All University of Florida articles
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NewsBlood microbial DNA distinguishes liver cancer from metastatic lesions
A simple blood test analyzing microbial DNA could help doctors tell apart primary liver cancer from colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver, according to a new study.
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NewsDisease experts upgrade sentinel chicken system to create forecast for West Nile virus
An interdisciplinary team of experts have created a statistical model that accurately predicts the activity of West Nile virus in an area up to six months in advance. The model was trained using two decades of sentinel chicken data.
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NewsResearchers develop first-of-its-kind RNA tool to advance cancer and infectious disease research and treatment
Scientists have developed a powerful tool capable of scanning thousands of biological samples to detect transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) modifications — tiny chemical changes to RNA molecules that help control how cells grow, adapt to stress and respond to diseases such as cancer and antibiotic‑resistant infections.
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NewsAssisted by sniffer dogs and DNA sequencing, researchers discover three new truffle species
Biologists studying fungal evolution and ecology have discovered three new truffle species, including one capable of commanding hundreds of dollars per pound within culinary circles.
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NewsScientist’s cat on the hunt helps to discover a second new virus
Pepper, the pet cat who made headlines last year for his role in the discovery of the first jeilongvirus found in the U.S., is at it again. This time, his hunting prowess contributed to the identification of a new strain of orthoreovirus.
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NewsNew study suggests Florida has the potential for local Chagas disease transmission
Researchers in Florida have discovered local kissing bugs are harboring the parasite that can lead to Chagas disease, demonstrating that this rare, chronic disease has a secure foothold in the U.S. and warrants more preventative measures.
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NewsScientists reimagine citrus greening treatment delivery
Texas A&M AgriLife Research is launching a multi-institutional study to develop and evaluate systems that deliver treatments to trees affected by citrus greening disease, also known as Huanglongbing.
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NewsSeasonal allergies caused by fungal spores now start three weeks earlier under climate change
Researchers have found that, on average, spore allergy season in the US was kicking off 22 days earlier in 2022 than it had been in 2003.
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NewsDNA floating in the air tracks wildlife, viruses — even drugs
A new study reveals the power of DNA, vacuumed up from the air, which can track everything from elusive bobcats to illicit drugs. A simple air filter running for hours, days or weeks can pick up signs of nearly every species that grows or wanders nearby.
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NewsWater researchers develop prediction system for harmful algae
Researchers are collaborating on a next-day prediction model to warn and inform water managers about harmful algal blooms. Using water samples and computer algorithms, the team developed prediction models based on two water sources feeding the Caloosahatchee River.
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NewsResearchers find new defense against hard-to-treat plant diseases
Scientists have developed a new approach to countering citrus greening and potato zebra chip diseases. Their method uses spinach antimicrobial peptides, known as defensins, which naturally defend plants.
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NewsResearchers announce breakthrough in next-generation polio vaccines
Researchers have taken a major step towards producing a more affordable and lower-risk polio vaccine using virus-like particles (VLPs). These particles mimic the outer protein shell of poliovirus, but are empty inside.
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NewsTransforming HIV diagnosis: a low-cost, point-of-care detection solution
A team of researchers has developed an innovative handheld device for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) detection that combines paper-based sample preparation with real-time isothermal amplification.
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NewsResearchers take step towards creating Salmonella vaccine
A study of a new method to deliver a Salmonella vaccine found that when tested with real-world strains of Salmonella, the vaccine created antibodies against this microbe in the mice – which equips the animals with a defense mechanism against the pathogen.
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NewsResearchers team with dogs to discover new truffle species
Researchers have discovered two new species of truffle. Tuber canirevelatum, meaning the ‘dog-found’ truffle, was named in honor of truffle dogs. The other, Tuber cumberlandense, was named for the Cumberland Plateau where it was found.
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NewsBacterial gene deployed in new trees to combat devastating citrus greening disease
Scientists are testing a new type of citrus tree, deploying a bacterial gene that can fight off the tiny insects responsible for citrus greening.
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NewsCommon food poison toxin speeds colon cancer spread
A toxin in the bacteria that’s one of the most common causes of foodborne illness accelerates the spread of colorectal tumors to other parts of the body, a study has found.
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NewsResearcher targets BV, a common infection affecting women
A biomedical professor is targeting one of the most common – and dangerous – infections in women. With the help of a five-uear grant, she will study Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and, ultimately, offer more effective personalized treatments.
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NewsFirst-of-its-kind national trial exploring potential of antibiotics for lowering c-section rates in women with obesity
A multicenter national clinical trial will study whether antibiotics given at the beginning of labor induction result in a decrease in C-sections. The trial is thought to be the first large-scale study of its kind in the United States.
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NewsTrick and Treat: Black cat’s prey harbored a new virus
First find in the U.S. of jeilongvirus, which can rarely cause serious illness.