…
MOM’S GUT PARASITES PROTECT BABIES’ BRAINS FROM INFLAMMATION
According to a new study, tapeworms can protect infant rats from neuroinflammation.… READ MORE…
RESEARCHERS DISCOVER MECHANISM THAT MAY HELP PARASITES MANIPULATE THEIR HOSTS
Researchers report they have identified a way in which Toxoplasma gondii may modify brain cells.… READ MORE…
PARASITES AND POOR ANTENATAL CARE ARE THE MAIN CAUSES OF EPILEPSY IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
A new study found adults in sub-Saharan Africa who had been exposed to parasitic disease were 1.5 to 3 times more likely to have epilepsy.… READ MORE…
WOMEN CAUGHT IN A PICKLE BY THEIR OWN IMMUNE SYSTEMS
Pregnancy Compensation Hypothesis may explain why women are more prone to developing autoimmune diseases, like multiple sclerosis and lupus, than men.… READ MORE…
COAT OF PROTEINS MAKES VIRUSES MORE INFECTIOUS AND LINKS THEM TO ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) interact with biological fluids, creating a coat of proteins around the viral surface. This results in the viruses becoming more infectious and can contribute to the formation of amyloid plaques. In animal models, researchers found these viruses can bind to amyloid proteins, which aggregate into plaques that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. HSV-1 is able to accelerate the transformation of soluble amyloid proteins into amyloid plaques.… READ MORE…
IS THE BRAIN PARASITE TOXOPLASMA MANIPULATING YOUR BEHAVIOR, OR IS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM TO BLAME?
Immune system response to chronic infection may be more directly to blame for health and behavioral changes associated with Toxoplasma gondii infections.… READ MORE…
THE DISCOVERY OF THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM: CENTURIES IN THE MAKING
Researchers shed light on the endocannabinoid system and report how cannabis is helping to provide relief to many with medical problems.… READ MORE…
HOW THE BRAIN TELLS YOU TO SCRATCH THAT ITCH
Researchers shed light on the mechanism that drives the uncontrollable urge to scratch an itch.… READ MORE…
CANCER HIJACKS THE MICROBIOME TO GLUT ITSELF ON GLUCOSE
Researchers report leukemia undercuts the normal ability of cells to consume glucose, leaving more glucose available to help feed the growth of cancer cells.… READ MORE…
A SENSE OF DISGUST IN BONOBOS?
Researchers report bonobos express disgust when presented with contaminated food. The study reveals their curiosity transforms into caution when food is presented near feces or a bad smell.… READ MORE…
NERVOUS SYSTEM PUTS THE BRAKES ON INFLAMMATION
A new study reveals ILC2 cells in the nervous system can halt immune response to infections that cause inflammation.… READ MORE…