Scientists take 'snapshots' of enzyme action
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory, the New York Structural Biology Center, and SGX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., have determined the atomic crystal structure and functional mechanism of an enzyme essential for eliminating unwanted, non-nutritional compounds such as drugs, industrial chemicals, and toxic compounds from the body. The detailed mechanism of action...High resolution 'snapshots' detail dynamics of a cocaine antibody
Cocaine-binding antibodies have shown some promise in their ability to neutralize cocaine toxicity, but their binding ability is severely impaired by high concentrations of the drug. A catalytic monoclonal antibody such as 7A1, on the other hand, has the ability to regenerate after each new dose of the drug, making it far more effective than others in metabolizing cocaine. The study, which...Archerfish tune their shots to universal properties of prey adhesion
Archerfish exhibit the remarkable ability to hunt for insects and other small terrestrial animals by firing precisely aimed streams of water that knock prey onto the water's surface. These water shots were once thought to be all-or-none in quality, but researchers have now discovered new levels of sophistication in the archerfish's hunting strategy that shed light on how this impressive predatory...The Efficacy Of Allergy Shots Questioned
Researchers say their latest findings may ease the worry for those who had a frightening experience of an insect sting.// According to a recent study , it was found that one in five people who had an allergic reactions to bee, wasp and other insect stings will have a reaction as an adult. However, allergy shot treatments, or venom immunotherapy, can help build children's resistance an...Flu Shots Not Mandatory For Nurses
U.S. District Court Judge Marsha Pechman ruled in Seattle that the Virginia Mason Medical Center couldn't force nurses to take flu shots or give up their jobs.// This ruling came after most nurses agreed to take the said shots. The hospital had asked the 600-strong nursing staff to avail the flu shots as a "fitness for duty" measure. In August last year, a labor arbitrator, Eduardo Esca...Britain Toddlers To Receive Flu-Jab In Addition To The 21 Shots
The UK health department officials have proposed the administration of flu vaccine to all children less than 2 years of age, // in an attempt to prevent the incidence of seasonal flu. The dreadful condition, which affects nearly 5 to 10% of the population during winter, had claimed the valuable lives of over 1000 UK citizens, last year. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisat...