Search Index

An extensive collection of insightful reviews on the best STEM books available. Whether you're a student looking to deepen your knowledge or something to aid your revision and research, an educator seeking great resources for your classroom, or simply a curious mind passionate about science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine and more, you'll find something here to inspire and inform you.  Discover Your Next Great Read Deep Dive into STEM Books Here you can explore an extensive collection of insightful reviews on the best STEM books available. Whether you're a student looking to deepen your knowledge or something to aid or complement your revision and research, an educator seeking great resources for your classroom, or simply a curious mind passionate about science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine and more, you'll find something here to inspire and inform you. Our Curated Selections: Intern Blues by Robert Marion, M.D. The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee The Molecule by Dr Rick Sax and Marta New

Scientia News is full of STEM blogs, articles and resources freely available across the globe for students. Browse all of our fascinating content written by students and professionals showing their passion in STEM and the other sciences. Log In Welcome to Scientia News DELIVERING INFORMATIVE CONTENT Scientia News is full of STEM blogs, articles and resources freely available across the globe for students. Browse all of our fascinating content written by students and professionals showing their passion in STEM and other sciences. We hope this platform helps you discover something that inspires your curiosity, and encourages you to learn more about important topics in STEM. Meet the Official Team NAVIGATE AND CLICK THE PHOTOS BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT US! To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Latest Articles ecology Rock, paper, survival? View More chemistry Diels–Alder Reaction View More biology Addressing Health Inequalities View More chemistry Molecular blueprints: the synthesis of ibuprofen View More CONTACT CONTACT US Scientia News welcomes anyone who wants to share their ideas and write for our platform. If you are interested in realising your writing potential with us AND live in the UK; and/ or would like to give feedback: Email us at scientianewsorg@gmail.com or fill in our GET IN TOUCH form below and we'll be in contact... Follow us on our socials for the latest updates. Comment, like and share! Join our mailing list below for latest site content. You can also sign up to become a site member . SUBSCRIPTION Join our mailing list to receive alerts for new articles and other site content. Be sure to check your spam/ junk folders in case emails are sent there. Email Subscribe GET IN TOUCH First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

Unlocking the secrets to gut health Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The power of probiotics 10/04/26, 10:51 Last updated: Published: 18/08/23, 19:58 Unlocking the secrets to gut health What are probiotics? Probiotics are dietary supplements that consist of live cultures of bacteria or yeast. In the human body, more precisely in the microbiome, there are about 4 trillion bacteria, which include almost 450 species. These bacteria are necessary for the proper functioning of the entire body, especially the intestines and digestive system. In probiotics, bacteria from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families are most often used, as well as yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. How do probiotics work? Probiotics have a wide range of effects on our body. Their main task is to strengthen immunity and improve the condition of the digestive tract. This is because microorganisms produce natural antibodies, and also constitute a kind of protective barrier that does not allow factors conducive to infection to our intestine. Types of probiotics Most often, lactic acid bacteria of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are used as probiotics, but some species of Escherichia and Bacillus bacteria and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardi also have pro-health properties. Probiotics for your gut health The composition of our bacterial flora in the intestines determines the proper functioning of the digestive and immune systems. Probiotics have a positive effect primarily on the intestinal flora. They speed up metabolism and lower bad cholesterol (LDL). Live cultures of bacteria protect our digestive system. They improve digestion, regulate intestinal peristalsis, and prevent diarrhoea. They also increase the nutritional value of products - they facilitate the absorption of minerals such as magnesium and iron as well as vitamins from group B and K. In addition, probiotics strengthen immunity and protect us from infections caused by pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, it is very important to take as many probiotics as possible during and after antibiotic treatment. They will then regenerate the intestinal flora damaged by antibiotic therapy and reduce inflammation. Main benefits · facilitate the digestive process · increase the absorption of vitamins and minerals · during antibiotic treatments, they protect our intestinal microflora · affect the immune system by increasing resistance to infections · some strains have anti-allergic and anti-cancer properties · lower cholesterol · relieve the symptoms of lactose intolerance · ability to synthesize some B vitamins, vitamin K, folic acid Written by Aleksandra Zurowska Related articles: The gut microbiome / Vitamins / Interplay of hormones and microbiome Project Gallery

