Insects can be used to test the efficiency of new drugs
Insects, such as some moths and fruit flies, react to microbial infection in the same way as mammals and so can be used to test the efficiency of new drugs, thereby reducing the need for animal testing. Dr Kevin Kavanagh from the National University of Ireland - Maynooth, presented his research findings at the Society for General Microbiology's meeting at Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, today (8 September).
posted in category: Medications/Drugs news tags: Cell Evolution Wax
Female insects control sperm storage to rule out genetic disorders
Scientists have found new evidence to explain how female insects can influence the father of their offspring, even after mating with up to ten males. A team from the University of Exeter has found that female crickets are able to control the amount of sperm that they store from each mate to select the best father for their young.
posted in category: Medications/Drugs news tags: DNA Sperm
Findings may lead to new vaccine strategies for pulmonary tularemia
Immunologists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and the have found a unique quirk in the way the immune system fends off bacteria called Francisella tularensis, which could lead to vaccines that are better able to prevent tularemia infection of the lungs. Their findings were published today in the early, online version of Immunity.
posted in category: Medications/Drugs news tags: Antibiotic CDC Hospital Immunology Pediatrics Tuberculosis Tularemia Vaccine Immune Response
Phase III clinical trial results demonstrate effectiveness of spinosad suspension
ParaPRO, LLC announced today the results of two Phase III clinical studies published online this month in the journal Pediatrics (Pediatrics 2009; 124:e389-e395) which concluded that a spinosad suspension was significantly more effective in eliminating head lice (pediculosis capitis) than permethrin.
posted in category: Child Health News tags: Hygiene Pediatrics Permethrin Dry Hair Head Lice Nits
