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Kerala scientists identify anti-cancer properties in a fungus used for bio-control in agriculture

[email protected] (Agencies)
April 3, 2015

Apr 3: Cancer is a deadly disease characterised by an uncontrolled growth of cells resulting in a tumour. Scientists for many years now have tried to find methods and therapies to prevent and treat cancer. Scientists from Kerala are now trying to design treatment methods using the anti-cancer properties of a rare genius of medicinal fungus that is widely used as a pesticide in agriculture.

Kerala scientistsThe Hindu reported that scientists from the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) and the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) will be working in collaboration to ascertain the anti cancer properties of the fungus.T. Santhosh Kumar, Assistant Professor, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pilicode first reported the fungus in 2013, while conducting research managing the coconut root grub ( Leucopholis coneophora ) attacking trees in Kannur, Kozhikode, and Kasaragod districts.

This fungus belongs to the Cordyceps genus that is also known as caterpillar fungus. Initial studies confirmed that the fungus exhibits tumour suppressing properties and also inhibits the proliferation of lung cancer cells.The Hindu reported, KAU Vice Chancellor P. Rajendran saying ‘We will also explore the possibility of using the species to develop nutraceuticals with immunity-enhancement, anti-aging, and anti-fatigue properties.’

However, a major challenge faced in the research is culturing the fungus. This species of the fungus requires the grub or its larva as host. The spore of the fungus germinates within the body of the grub and then kills the host and mummifies it. The fruiting body of the fungus then emerges from the corpse. It is effective in natural control of the coconut root grub, as the fungus tunnels into the trunk and feeds on the roots. The scientists are now in search of alternative host species that enable easier multiplication of the fungus.

This family of fungi has been used widely in oriental medicine as a rare and exotic medicinal fungus. It is known to have a broad range of pharmacological benefits on the human liver, kidneys, heart, and immune system. It was reported that some species of cordyceps fetch a price of more than Rs.5,00,000 per kg, and it would be beneficial for the farmers where the fungus has been reported. The scientists are now trying to understand the ecology and distribution of the fungus across Western Ghats.

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Agencies
April 14,2020

There is no evidence that the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, which is primarily used against tuberculosis, protects people against infection with the novel coronavirus, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

The WHO therefore didn't recommend BCG vaccination for the prevention of COVID-19 in the absence of evidence, according to its daily situation report on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported.

"There is experimental evidence from both animal and human studies that the BCG vaccine has non-specific effects on the immune system. These effects have not been well characterized and their clinical relevance remains unknown," WHO stated.

Two clinical trials addressing the question are underway, and WHO will evaluate the evidence when it is available, it noted.

BCG vaccination prevents severe forms of tuberculosis in children and diversion of local supplies may result in an increase of disease and deaths from the tuberculosis, it warned.

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Agencies
July 30,2020

New York, Jul 30: Can the coronavirus spread through the air? Yes, it's possible.

The World Health Organisation recently acknowledged the possibility that Covid-19 might be spread in the air under certain conditions.

Recent Covid-19 outbreaks in crowded indoor settings — restaurants, nightclubs and choir practices — suggest the virus can hang around in the air long enough to potentially infect others if social distancing measures are not strictly enforced.

Experts say the lack of ventilation in these situations is thought to have contributed to spread, and might have allowed the virus to linger in the air longer than normal.

In a report published in May, researchers found that talking produced respiratory droplets that could remain in the air in a closed environment for about eight to 14 minutes.

The WHO says those most at risk from airborne spread are doctors and nurses who perform specialized procedures such as inserting a breathing tube or putting patients on a ventilator.

Medical authorities recommend the use of protective masks and other equipment when doing such procedures.

Scientists maintain it's far less risky to be outside than indoors because virus droplets disperse in the fresh air, reducing the chances of Covid-19 transmission.

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Agencies
April 17,2020

Washington DC, Apr 17: In recent research, scientists have linked the emotional, social and psychiatric problems in children and adolescents with higher levels of genetic vulnerability for adult depression. The study implies that the genetics passed from parents may be linked with psychiatric problems in children and adolescents and may also leading to depression in adults.

University of Queensland scientists made the finding while analysing the genetic data of more than 42,000 children and adolescents from seven cohorts across Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK.

Professor Christel Middeldorp said that researchers have also found a link with a higher genetic vulnerability for insomnia, neuroticism and body mass index.

"By contrast, study participants with higher genetic scores for educational attainment and emotional well-being were found to have reduced childhood problems," Professor Middeldorp said.

"We calculated a person's level of genetic vulnerability by adding up the number of risk genes they had for a specific disorder or trait and then made adjustments based on the level of importance of each gene We found the relationship was mostly similar across ages," Middeldorp added.

The results indicate there are shared genetic factors that affect a range of psychiatric and related traits across a person's lifespan.

Middeldorp said that around 50 per cent of children and adolescents with psychiatric problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), continue to experience mental disorders as adults, and are at risk of disengaging with their school community among other social and emotional problems.

"Our findings are important as they suggest this continuity between childhood and adult traits is partly explained by genetic risk," the Professor said.

"Individuals at risk of being affected should be the focus of attention and targeted treatment," Middeldorp continued.

"Although the genetic vulnerability is not accurate enough at this stage to make individual predictions about how a person's symptoms will develop over time, it may become so in the future, in combination with other risk factors. And, this may support precision medicine by providing targeted treatments to children at the highest risk of persistent emotional and social problems," Middeldorp added.

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