Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

A Century of Probiotics: The Past and Present of E. coli Nissle 1917

2025-08-24

A century ago, Alfred Nissle discovered that specific strains of Escherichia coli could treat infectious diseases. One of these strains, E. coli Nissle 1917, became the most frequently used probiotic E. coli in research and has been applied to a variety of human conditions. This review compares the properties of E. coli Nissle 1917 with other commercially available E. coli probiotic strains, focusing on their human applications. A literature search summarizes research findings on probiotics Mutaflor, Symbioflor 2, and Colinfant, analyzing their closest relatives and genetic content, including virulence genes. A striking similarity to pathogenic strains causing urinary tract infections is noted. The review traces historical research trends in probiotic treatment and suggests the future of probiotic E. coli may lie in treating gastrointestinal infections, often caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens—echoing Nissle's original discovery.

(pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

AI probiotics Escherichia coli

Psilocybin Shows Promise in Treating Depression and Anxiety in Cancer Patients

2025-07-18

A double-blind, crossover trial investigated the effects of psilocybin, a classic hallucinogen, on 51 cancer patients experiencing life-threatening diagnoses and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. High-dose psilocybin significantly reduced clinician- and self-rated depression and anxiety, improving quality of life, life meaning, and optimism while decreasing death anxiety. These positive effects were sustained at the 6-month follow-up, with approximately 80% of participants showing clinically significant improvements. The study highlights the mediating role of mystical-type psilocybin experiences in achieving therapeutic outcomes.

(pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

AI hallucinogen

Why Are Surgeons Addressed as 'Mr.' in the UK?

2025-05-19

A curious British tradition persists: male surgeons are consistently addressed as "Mr." This article delves into the historical roots of this practice, tracing its origins from the 18th century when surgeons lacked formal qualifications to the rise of the Royal College of Surgeons and the emergence of "pure surgeons" in the 19th century. The title evolved into a badge of honor, but with modern collaborative medical teams, the article questions the relevance of this anachronism, suggesting a shift to addressing all qualified medical professionals as "Dr."

(pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Misc British culture

Pilot Study: rTMS Shows Promise in Treating Sleep Bruxism

2025-05-05

A small, open-label pilot study investigated the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on sleep bruxism (SB). Twelve SB patients underwent five days of rTMS treatment. Results showed significant reductions in both the intensity of jaw-closing muscle electromyographic (EMG) activity during sleep and self-reported muscle soreness during and after treatment. This pilot study suggests potential therapeutic benefits of rTMS for SB, warranting further, more controlled studies.

(pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Tech rTMS sleep bruxism electromyography

Neuroscience's Theoretical Bottleneck: Can Spatial Dynamics Unlock the Brain's Secrets?

2025-03-12

While the cellular biology of brains is relatively well-understood, neuroscientists haven't yet generated a theory explaining how brains work. This article explores major obstacles in neuroscience, identifying them as largely conceptual. Neuroscience lacks models rooted in experimental results explaining how neurons interact at all scales. Brains aren't solely driven by external and internal stimuli; their autonomy is significant. Furthermore, the traditional assumption of time as an independent variable clashes with experimental findings; spatial dynamics may offer a more suitable framework. The paper proposes several conceptual frontiers needing breakthroughs, emphasizing the importance of single-trial designs and analyses, and the need for improved experimental methods to reveal the brain's spatial dynamics.

(pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Tech brain mechanisms spatial dynamics

Lisp's Advantages in Bioinformatics: Faster Programs, Faster Development

2025-01-21

This article argues for expanding the use of Lisp-family languages (Common Lisp, Scheme, and Clojure) in bioinformatics and computational biology. Lisp's strengths—speed, flexibility, and ease of creating domain-specific languages (DSLs)—enable faster program development and execution. Case studies of Pathway Tools and BioBike showcase Lisp's power in building complex, flexible bioinformatics applications. The authors discuss opportunities and challenges for Lisp's future in the field.

(pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Development Bioinformatics Domain-Specific Languages

Simple Exercise Eliminates Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Case Report

2024-12-28

This case report describes a novel exercise to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and eliminate gastroesophageal reflux. The exercise involves eating while kneeling with the head lower than the stomach, using gravity as resistance. After several months of daily practice, the author's reflux symptoms ceased and haven't returned. This simple, low-risk exercise offers a potential solution for some individuals suffering from GERD.

(pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Misc gastroesophageal reflux lower esophageal sphincter exercise therapy

Mass Psychogenic Illness and Social Networks: A Changing Outbreak Pattern?

2024-12-21

A 2012 outbreak of conversion disorder at a New York high school saw numerous adolescent girls develop facial tics, muscle spasms, and speech problems. The diagnosis sparked controversy, with parents challenging the psychogenic explanation and suggesting environmental causes. This article analyzes the two types of mass psychogenic illness (MPI), its economic impact, and the shift in its spread in the social media age. The authors posit that social media may accelerate MPI transmission and amplify challenges to diagnoses, creating new public health hurdles. The Leroy case highlights the complexity of managing MPI in the digital age, suggesting traditional isolation strategies may be insufficient.

(pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Misc Mass psychogenic illness Conversion disorder Social media