Quantcast

Researchers find second anthrax toxin receptor

Building on their 2001 discovery of a cellular doorway used by anthrax toxin to enter cells, University of Wisconsin Medical School researchers have found a second anthrax toxin doorway, or receptor. The finding could offer new clues to preventing the toxin’s entrance into cells. The researchers also have found that when they isolated a specific segment of the receptor in the laboratory, they could use it as a decoy to lure anthrax toxin away from the real cell receptors, preventing much of the toxin from entering cells and inflicting its usually fatal damage.

Cerebral palsy symptoms improve with botulinum toxin

Children with cerebral palsy show long-term improvement through treatment with botulinum toxin, according to new research. Children treated with the drug had improvements ranging from making voluntary movements for the first time to improved stance and walking, according to the study’s lead author, neurologist Marc P. DiFazio, MD, of Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC.