A major cause of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been discovered by UK scientists. They found a weak spot in our DNA that is present in 95% of people with the disease. It makes it much easier for some immune cells to go haywire and drive excessive inflammation in the bowels.

Major cause of inflammatory bowel disease found

San Diego, CA

Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a pill that releases microscopic robots, or microrobots, into the colon to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The experimental treatment, given orally, has shown success in mice. It significantly reduced IBD symptoms and promoted the healing of damaged colon tissue without causing toxic side effects.

Microrobot-packed pill shows promise for treating inflammatory bowel disease in mice

Image: Colored SEM image of a microrobot made of an algae cell (green) covered with macrophage-mimicking nanoparticles (red) (Photo courtesy of Li et al, Science Robotics) Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, affecting millions globally with symptoms like severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and weight loss. IBD is triggered when immune cells, specifically macrophages, become overly active and produce high levels of inflammation-inducing proteins known as pro-inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines bind to macrophage receptors, stimulating further cytokine production and perpetuating the inflammation cycle, which results in the debilitating symptoms associated with IBD. Researchers have now developed a novel approach involving a pill that releases microrobots in the colon to combat IBD, which has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing IBD symptoms and promoting the repair of damaged colon tissue in mice, without any toxic side effects.

Novel Capsule Releases Microscopic Robots into Colon to Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Seniors Guide

The post What Causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome? appeared first on Seniors Guide.

What Causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Some weird signs of iron deficiency include developing a craving for ice or clay, an overwhelming urge to move the legs, and hair loss. However, iron deficiency can cause a range of symptoms. Iron deficiency describes when a person does not have enough iron in their body. When iron levels...

5 weird signs of iron deficiency

How Are Endometrial Cancer and Endometriosis Different?. “Sister Act” star Whoopi Goldberg, 68, says she didn’t know anything about endometriosis, a benign condition affecting the uterus that can cause intense pain, until an odd smell and a urinary tract infection caused her to see her doctor where it was discovered.

After Years of Pain, Comedian Whoopi Goldberg, 68, Says Cottage Cheese Helped Finally Lead To Getting Endometriosis Treatment

Anemia can damage tissue in the eye, causing a range of symptoms. These might include discoloration, pale eyelids, hemorrhages, and eye test findings called cotton wool spots and Roth spots. Anemia occurs when the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells (RBCs). This typically occurs due to a shortage...

How might anemia affect the eyes?

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Total Apex Sports & Entertainment

People have different levels of maturity. An individual’s age or upbringing can make them possess certain traits. Yet, most people believe that one matures as they grow old. On the contrary, some zodiac signs appear childish in old age. They are jumpy and careless. This strains their relationships with signs who misunderstand them. Air and fire signs are temperamental and some people refer to them as being childish. How can you identify an immature sign?

3 Zodiac Signs Who Are Immature

A recent preclinical study found that supplementation with a branded pomegranate extract called Pomanox, from Euromed, may support liver health and alleviate fructose-induced metabolic impairment. A recent preclinical study1 found that supplementation with a branded pomegranate extract (Pomanox from Euromed based in Mollet del Vallès, Spain) may support liver health...

Animal study finds that branded pomegranate extract may alleviate the impacts of fructose consumption on liver metabolism

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Maintaining healthy kidneys is crucial for overall well-being. Kidneys perform essential functions like filtering waste from the blood, balancing body fluids and regulating blood pressure. However, many people are unaware of the steps they can take to improve their kidney health. This article will explore practical ways to enhance kidney function, prevent kidney disease and promote a healthier lifestyle. By understanding and implementing these strategies, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your kidney health.

How to improve your kidney health

Blood clots in the legs can be a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention. Understanding the causes, symptoms, prevention methods, and treatments can help you manage your health better and avoid potential complications. This article will delve into everything you need to know about blood clots in your legs.

What to know about blood clots in your legs

While complementary therapies won’t treat the underlying cause of ulcerative colitis (UC), they can help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of two main types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the other being Crohn’s disease. UC causes inflammation and open sores on the colon’s inner linings.

