Ancient Antibody Molecule Offers Clues To How Humans Evolved Allergies Jun 15, 2008
14, 2008) Scientists funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) have discovered how evolution may have lumbered humans with allergy problems. The team from the Randall Division of Cell & Molecular Biophysics, King's College London are working on a molecule vital to a chicken's immune system which represents the evolutionary ancestor of the human antibodies that cause allergic reactions. (Science Daily)
Protein Plays Key Role In Transmitting Deadly Malaria Parasite To Humans Jun 3, 2008
2, 2008) The protein MAEBL is critical for completing the life cycle of malaria parasites in mosquitoes, allowing the insects to transmit the potentially deadly infection to humans, a University of South Florida study has shown. The research may ultimately help provide a way to better control malaria by blocking development of the malaria parasite in the mosquito. (Science Daily)
Immune System Kick-started In Moist Nasal Lining In Sinusitis, Asthma And Colds May 2, 2008
7, 2006) Although it's unclear why it's so, scientists at Johns Hopkins have linked a gene that allows for the chemical breakdown of the tough, protective casing that houses insects and worms to the severe. (Sep. (Science Daily)
Tropical disease headed to U.S., health experts say Jan 14, 2008
"The U.S. is not immune to vector-borne viruses" - those spread by insects or animals - "and dengue re-emerging globally should be an eye-opener that it could be the next West Nile virus that hits the United States. It's endemic in Mexico. It's endemic in Puerto Rico. It's all throughout the Caribbean. It's knocking on our door," said Barry W. Alto, a postdoctoral associate in the department of ecology and evolutionary biology at Yale University. "You might say that increased commerce and travel... (AZCentral -- News)
Understanding Allergies By Mapping Chemical Structures Recognized By Immune System Nov 17, 2007
The study will involve 200 donors over five years and will look at 32 common allergen sources, such as trees, grasses, weeds, fungi, mites, insects and mammals. Food allergies are not part of the study. (Science Daily)
Malaria Research Institute Sums Up Recent Progress Oct 28, 2007
25, 2005) Researchers have identified a gene in mosquitoes that helps the insects to fight off infection by the Plasmodium parasite, which causes malaria. Anopheles mosquitoes transmit the malaria parasite to. (Science Daily)
Noble Financial TWO DOUBLE-O-SEVEN Equity Conference Presenter Profiles Aug 18, 2007
Middleton provides essential pest control services and protection against termites and insects to homes and businesses. In addition, Middleton supplies lawn care services to homes and businesses, which includes fertilization treatments and protection against disease, weeds and insects for lawns and shrubs. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Newly found sensing system enables certain bacteria to resist human immune defenses Jun 8, 2007
AMPs are made by virtually all groups of organisms, including amphibians, insects, several invertebrates and mammals, including humans. Gram-positive bacteria are major threats to human health, especially due to increasing problems with drug resistance, and these findings may help chart a path to designing new drugs to bolster our antimicrobial treatment options, notes NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.. (EurekAlert!)
She translates science for the masses May 21, 2007
"Just playing outside, a 3-year-old is very aware of insects or birds or learning how to swing. Interest comes automatically." That's not to say that there aren't challenges in inspiring young minds. "Some days my son will look at a bug and say that he wants to be an entomologist. But usually he wants to be a cement truck driver.". (Boston Globe)
UCR to Fete Renowned Entomologist's 50 Years of Service UCR, May. 18 May 19, 2007
UC Riverside's Mir S. Mulla, a distinguished professor emeritus of entomology, has achieved a milestone that only a handful of faculty can boast about: 50 years of service to a university and the wider national and international community of scientists studying "vectors" - organisms, such as insects, that transmit pathogens. During his 50-year affiliation with the Department of Entomology, Mulla used his expertise and knowledge of insects and related arthropods to find solutions for... (University of California Newswire, CA)
1 of life's most common compounds causes allergic inflammation Apr 23, 2007
Insects, molds and parasitic worms all common sources of allergies or inflammation -- produce billions of tons of chitin a year ... Locksley thinks that the presence of chitin in molds, worms and insects, which can all invade humans by penetrating skin or mucus membranes, may have pressured vertebrates to maintain "chitin-recognition molecules," akin to those that evolved in plants and primitive animals to trigger recognition of invading bacteria and fungi ... Bacteria are known to degrade... (EurekAlert!)
