Research Keyword: neurotoxicity

Screening of a Fraction with Higher Amyloid β Aggregation Inhibitory Activity from a Library Containing 210 Mushroom Extracts Using a Microliter-Scale High-Throughput Screening System with Quantum Dot Imaging

Researchers screened 210 mushroom species from Japan to find those that could prevent harmful protein clumping in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease. They identified a purified fraction from the mushroom Elfvingia applanata that was more effective than a known anti-Alzheimer’s compound at stopping these protein clumps from forming. The extract also protected nerve cells from damage in laboratory tests. This finding suggests mushrooms could potentially be developed into a functional food to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

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Psychedelics: Safety and Efficacy

This paper reviews scientific research on psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin that are being studied for treating depression and PTSD. While some research claims these drugs are beneficial, many studies have serious flaws including hiding negative side effects and being influenced by money from pharmaceutical companies. The author concludes that we need much better research before these drugs can be safely approved for medical use.

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Bacterial Cytochrome P450 Involvement in the Biodegradation of Fluorinated Pyrethroids

Scientists isolated a soil bacterium called Bacillus sp. MFK14 that can completely break down toxic fluorinated pesticides (specifically β-cyfluthrin and λ-cyhalothrin) within just two days. These pesticides are widely used in agriculture but persist in the environment and accumulate in living tissues, causing health problems. The study shows that special bacterial enzymes called cytochrome P450 play a key role in breaking these pesticides apart into less harmful products like fluoride ions. This discovery offers a promising natural solution for cleaning up pesticide-contaminated soil and water.

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Intrinsic determinants of prion protein neurotoxicity in Drosophila: from sequence to (dys)function

Prion diseases are deadly brain conditions caused by misfolded proteins. This study used computer simulations and fruit fly experiments to understand how tiny changes in prion protein structure affect its ability to cause disease. Researchers found that proteins with flexible loops are more toxic, while those with more rigid structures cause less damage, suggesting new ways to develop treatments by stabilizing the protein’s structure.

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