This page features articles which tackle imminent health problems such as smoking, childhood obesity and depression, and pre-diabetes. Skin disease, Crohn's disease, anaemias, and endometriosis are also explored.  Medicine Articles This page features articles which tackle imminent health problems such as smoking, childhood obesity and depression, and pre-diabetes. Skin disease, Crohn's disease, anaemias, and endometriosis are also explored. You may also like: Dentistry , Biology Interventions for smoking cessation Public smoking health interventions The problem with childhood obesity What is childhood obesity? How many does it affect, and what can we do to tackle this? Pre-diabetes Pre-diabetes is the period before the onset of diabetes Anaemias Anaemia is a blood disease. Article #1 in a series about anaemia. Endometriosis breakthrough The latest breakthrough in endometriosis: the bacterium theory AI in medicinal chemistry How can it help the field? Depression in children And how we can help them Iron-deficiency anaemia Anaemia is a blood disease. Article #2 in a series about anaemia. The power of probiotics And how they are effective Blood: a vital fluid The role and importance of blood Smart bandages What are they and how can they be better than traditional bandages? Why whales don't get cancer Discussing from Peter's Paradox perspective Anaemia of chronic disease The second most-common anaemia. Article #3 in a series about anaemia. Erasing memory Is it possible to wipe your memories clean? Herpes vs. skin disease From foe to ally: a Herpes-based gene therapy treats dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Article #3 in a series on Rare diseases. The foremothers of gynaecology An International Women's Month collab with Publett Healthcare serial killers A disturbing reality The gut microbiome Also known as: the microbiota, gut microflora Crohn's disease A summary of the condition Sideroblastic anaemia A problem synthesising haem. Article #4 in a series about anaemia. Next

Applications of ancient DNA analysis Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Are aliens on Earth? 09/04/26, 17:08 Last updated: Published: 04/10/23, 17:13 Applications of ancient DNA analysis During the congressional hearing regarding UFOs held by Mexico on the 13th of September 2023, two alleged alien corpses were presented by UFO enthusiast Jaime Maussan. These artefacts were met with scepticism due to Maussan’s previous five claims to have found aliens, all debunked as mummified human remains. To verify the newly found remains as alien, various lab tests have been performed, one being a carbon-14 analysis by researchers at the Autonomous National University of Mexico. This analysis estimated the corpses to be approximately 1000 years old. Determination of the corpses’ genetic make-up is another essential technique for the verification of the supposed alien remains, but is it possible for these ancient remains to undergo DNA analysis? Yes; in fact, there are methods specialised for cases such as these that enable ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis. The relatively recent advent of high throughput sequencing technology has streamlined DNA sequencing into becoming a more rapid and inexpensive process. However, aDNA has fundamental qualities that complicate its analysis such as postmortem damage, extraneous co-extracted DNA and the presence of other contaminants. Therefore, extra steps are essential in the bioinformatics workflow to make sure that the aDNA is sequenced and analysed as accurately as possible. So, let’s talk about the importance of aDNA analysis in various areas and how looking at the genetics of the past, and potentially space, can unearth information for modern research. Applications of aDNA sequencing and analysis Analysis of ancient DNA is a useful technique for the discovery of human migration events from hundreds of centuries ago. For example, analyses of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have repeatedly substantiated the “Recent African Origin” theory of modern human origins; the most common ancestor of human mtDNA was found to exist in Africa about 100,000-200,000 years ago. There have also been other recent studies within phylogeography; an aDNA study on skeletal remains of ancient northwestern Europeans carried out in 2022 showed that mediaeval society in England was likely the result of mass migration across the North Sea from the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. Thus, these phylogeographic discoveries improve our knowledge of the historic evolution and migration of human populations. Paleopathology, the study of disease in antiquity, is another area for which ancient DNA analysis is important. Analysis of DNA from the victims of the Plague of Justinian and the Black Death facilitated the identification of Yersinia Pestis and determined it as the causal agent in these pandemics. The contribution of aDNA