A new study suggests that perceived stress and depression factor into the relationship between insomnia and hazardous drinking -- perhaps not a surprise. But because the relationship between insomnia and heavy drinking goes in both directions, the influence of stress or depression depends on which condition came first, the analysis found.
Read more: Stress, depression factor into link between insomnia, heavy drinking
A team discovers a new family of enzymes capable of inducing targeted cuts in single-stranded DNA A few years ago, the advent of technology known as CRISPR was a major breakthrough in the scientific world. Developed from a derivative of the immune system of bacteria, CRISPR enables double strands of nucleotides in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to be cut. This makes it possible to specifically modify a targeted gene in plant, animal and human cells. Ultimately, CRISPR became a preferred method in the search for treatments for acquired or hereditary diseases.
Read more: New tool for cutting DNA: Promising prospects for biotechnology
Like the dengue and Zika viruses, Oropouche virus causes a febrile illness. There are recent indications that infections during pregnancy can cause damage to unborn babies. Researchers have now determined that the virus is much more widespread in Latin America than previously assumed. Their study also suggests that climatic conditions have a significant influence on the virus's spread.
Read more: A mysterious pathogen: Oropouche virus more common in Latin America than previously thought
A new study has revealed that a special group of cells in the intestines tamp down the immune responses caused by exposure to food proteins. Called 'tolerogenic dendritic cells,' these cells enable food to pass through the body without triggering an immune reaction, unless they malfunction to cause allergies.
Read more: Recently discovered immune cell type is key to understanding food allergies