Air travel poses major threat to biodiversity, say scientists Apr 11, 2007
The explosive growth of worldwide airlines has seen passenger numbers rise 8% a year in the past three years, creating travel networks that link remote and isolated ecosystems for the first time, boosting the spread of micro-organisms and insects to unprecedented levels, the scientists claim. The introduction of insects and other organisms from foreign regions has triggered ecological disasters around the globe ... By combining the information Andrew Tatem and Simon Hay at the university's... (Guardian Unlimited -- Life)
No place cleaner than Calgary, global survey says Apr 2, 2007
"The efficiency of waste removal and sewage systems, water potability and the presence of harmful animals and insects are also taken into account," Mercer reported today. Vancouver ranked third in the world, behind Zurich and Geneva, in Mercer's broader "quality of life" index, which takes into account political, social, economic and environmental factors, personal safety and health, education, transportation and public services. (Globe and Mail -- International)
Genetically modified bugs could help eradicate malaria in wild Mar 27, 2007
Genetically modified insects could help eradicate malaria in wild By Dennis O'Brien Sun Reporter Posted March 26 2007. GRAPHICS. (Sun-Sentinel.com)
Abuzz over Hopkins mosquitoes Mar 26, 2007
Genetically modified insects could help eradicate malaria in wild By Dennis O'Brien Sun Reporter Originally published March 26, 2007 Jason Rasgon wants to assure the world of one thing: His genetically modified mosquitoes do not have eyes that glow in the dark. Yes, under fluorescent bulbs, some of the mosquitoes at the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute will glow a bright red or green. (SunSpot.net)
Genetically-Modified Mosquitoes May Uproot Malaria Mar 21, 2007
A strategy that was advocated was to develop genetically altered insects, which would resist infection with the malarial parasite ... However the next step is to prove that these genetically altered mosquitoes do not trigger a more aggressive form of malaria, or spread to other insects. (News Locale)
Protect Your Family During Mosquito Season Mar 15, 2007
Aware of the restriction of traditional insect repellents, researchers have long worked to uncover safer alternatives to repellents that contain DEET. They have discovered an all-natural, plant-based insect repellent called Geraniol that not only is a safer choice but, in many instances, is more effective for repelling insects than DEET. A 17-year study revealed that Geraniol, the active ingredient in BugBand insect repellent products, is safe for children and pets, and can be used around food... (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
'Global Warming Is Lies' Claims New Documentary... Mar 5, 2007
He is an expert in insects and infectious diseases and work for the Centers for Disease Control. Again, not a climate expert. (The Drudge Report)
Inhaled Steroids Best Treatment For Children With Asthma, Study Finds Jan 25, 2007
Mites belong to the order same as spiders, and have existed for longer than insects. Dust mites flourish in the controlled environment. (Science Daily)
Newly Identified Strains Of Chlamydia Trachomatis Could Produce New Diseases Jan 3, 2007
Insects are one of the most remarkable animal groups on the earth, and they merit study for at least two major reasons. First, insects have unsurpassed diversity and niches; because of this. (Science Daily)
Honey Bee Genome: Social Insect Creates Buzz For Agricultural, Biomedical Research Oct 27, 2006
Researchers caution that this gene count will increase as other insects are sequenced and compared to the honey bee in the future. When compared to other insects, the honey bee genome contains fewer genes involved in innate immunity, detoxification enzymes, and gustatory (taste) receptors, while not surprisingly, it contains more genes for olfactory receptors and novel genes for nectar and pollen utilization ... Interestingly, the honey bee genome shows greater similarities to vertebrates than... (Science Daily)
Novel Mechanism Of Protein Processing Found Sep 13, 2006
-- Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) and Antifreeze glycoproteins (AFGPs) are produced as a specialised adaptation by certain fish, insects, plants and bacteria. AFPs and AFGPs are capable of lowering the. (Science Daily)
Scientists Link Immune Response To 'Ghost' Parasites And Severely Congested Sinuses Sep 8, 2006
Although it's unclear why it's so, scientists at Johns Hopkins have linked a gene that allows for the chemical breakdown of the tough, protective casing that houses insects and worms to the severe congestion and polyp formation typical of chronic sinusitis ... Researchers say that although chitin, a rigid chemical compound common to fungi, insects and roundworms, is not naturally found in the human body, the presence of its corresponding enzyme and its role in the buildup of mucus and fluids,... (Science Daily)
Structure Of Key Enzyme In Plague Bacterium Found Aug 18, 2006
(October 25, 2004) -- Insects and other invertebrates are the arena for the evolution of new infectious diseases in humans, new research. . (Science Daily)
Researchers Find 'Key' To Unlocking World's Deadliest Malaria Parasite Jul 27, 2006
(October 25, 2005) -- Researchers have identified a gene in mosquitoes that helps the insects to fight off infection by the Plasmodium parasite, which causes malaria ... -- The mosquito is a member of the family Culicidae; these insects have a pair of scaled wings, a pair of halteres, a slender body, and long legs. (Science Daily)
A New View On Lyme Disease: Rodents Hold The Key To Annual Risk May 11, 2006
-- Flea is the common name for any of the small wingless insects of the order Siphonaptera. Fleas are external. (Science Daily)
'Amplification' Strategy May be Key to Combating West Nile Virus May 6, 2006
Amplification' Strategy May be Key to Combating West Nile Virus. The spread of West Nile Virus appears to be triggered by a complex interaction of mosquitoes, nesting birds and specific weather patterns, scientists say, which leads to "amplification" of the virus within mosquito populations. (Science Daily)
Malaria Parasite Impairs Key Immune System Cells Apr 17, 2006
(October 25, 2005) -- Researchers have identified a gene in mosquitoes that helps the insects to fight off infection by the Plasmodium parasite, which causes malaria. Anopheles mosquitoes transmit the malaria parasite to. (Science Daily)
Shift In Feeding Behavior Of Mosquitoes Sheds Light On West Nile Virus Outbreaks Apr 12, 2006
-- The mosquito is a member of the family Culicidae; these insects have a pair of scaled wings, a pair of halteres, a slender body, and long legs. The females of most mosquito species suck blood from. (Science Daily)
Parasite study is funded Feb 9, 2006
Beyond medications, means of controlling the disease could include insecticides to target the insects that transmit the disease. But, he said, at least 40 different species of sand flies have been implicated, and often one species will only pose a problem in a specific geographic region. (Yale Daily News, CT)