analysis is consequently important to reveal how diseases have affected past populations and this derived genetic information can be used to identify their prevalence in modern society. Exciting yet debatably ethical plans for the de-extinction of species have also been announced. The biotech company Colossal announced plans in 2021 to resurrect the woolly mammoth among other species such as the Tasmanian tiger and the dodo bird. Other groups plan to resurrect the Christmas Island rat and Steller’s sea cow. In theory, this is exciting, or scary from certain ecological perspectives, but is complicated in practice. Even though the number of nuclear genomes sequenced from extinct species exceeds 20, there has been no restoration of species to date. Are aliens on Earth? Thus, ancient DNA analysis can be applied to a multitude of areas to give historical information that we are able to carry into the modern world. But, finally, are these ‘alien’ corpses legitimately from outer space? José Zalce Benitez is the director of the Health Sciences Research Institute in the secretary of the Mexican Navy’s office and he reports on the scientists’ findings. The DNA tests were allegedly compared with over one million species and found not to be genetically related to “what is known or described up to this moment by science.” In essence, genetic testing has not conflicted with Maussan’s claim that these remains are alien so the possibility of their alien identity cannot yet be dismissed. However, this genetic testing does not appear to be peer-reviewed; NASA is reportedly interested in the DNA analysis of these corpses, so we await further findings. Ancient DNA analysis will undoubtedly provide intriguing information about life from outer space or, alternatively, how this DNA code was faked. Whatever the outcome, ancient DNA analysis remains an exciting area of research about life preceding us. Written by Isobel Cunningham Related article: Astro-geology of Lonar Lake Project Gallery

The role of CRISPR-Cas9 technology Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Reaching new horizons in Alzheimer's research 09/04/26, 17:09 Last updated: Published: 12/10/23, 10:50 The role of CRISPR-Cas9 technology The complexity of Alzheimer’s Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a formidable foe, marked by its relentless progression and the absence of a definitive cure. As the leading cause of dementia, its prevalence is expected to triple by 2050. Traditional therapies mainly focus on managing symptoms; however, advances in genetics research, specifically CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, offer newfound hope for understanding and treating this debilitating condition. The disease is characterized by progressive deterioration of cognitive function, with memory loss being its hallmark symptom. Primarily affecting individuals aged 65 and over, age is the most significant risk factor. Although this precise cause remains elusive, scientists believe that a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors contributes to its development. CRISPR’s role in Alzheimer’s research After the discovery of using CRISPR-Cas9 for gene editing, this technology is receiving interest for its potential ability to manipulate genes contributing to Alzheimer’s. Researchers from the University of Tokyo used a screening technique involving CRISPR-Cas9 to identify calcium, proteins, and integrin-binding protein 1, which is involved in the formation of AD. Furthermore, Canadian researchers have edited genes in brain cells to prevent Alzheimer’s using CRISPR. The team identified a genetic variant called A673T, found to decrease Alzheimer’s likelihood by a factor of four and reduce Alzheimer’s biomarker beta-amyloid (Aβ). Using CRISPR in petri dish studies, they managed to activate this A673T variant in lab-grown brain cells. However, the reliability and validity of this finding are yet to be confirmed by replication in animal studies. One final example of CRISPR application is targeting the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene. The Swedish mutation in the APP gene is associated with dominantly inherited AD. Scientists were able to specifically target and disrupt the mutant allele of this gene using CRISPR, which decreased pathogenic Aβ peptide. Degenerating neurons are surrounded by Aβ fibrils, the production of Αβ in the brain initiates a series of events which cause the clinical syndrome of dementia. The results of this study were replicated both ex vivo and in vivo and demonstrated this could be a potential treatment strategy in the future. The road ahead While CRISPR technology’s potential in Alzheimer’s research is promising, its therapeutic application is still in its infancy. Nevertheless, with the aid of cutting-edge tools like CRISPR, deepening our understanding of AD, we are on the cusp of breakthroughs that could transform the landscape of Alzheimer’s disease treatment. Written by Maya El Toukhy Related articles: Alzheimer's disease (an overview) / Hallmarks of Alzheimer's / Sleep and memory loss Project Gallery

