Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound extract of marijuana, has the potential to be used as an antibiotic. Researchers found CBD was remarkably effective at killing a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria, including bacteria that are resistant to common antibiotics. Additionally, CBD does not lose its effectiveness after extended treatment.
A newly developed vaccine for meningitis and other bloodstream infections caused by the meningococcal group B bacteria will allow for the immunization of younger children. The new vaccine also addresses several limitations of the current meningitis vaccine.
FIASMA antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and desipramine, halt the growth of four different kinds of bacterial pathogens in cell cultures and animal models. The antidepressants have shown to be effective in killing intracellular bacteria in two chlamydia infections, as well as human granulocytic anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease that attacks white blood cells.
Chronic social stress in mice induces the expression of virulent genes in the gut microbiota. The altered microbiota increases the presence of effector T helper cells in the lymph nodes and induces myelin autoreactive cells. Exposure to chronic stress, therefore, may increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases for some individuals with a susceptibility.
A new study reports the gut microbiota composition of a child at 2 years of age is associated with body mass index at age 12. Researchers say studying a toddler's gut bacteria may help identify children most at risk of obesity.