News

A fear of dying plays a role in people buying bottled water, even though they know it may not be good for them or the planet, a study has found. The study suggests that most bottled-water advertising campaigns target a deep psychological vulnerability in humans, compelling them to buy and consume particular products. Bottled water ads specifically trigger our most subconscious fear.

By connecting the regulatory dots between known bipolar-linked genes and proteins researchers have expanded our understanding of the biology of bipolar and, revealed a potential drug target.

Stamp bags are small wax packets that contain mixtures of illicit drugs, most commonly heroin, packaged for sale and sometimes stamped with a graphical logo by drug dealers to market their contents. Analysis shows huge rise in fentanyl content.

Novel screening method shows promise for finding new targets for already-approved drugs such as kinase inhibitors.

A gene “genie” grants researchers valuable data about microbes through puffs of gas from the soil. The latest version is a robust two-stage microbial sensor that will help researchers observe gene expression and the bioavailability of nutrients in laboratory facsimiles of environments like soil and sediments without disturbing them.

A recent study looked at the impact of crash dieting on fat distribution and heart function. Researchers found short term reductions in heart function followed by long term improvements in health. Patients with heart disease should therefore seek medical advice before adopting a very low calorie diet.

Researchers demonstrate the addition of widely available antioxidants to the current standard-of-care prevents vision loss in an animal model of a rare genetic disease.

UK-based Intelligent Fingerprinting, developers of the world’s first portable fingerprint drug test, have secured a further £1.7 million of funding from a group of private US and UK investors. The investment will help accelerate commercialisation of the recently launched Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening System.

Life sciences professionals and business development dealmakers from all walks of industry, academia and government have a new interchange at SLAS2018 – SLAS Ignite, a series of programs that foster scientific innovation through collaboration, debuts at the 2018 SLAS International Conference and Exhibition.

A new study shows that low levels of alcohol consumption tamp down inflammation and helps the brain clear away toxins, including those associated with Alzheimer’s disease.