Our sense of smell is a portal of understanding into the microbial world we cannot see. The odors of volatile chemicals are an insight into the world of plants, fungi, insects, and bacteria. Understanding these odor signals can help us differentiate what is unhealthy and what is good for us. Different smells can help us […]
There are so many things in life that can make people stressed. Fortunately, the body has its own way of coping with the pressure of everyday life. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid that also functions as a neurotransmitter, and one of the most important ones at that. It is derived from glutamate, a neurotransmitter produced […]
The old folk wisdom “an apple day keeps the doctor away” just got an upgrade, thanks to the work of Italian researchers. Only now, it’s cucumbers instead of apples, and heart doctors instead of regular ones. In their study, published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, they showed that the cucumber (Cucumis sativus) can protect the […]
Viruses cause most ear infections, although sometimes bacteria are the culprit. There are three main types of ear infections that affect the middle ear: Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common type of ear infection. Fluid builds up behind the eardrum, causing a painful earache. Otitis media with effusion (OME) usually occurs in children. […]
By promoting the growth of gut bacteria, dietary fiber could prevent obesity, metabolic syndrome, and unwanted changes in the intestine, according to a study from Georgia State University. A new study shines new light on gut bacteria, fiber, and obesity. Obesity is linked with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that include hypertension, high blood […]
Oral bacteria may play a key role in the development of certain types of cancer, various studies have shown. A vast number of studies have long established a link between oral bacteria and cancer, and identifying the mechanism behind this connection may help health experts determine a person’s cancer risk just be examining certain bacteria […]
A recent study reveals that artemisinin, a compound found in sweet wormwood, shows potential in tuberculosis treatment. This Chinese herbal medicine is previously known for its efficacy in treating malaria. Researchers at the Michigan State University have discovered that the compound prevents Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a tuberculosis-causing bacteria, from becoming dormant. Dormancy was associated with antibiotic […]
Antimicrobial protein found in the blood of Komodo dragons could help scientists develop better treatment for deadly infections that have become resistant to antibiotics. A recent study published in the Journal of Proteome Research concluded that Komodo dragon blood plasma contains numerous antimicrobial peptides. This comes as no surprise to researchers. The saliva of the […]
You probably know that honey has antibacterial properties. But there’s one type of honey that has proven to be more powerful than all. Australian researchers have discovered that Manuka honey kills bacteria than any antibiotic. In the study, conducted in 2009, researchers found that this honey could kill most ‘superbugs’ which had become resistant to […]