Complementary Care Toolkit for Ulcerative Colitis

Review the multiple uses of metformin. A recent article on the multiple uses of metformin brings up the important topic of repurposing medications.1 Repurposing has been around since the advent of modern medicine. One prominent example is the use of chlorpromazine (CPZ) as an antipsychotic.2 Chlorpromazine was first synthesized in 1951 as a potentiator of general anesthesia.2 The psychiatric benefits were found later by Henri Laborit, a surgeon in the French army. He was doing research with artificial hibernation in prevention of surgical shock.2 Laborit employed the drug as an adjunct to anesthetics.2 He observed that CPZ at doses of 50 mg to 100 mg produced a lowering of body temperature, sedation, and disinterest without loss of consciousness.2 He was able to persuade his colleagues in the military hospital in Paris to try CPZ in the treatment of one of their patients who was experiencing psychotic agitation.2 Laborit hypothesized that since cooling with water had been used to treat agitation in France, the drug would have a similar effect.2 The mechanism of action was not fully known, and it was thought that it worked in controlling agitation because of its cooling effect and induction of “artificial hibernation” in patients.2 The pharmacological mechanism was not fully understood until many years later and the way it has impacted the practice of psychiatry needs no introduction. These “happy accidents” in medicine have played a vital role in getting where we are right now compared with just 50 years ago. This begs the question, are we onto another “happy accident” with metformin? There is an accumulating body of evidence that metformin may have benefits in aging that are beyond its effect on glycemic control.3.

Metformin, Inflammation, the Gut Microbiome, and Health Span: Connecting the Dots

A colonoscopy is one of the most important tests doctors use to diagnose Crohn’s disease. It can help them detect signs of Crohn’s, like ulcers, fistulas, or skip lesions. Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory condition that affects your gastrointestinal tract, most often the intestines (bowels). To diagnose...

What Does Crohn’s Disease Look Like on a Colonoscopy?

Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune condition in which the body cannot absorb vitamin B12 properly. A person with pernicious anemia requires lifelong vitamin B12 supplementation. Vitamin B12 is essential for various bodily processes, including the ability to think, produce energy, and keep the nervous system functioning. Pernicious anemia can lead...

What vitamin do people with pernicious anemia need?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs. Treating a DVT is crucial, as the clot can break loose from the affected vein, move through the bloodstream to the heart, and lodge itself within the lung's main artery. This complication—what's known as pulmonary embolism—can be fatal.

How to Dissolve Blood Clots in Legs

California State

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Alameda Post

California regulators just stopped AT&T from pulling the plug. California’s Public Utilities Commission on June 20 rejected AT&T’s application to stop providing landlines and other services in areas where there is no other option.

Still Need Your Landline?

The following is a summary of “Dopamine signaling enriched striatal gene set predicts striatal dopamine synthesis and physiological activity in vivo,” published in the April 2024 issue of Psychiatry by Sportelli et al. The genetic basis of schizophrenia involves multiple pathways related to synaptic function, but how these...

Understanding Brain Dopamine Pathways and Schizophrenia Genetics

Pancreatic cancer is a daunting diagnosis that affects thousands of people worldwide every year. One of the most challenging aspects of this disease is its subtlety; the symptoms often mimic those of other, less severe conditions. This similarity can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, significantly impacting the prognosis. Understanding why pancreatic cancer symptoms resemble other diseases’ symptoms is crucial for early detection and better outcomes. This article will delve into the reasons behind this symptom overlap, explore common symptoms of pancreatic cancer, and provide insights on differentiating these symptoms from other ailments.

Why pancreatic cancer symptoms are similar to other diseases

EPI has a range of causes, some of which are autoimmune conditions. Treating these underlying conditions can help resolve symptoms of EPI and reduce your risk of complications. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) happens when your pancreas doesn’t have enough digestive enzymes, making it hard for your body to extract nutrients...

Is EPI an Autoimmune Disease?

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How Algae Microrobots Could Tackle Inflammatory Bowel Disease

University of California San Diego (UCSD) researchers have developed algae-based “microrobots” that reduce inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms in mouse models. The drug-free approach, which is...

How Algae Microrobots Could Tackle Inflammatory Bowel Disease

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