Exenatide as a potential drug Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link A common diabetes drug treating Parkinson’s disease 05/04/26, 14:28 Last updated: Published: 24/01/24, 21:15 Exenatide as a potential drug Disclaimer: the results from the February 2025 Phase 3 Exenatide-PD3 trial shows that exanetide did not outperform the placebo, and did not slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. The connection between type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and PD was discovered in 1993, when PD patients with co-existing T2DM had worse motor symptoms and response to therapy. Dopaminergic neurons promote eating behaviour in hypoglycaemic states, mediated via insulin receptors in the substantia nigra, because dopaminergic neuronal loss affects glycaemic control. Thus, T2DM patients are more likely to acquire PD than people without diabetes. Excess glucose in the brain, as found in uncontrolled T2DM, may interact randomly with surrounding proteins and interfere with their function. These interactions also result in toxic end products promoting inflammation and α-synuclein clustering, both of which are PD characteristics. Over a 12-year period, retrospective data (N=8,190,323) showed that T2DM responders had considerably greater PD rates when compared to those without diabetes. The rise was significantly more pronounced among individuals with complex T2DM and those aged 25-44. Exenatide: Overview and Mechanism of Action Exenatide is a synthetic form of exendin-4, a naturally occurring protein identified in the saliva of the Gila monster (poisonous lizard endemic to the Southwest US) by Dr. Eng in the early 1990s. In humans, the chemical is produced after a meal to increase insulin production, decreasing blood sugar. GLP-1 degrades fast in humans, and its benefits are short-lived. However, investigations have shown effects of exendin-4 continue longer in people. This finally led to FDA clearance in 2005, when the product was sold as Byetta TM . Its current indications are for the treatment of balancing glucose levels in T2DM with or without additional oral hypoglycemic medications. This glycaemic control is an analogue of human GLP-1, used in T2DM treatment, either alone or in conjunction with other antidiabetic medications. Exendin-4's neuroprotective characteristics may aid in rescuing degenerating cells and neuron protection. Because T2DM and PD are linked, researchers want to explore its effectiveness as a PD therapy. Patients treated with exenatide for one year (in addition to standard medication) experienced less deterioration in motor symptoms when tested without medication compared to the control group. Research on Exenatide as a Potential Parkinson's Disease Therapy 21 patients with intermediate PD were assessed over a 14-month period, and their progress was compared to 24 other people with Parkinson's who served as controls. Exenatide was well accepted by participants, albeit some individuals complained about weight loss. Significantly, exenatide-treated participants improved their PD movement symptoms, while the control patients continued to deteriorate. The researchers investigate exenatide, a possible PD therapy, in an upcoming clinical study, lending support to the repurposing of diabetes drugs for Parkinson's patients. This research adds to the evidence for a phase 3 clinical trial of exenatide for PD patients. Data on 100,288 T2DM revealed that people using two types of diabetic medications, GLP-1 agonists and DPP4-inhibitors, were less likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's up to 3.3 years follow-up. Those who used GLP-1 agonists were 60% less likely to acquire PD than those who did not. The results revealed that T2DM had a higher risk of Parkinson's than those without diabetes, although routinely given medicines, GLP-1 agonists, and DPP4-inhibitors seemed to reverse the association. Furthermore, a 2-year follow-up research indicated individuals previously exposed to exenatide displayed a substantial improvement in their motor characteristics 12 months after they ceased taking the medication. However, this experiment was an open-label research so the gains may be explained by a placebo effect. The research adds to the evidence that exenatide may assist to prevent or treat PD, perhaps by altering the course of the illness rather than just lowering symptoms. Other risk factors for PD should be considered by clinicians when prescribing T2DM drugs, although further study is required to clarify clinical significance. Findings from Clinical Trials and Studies Based on these findings, the UCL team broadened their investigation and conducted a more extensive, double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment. The findings establish the groundwork for a new generation of PD medicines, but they also confirm the repurposing of a commercially existing therapy for this illness. Patients were randomly randomised (1:1) to receive exenatide 2 mg or placebo subcutaneous injections once weekly in addition to their current medication for 48 weeks, followed by a 12-week washout period. Web-based randomisation was used, with a two-stratum block design depending on illness severity. Treatment allocation was concealed from both patients and investigators. The main outcome was the adjusted difference in the motor subscale of the Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale after 60 weeks in the realistically defined off-medication condition. Six major adverse events occurred in the exenatide group and two in the placebo group, but none were deemed