Author: healthtost

Botanists have understood the channels and transporters involved in nutrient uptake and transport, but how are they placed where they need to be? For example, plants need boron, which is taken up into cells by molecules known as the boric acid channel. But how do the proteins that form the channel reach the plasma membrane? A research team led by Professor Junpei Takano of Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Agriculture identified a mutant line Arabidopsis thaliana in which boric acid channels do not translocate properly to the plasma membrane. The cause was a deficiency in the protein KAONASHI3 (KNS3).…

When you think of celebrating Halloween, you probably don’t think of children and skin irritations. These holidays can create some skin problems, however, depending on the products you use and how sensitive your child’s skin is. Below, we look at the various causes of Halloween skin irritations and give you some tips on how to avoid them. You can keep your skin healthy and problem-free this Halloween and all season long! Children’s and Halloween costumes: Prevent skin irritations Suits can be made from a variety of materials. If your child has sensitive skin or allergies, some of these can lead…

Using computational tools, researchers from the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine developed a method to assess which patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer might benefit from immunotherapy. The work by computer scientists and clinicians was published Oct. 28 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Immunotherapy is used to try to boost the body’s own immune system to attack cancer cells. However, only some patients respond to the treatment, explains lead study author Theinmozhi Arulraj, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins: “It’s really important to identify the patients for…

Chlamydia vs Gonorrhea: Both are sexually transmitted infections. They are similar in many ways. But there are also differences between chlamydia and gonorrhea.If you are sexually active, you may be at risk of contracting or passing on sexually transmitted infections (STDs). Your chances of getting an STD may be higher if you have sex with multiple partners or don’t use a barrier method like a condom. However, you should know all about chlamydia and gonorrhea, two common STDs that affect millions of people around the world. Both are similar in many ways, including how they are diagnosed and transmitted. But…

Feeding a toddler takes patience for a number of reasons. Learn five tips to stop one of the biggest challenges, food waste.Originally posted: March 30, 2015. Updated October 27, 2024. Does your child turn every meal into a food festival? You are not alone! Throwing food is a common phase many toddlers go through as they explore their world and test boundaries. While it’s completely normal, it can also be incredibly frustrating for parents. Let’s dive into some proven strategies to help make mealtimes more peaceful.Understanding the ‘Why’ behind toddler food throwingBefore moving on to solutions, it is helpful to…

There are billions of tiny packets of cellular material called extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced by cells and released into the blood, saliva, and other body fluids of each individual. EVs contain invaluable information, such as proteins and genetic material, from their original cell that can provide information about the state of the body. Scientists have tried to harness EVs for their diagnostic and therapeutic potential, but have struggled to do so in a rapid and cost-effective manner. In a study published in Smallresearchers at the University of Rochester outline a new method for using ultrathin films to easily identify EVs…

A leading scientist whose discoveries about prostate cancer have led to life-saving treatments is now shedding light on an emerging and deadliest form of the disease: neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). Most prostate cancers are classified as adenocarcinomas, which rely on a protein called the androgen receptor (AR) to survive and grow. Over the past decade, several effective AR-targeting drugs have become available. Physician-scientist Charles Sawyers, MD of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), was instrumental in drawing attention to AR as a primary therapeutic target. These drugs have saved many lives, but some people become resistant to AR treatments. In…

Reading: 4 minutes From scarves to serums, this time of year is all about layering. Now is the time to dress your skincare routine up (or down) to complement the change in weather. Learn what to add to your current repertoire and what to save for next season. Let’s get started. What can happen to my skin in autumn? Another seasonal change is upon us. And even if you don’t usually experience sensitive skin or dryness, unpredictable weather can cause flare-ups. In autumn, temperature and humidity levels begin to drop, causing the skin to lean towards the drier side. Add…

These gluten-free one-bowl pumpkin brownies are not only irresistibly delicious, they’re packed with nutrients you wouldn’t expect in a brownie. Your kids will love them! Plus, they happen to be dairy-free and nut-free, so they’re perfect for school lunch boxes. As a nutritionist mom and foodie, I love experimenting with flavors and textures—especially when it means adding nutrients that taste absolutely incredible. These brownies get their moist, decadent texture from pumpkin (which provides fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants) and tahini, which also provides health-promoting fats and a rich, dry flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate. Perfect as a sweet snack…

In a major advance against the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, researchers have identified a new class of antimicrobial agents known as cryptic peptides, which may expand the immune system’s arsenal of infection-fighting tools. The findings, published today in Trends in Biotechnology by Cell Press, reveal that many antimicrobial molecules originate from proteins not traditionally associated with immune responses. Unlike conventional antibiotics that target specific bacterial processes, these newly discovered peptides disrupt the protective membranes surrounding bacterial cells. By inserting themselves into these membranes—much like breaching a fortress wall—the peptides destabilize and ultimately destroy the bacteria. “Our findings suggest that…