Category Archives: Research
Hybrid moving bed biofilm reactor-membrane bioreactor system for micropollutant removal
In recent years, the frequent detection of micropollutants in the aquatic environment has raised growing concerns due to their detrimental effects on aquatic organisms and human health. Micropollutants, also termed emerging contaminants, consist of a wide variety
A novel hepatitis C DNA vaccine
Since their development, vaccines have reduced the global burden of disease. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes persistent infection and is a leading cause of liver disease. To date, no vaccine is currently available, and treatment is costly
The passion of electrons for naked “green gold” in water to develop new nanotechnology applications
Electrons are negatively charged particles that are critical to the chemical reactions. Chemical reactions in living organisms, including humans, involve the movement and transfer of electrons. Indeed, the source of energy for life involves the transportation of
Why do we need to educate the public before asking for their opinion?
Public attitudes and opinions have always been important in health research. For example, many research studies use a community-based approach to inform the outcomes and design, while other studies include a member of the public as a
A rare variant in TREM2 increases risk for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease
Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) is the most common form of dementia and affects over 5 million Americans. This neurodegenerative disease results from a combination of genetic and environmental effects and currently has no effective cures, treatments, or
Co-benefit control and its enhancement can cost-effectively mitigate mercury emission from coal-fired power plants in China
Atmospheric mercury pollution has been a global concern owing to its neurotoxicity, persistence, long-range transportability and bioaccumulation in ecosystems, especially since Minamata Convention on Mercury was adopted internationally in 2013 to jointly control mercury emissions and releases.
Oral microorganisms: how do they communicate?
Many oral diseases are related to the interaction between microorganisms in the oral cavity. These microbial interactions are necessarily associated with the development of dental plaque and can lead to oral diseases including dental caries and perhaps
Access to a car can be important for the health and mental health of older people with impaired mobility
This research looked at statistical relationships between access to a car and the self-reported health and mental health of people aged 65years or older, living in Northern Ireland. The analysis used the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study (NILS),
Evaluation of colon specific tablets using experimental induced colitis rat animal model
Colon forms the important part of large intestine located after caecum. Compared to other regions of gastrointestinal tract (GIT), movement of material through colon is slow. Therefore a dosage form taken orally could take from as less
Chemiluminescence enhancement by 6,8-dialkylated luminols
Chemiluminescence defines a chemical reaction which generates an electronically excited species that emits light. Very few substrates are only known to undergo such processes which find applications in the efficient detection of trace quantities of chemicals (e.g.,
Physical activity and diet: the two pillars of hercules for health and wellbeing
News by the World Health Organization over the past few days claimed that eating too much red meat has been related to health adverse events including shorter lifespan, cardiovascular disease, and cancers. Remembering Paracelso aphorism: “Sola dosis
What’s in the breast milk affects microbes in the baby
Our intestines are full of a vast number of microorganisms. These microbes include bacteria and fungi, and interactions between us and the microbes that live inside us have an impact on health and disease in ways that
How much does obesity contribute to health inequality? Evidence from 18 European countries
Obesity is an important risk factor for a number of serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, ischemic heart disease and cardiovascular disease. Secondly, obesity rates differ between groups with different levels of education. Given these two facts
Preterm birth does not impair parenting behaviour
Having a new baby and taking it home can invoke anxiety and stress for any mother. Now imagine, taking home a baby that has been very ill and for months under nursing care. Parents might feel nervous
Hip arthroplasty when reconstructed are significantly less effective for osteoporotic than for healthy bone
The number of primary hip replacements has increased substantially in the United States and each year, as many as 200,000 total hip replacements ( THR ) are performed annually. Total hip arthroplasty is generally performed with cementless
Public attitudes to GM food
Public concern can often be a stumbling block to successful innovation, particularly when the underlying science breaks new ground. This does not just affect peoples’ readiness to consume new products, but may also affect the regulatory environment.
A novel radionuclide treatment for hormone refractory metastatic prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common male cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer overall. In patients with localized prostate cancer, the five-year survival rate approximates to 100%; however, in patients with distant metastases, it
Evolution of innate T cells
As a part of adaptive immunity, T cells identify and respond to products or antigens derived from pathogens. These antigens are seen by T cells in the form of short fragments or peptides presented by classical major
More sitting during a day increases the probability of developing the metabolic syndrome in older adults
We all would like to stay fit and independent for the rest of our lives. In order to live longer in good health we need to change or adjust our lifestyle. Scientists make an enormous effort by
Caged hens with unusual white blood cells
Animal welfare and egg supply sustainability issues are now top priorities. Currently, most eggs are from caged hens whose welfare is a question. To address the issue, microscopic data from blood counts of hens in three cage