to be connected to the research treatments in either group. It is unclear if exenatide alters the underlying illness mechanism or causes long-term clinical consequences. Implications and Future Directions Indeed, the UCL study showed that exenatide decreases deterioration compared to a placebo. However, participants reported no change in their quality of life. The study team would broaden their study to include a broader sample of people from several locations. Because PD proceeds slowly, longer-term trials might provide a better understanding of how exenatide works in these responders. Overall, findings suggest that gathering data on this class of medications should be the topic of additional inquiry to evaluate their potential. Exenatide is also being studied to see whether it might postpone the onset of levodopa-induced problems (e.g., dyskinesias). Furthermore, if exenatide works for Parkinson's, why not for other neurodegenerative illnesses (Alzheimer's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis) or neurological diseases (including cerebrovascular disorders, traumatic brain injury...)? Exenatide has been FDA-approved for diabetes for many years and has a good track record, but it does have some adverse side effects in Parkinson's patients, namely gastrointestinal difficulties (nausea, constipation). Exenatide as a prospective PD therapy is an example of medication repurposing or repositioning, an essential method for bringing novel therapies to patients in a timely and cost-effectively. However, further research is required, so it will be many years before a new therapy is licenced and available. Drug repurposing, or using authorised medicines for one ailment to treat another, opens up new paths for Parkinson's therapeutic development. Conclusion Exenatide shows potential as a therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Studies have shown that exenatide may help improve motor symptoms and slow down the progression of PD. However, further research and clinical trials are needed to fully understand its effectiveness and long-term effects. The findings also suggest that repurposing existing medications, like exenatide, could provide new avenues for developing PD therapies. While exenatide shows promise, it will likely be many years before it is licensed and widely available as a PD treatment. PROJECT GALLERY IMAGES DESCRIPTION Figure 1- The use of GLP-1 is beyond diabetes treatment. Nineteen clinical studies found that GLP-1 agonists can improve motor scores in Parkinson's Disease, improve glucose metabolism in Alzheimer's, and improve quality of. They can also treat chemical dependency, improve lipotoxicity, and reduce insulin resistance. However, adverse effects are primarily gastrointestinal. Thus, GLP-1 analogues may be beneficial for other conditions beyond diabetes and obesity. Figure 2- Potent GLP-1 agonists suppress appetite through a variety of mechanisms, including delayed gastric emptying, increased glucose-dependent insulin secretion, decreased glucagon levels, and decreased food ingestion via central nervous system effects. Short-acting agents, including exenatide, primarily function by impeding gastric evacuation, thereby leading to a decrease in postprandial glucose levels. On the contrary, extended-release exenatide and other long-acting agonists (e.g., albiglutide, dulaglutide) exert a more pronounced impact on fasting glucose levels reduction via their mechanism of action involving the release of insulin and glucagon. The ineffectiveness of long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists on gastric evacuation can be attributed to the development of tolerance to GLP-1 effects, which is regulated by parasympathetic tone alterations. Figure 3- Illustrated is the cross-communication with insulin receptor signalling pathways and downstream effectors . Biomarkers can be derived from the formation and origin of extracellular vesicles, which indicate the initial inward budding of the plasma membrane. An early endosome is formed when this membrane fuses; it subsequently accumulates cytoplasmic molecules. As a consequence, multivesicular bodies are generated, which subsequently fuse with the plasma membrane and discharge their constituents into the extracellular milieu. Akt denotes protein kinase B; Bcl-2 signifies extracellular signal-related kinase; Bcl-2 antagonist of death; Bcl-2 extra large; Bcl-XL signifies Bcl-2; Bim signifies Bcl-2-like protein 11; cAMP signifies cyclic adenosine monophosphate; CREB signifies cAMP response element-binding protein; Erk1/2 signifies extracellular signal-related kinase IDE, insulin-degrading enzyme; IL-1α, interleukin 1α; IRS-1, insulin receptor signalling substrate 1; MAPK, mitogen-associated protein kinase; mTOR, mechanistic target of rapamycin; mTORC1, mTOR complex 1; mTORC2, mTOR complex 2; NF-kB, nuclear factor–κB; PI3-K, phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PKA, protein kinase; FoxO1/O3, forkhead box O1/O3, forkhead box O1/O3; GRB2, growth factor receptor-bound protein 2; GSK-3β, Written by Sara Maria Majernikova Related articles: Pre-diabetes / Will diabetes mellitus become an epidemic? / Parkinson's risk / Markers for Parkinsonism Project Gallery

