Biliary tract cancer (BTC) has long been a challenging disease to treat. Traditionally, doctors relied on a combination of cisplatin and gemcitabine as the go-to treatment. But things are changing. Adding durvalumab, a type of immunotherapy, to this mix has shown promising results. It's making a real difference in how long patients live. So, what's the big deal abou...
Rice plants have tiny helpers called microbiomes that live on their leaves and roots. These helpers can make rice stronger against stress from pests and weather. Most studies look at rice growing in farm or wild soils. But what about rice growing in city soils? That's a big question as cities keep growing and changing the earth. Scientists wanted to see how these ti...
The world of tiny organisms, or microbes, is having a big impact on cancer. These microbes live in and on our bodies, and they can change how our immune system fights cancer. The area around a tumor, called the tumor microenvironment, is a busy place. It's full of cancer cells, immune cells, and other stuff that can either help or hurt the tumor. Some microbes can m...
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a big deal worldwide, especially when it's caught late. The sooner we find it, the better the chances of beating it. Now, scientists are looking at the tiny bacteria living in our guts to help spot CRC earlier. Our guts are home to trillions of bacteria, and these tiny creatures change when someone has CRC. Some bacteria become more common...
Obesity is a big problem. It's not just about looking a certain way. It's about health. People with obesity often face other serious health issues. Things like heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer can tag along. Doctors and scientists are working hard to find better ways to help. Losing weight is a common goal. But it's not always straightforward. Sometimes, whe...
The practice of growing the same plant species repeatedly in the same spot can cause problems. This is what happened with Coptis chinensis. In the wild, this plant is tough and rarely gets sick. But when it is grown in the same place over and over, it becomes weak and vulnerable to diseases. One way to fix this is by looking at the tiny microbes that live in the ro...
The world is getting warmer, and it's not just affecting us. Tiny organisms living in plants are feeling the heat too. These microscopic friends, known as plant microbiomes, are crucial for plant health. They help plants absorb nutrients and fight off diseases. But rising temperatures are changing their communities. This shift can impact how plants grow and survive. ...
In the world of gut health, there is a lot of talk about the microbiome. This is the community of tiny organisms living in the intestines. These microbes can have a big impact on overall health. One area where this is especially true is in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This condition affects the gut and can lead to problems elsewhere in the body. One of these iss...
The FDA has started the process to take away fluoride pills for kids from the market. These pills are different from fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. Kids swallow these pills, and they have never been okayed by the FDA. There's worry that swallowing fluoride can mess up the good bacteria in a child's tummy. This is a big deal because a kid's tummy bacteria are still...
Surgeons often create a temporary opening in the gut, known as a stoma, after certain types of rectal surgery. This is done to give the join lower down a chance to heal without any issues. There are two main types of stomas: ileostomy and colostomy. Both have their fans, but there is no clear winner. There are many questions that need to be answered. What is the bes...