Natural substances and their treatment potential Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Using Natural Substances to Tackle Infectious Diseases 05/04/26, 14:43 Last updated: Published: 06/06/23, 17:06 Natural substances and their treatment potential Introduction There is increased concern of antimicrobial resistance, especially when referring to bacteria with superbugs such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) as they impact lives globally, mainly through fatalities. Given this predicament, It seems that humanity is losing as a result of this pressing issue. However, it is possible for healthcare professionals to utilise more natural products, which are chemicals made by plants, animals and even microorganisms. This includes resources such as wood and cotton aside from food like milk and cacao. In the context of medicinal treatments, an important justification for using more natural products is because although synthetic or partially synthetic drugs are effective for treating countless diseases, an article found that 8% of hospital admissions in the United States and approximately 100,000 fatalities per year were due to people experiencing unfortunate side effects from these drugs. This article explores three specific natural products, where each have similar and unique health properties that can be harnessed to tackle infectious diseases and its subsequent consequences when left sufficiently unaddressed (i.e. antimicrobial resistance). Honey One of the most famous natural products that has been referenced in various areas of research and has been a food and remedial source for thousands of years is honey. It has properties ranging from antibacterial to antioxidant, suggesting that when honey is applied clinically, it has the potential to stop pathogenic bacteria. For example, honey can protect the gastrointestinal system against Helicobacter pylori , which causes stomach ulcers. In disc diffusion assays, the inhibitive properties of honey were shown when honey samples were evaluated holistically as opposed to its individual ingredients. This implies that the macromolecules in honey (carbohydrates, proteins and lipids) work in unison with other biomolecules, illustrating that honey is a distinctive remedy for preventing bacterial growth. For tackling infectious diseases, particularly against wound infections among others, honey’s medicinal properties provide a lot of applications and because it is a natural product, honey would not present any drastic side effects to a patient upon its administration. Garlic Another natural product that can be effective against microorganisms is garlic because similar to honey, it has antimicrobial and antioxidative compounds. A study judged different garlic phenotypes originating from Greece and discovered that they were beneficial against Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli aside from inhibiting Candida albicans and C. kruzei . As for fresh garlic juice (FGJ), it increases the zone of inhibition in various pathogens at 10% and more along with it displaying minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in the 4-16% range. Therefore, garlic in solid or liquid form does show potential as a natural antimicrobial agent, especially against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. With this in mind, it too has multiple applications like honey and should be further studied to best isolate the chemical compounds that could be involved in fighting infectious diseases. Turmeric Curcuma longa (also known as turmeric) is one other natural product with unique properties like garlic and honey, making it a suitable candidate against various microbes. One specific pigment that is part of the ginger family and found in turmeric is curcumin, which can tackle diverse microbes through numerous mechanisms illustrated below in Figure 2 . With this said, curcumin has drawbacks: it is highly hydrophobic, has low bioavailability and quickly breaks down. Although when paired with nanotechnology for delivery into the human body, its clinical applications can be advantageous and an additional observation about curcumin is that it can work collaboratively with other plant derived chemicals to stop antibiotic resistant bacteria. One specific bacterial strain that turmeric can attack is Clostridium difficile, a superbug that causes diarrhoea. A study had 27 strains to measure the MICs of turmeric constituents, particularly curcuminoids and curcumin. The results showed reduced C. difficile growth in the concentration range 4-32 μg/mL. Moreover, they had no negative impacts on the gut microbiome and curcumin had more efficacy in stopping C. difficile toxin production compared to fidaxomicin. Thus, turmeric is efficacious as a natural antimicrobial chemical and with further experimentation (same as honey and garlic), it can be harnessed to prevent infectious diseases besides their impact on human lives. Conclusion Considering the above examples of natural products in this article and others not mentioned, it is clear that they can be powerful in the battle against infectious diseases and the problems associated with them, mainly antimicrobial resistance. They are readily available to purchase in markets and shops at low cost, making them convenient. Moreover, populations in Eastern countries like China and India traditionally have used, and are still using these materials for curing pain and illness. In turn, manufacturing medicines from natural products on a larger scale has the prospect of preventing infectious diseases and even alleviating those that patients currently have. Written by Sam Jarada Related article: Mechanisms of pathogen evasion Project Gallery

Psilocybin's active metabolite, psilocin, acts as a serotonin receptor agonist Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The promising effects of magic mushrooms for depression Last updated: 05/04/26, 14:37 Published: 19/02/26, 08:00 Psilocybin's active metabolite, psilocin, acts as a serotonin receptor agonist This is Article 3 in a series on psychiatric disorders and the brain. Previous article: Inside out: the chemistry of depression . Next article coming soon. What is psilocybin? Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic tryptamine alkaloid found in over 200 species of mushrooms (Psilocybin mushrooms), commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms. Upon ingestion, the body converts psilocybin into its active metabolite, psilocin, which acts as a serotonin receptor agonist, primarily impacting 5-HT2A receptors. What is psilocybin useful for? In recent years, clinical research has shown that psilocybin-assisted therapy, can quickly and meaningfully reduce symptoms of depression, often within days rather than weeks, when given in a safe, controlled medical setting with psychological support. Importantly, these studies don’t just look at mood while someone is under the influence. They measure long-term changes weeks or months after treatment. Studies, such as Gukasyan et al. , 2022 and Goodwin et al. , 2022, have shown that 1-2 doses of psilocybin plus therapy have led to sustained reductions in depressive symptoms that last at least 8-12 weeks, and in some cases 12 months later. Research has also demonstrated potential benefits for individuals whose depression has not responded to conventional antidepressant treatments. A large phase II double-blinded trial, by Griffiths et al. , 2016, involving people with treatment-resistant depression found that those given a therapeutic dose (25 mg) of psilocybin had noticeably greater improvement in their depression scores compared with a very low dose (10 mg). Scientists, for example Daws et al. , 2022, believe psilocybin works differently from standard antidepressants. It appears to temporarily increase connections between different parts of the brain and may help break rigid patterns of negative thinking that are typical in depression. If psilocybin is effective, why is it not currently used in treatment for depression? Psilocybin remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, meaning it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. For psilocybin to become an approved clinical treatment for depression, it must be rescheduled through formal regulatory review, a process that involves extensive clinical testing and bureaucratic steps. In many countries, including the United States, rescheduling controlled substances can be slow and complex. For example, in 2022-2023, the U.S. government reviewed the scheduling of marijuana (cannabis) after presidential direction to federal agencies, but a final rescheduling decision was still pending as of late 2025. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Schedule III drugs are defined as substances with moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence, whereas Schedule I substances are defined as having no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Because psilocybin is still Schedule I in most jurisdictions, it cannot yet be prescribed as a mainstream treatment for depression, despite promising clinical trial results. Written by Chloe Kam Related article: What does depression do to your brain? Project Gallery

Elements, compounds, and mixtures make up the building blocks of materials that shape our world. Read on to uncover the latest contributions in chemistry, such as advances in mass spectrometry and quantum chemistry. Chemistry Articles Elements, compounds, and mixtures make up the building blocks of materials that shape our world. Read on to uncover the latest contributions in chemistry, such as advances in mass spectrometry and quantum chemistry. You may also like: Medicine , Pharmacology Advances in mass spectrometry Analytical chemistry Bioorthogonal chemistry Chemical reactions with high yields Polypharmacy Multiple medications Plastics and their environmental impact The same property that makes plastics so strong endangers the environment Quantum chemistry A relatively new field of chemistry Nanomedicine and targeted drug delivery An overview as to why nanoparticles are suitable for drug delivery Nanogels Smarter drug delivery The importance of symmetry in chemistry Symmetry in spectroscopy, reaction mechanisms and bonding Not all chemists wear white coats Computational organic chemistry Molecular blueprints: the art of synthetic planning Article #1 in a two-part series on retrosynthesis. Looking at the rare earth elements These comprise the lanthanide series as well as scandium (Sc) and yttrium (Y), and are characterised by the similarity of their chemical properties. Molecular blueprints: the synthesis of ibuprofen Article #2 in a two-part series on retrosynthesis. Diels-Alder reaction A reaction that shows the importance of symmetry in chemistry Previous