A team of scientists in the Netherlands has created a giant library of compounds derived from the excretions of over 10,000 species of fungi. Each of the isolated compounds was screened for biological activity in zebrafish embryos, which were chosen due to their similarities to humans, but also because they develop nearly all of their organs quickly and simultaneously. This meant that any effects the compounds had could be observed in just a few days’ time on a wide range of cell types.

Advancing a novel therapeutic from research and discovery to clinical trials and the market is an expensive and time-consuming process. Every failed candidate can cost the company money and their reputation. Therefore, it’s important to stay on track throughout the drug development pipeline. Preventing delays during the preclinical phase is particularly critical for success.

Most people do their best to avoid wasps because of the insects’ stingers, sharp self-defense organs which can pierce the skin and inject a painful and irritating venom. Yet while summer beachgoers have been running from wasps, scientists have been seeking them out.

Kombucha is all the rage lately, with many considering it the latest and greatest health and energy drink. But what exactly is it? And what evidence is there to support these claims? Kombucha is a fermented tea that originated in East Asia around 2000 years ago. Brewed tea and sugar are combined with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) and allowed to ferment. What results is a carbonated beverage with a low alcohol content (<0.5%) and a slightly acidic, vinegary flavor.

According to a recent study, the global animal model market is expected to grow at an impressive rate over the next seven years with a predicted annual revenue of over $2.2 billion by the end of 2026. Mice and rats are expected to be the most lucrative research species, with more than 40% of that revenue coming from research using rodents. Further, North America is projected to remain the largest market of animal models, while contract research organizations and biotechnology companies are likely to be fastest-expanding users of research animals.

Summer is the season for grilling and potlucks, but warmer weather encourages the growth of foodborne germs leading to an increase in cases of food poisoning. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 48 million people will get food poisoning this year caused by over 250 different bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. Be sure to follow the tips below to keep your friends and family safe and healthy at your next cookout.

Many area pools, as well as water parks like the Splash Pad at The Cascades, opened Memorial Day weekend. Swimming is a fun way to stay active and cool during the summer months, but it can also contribute to a variety of public health concerns.

TransPharm Preclinical Solutions is a full-service contract research organization specializing exclusively in microbiology and infectious disease research. We regularly perform efficacy testing of novel antimicrobial therapeutics in mice and rats. Some specialized studies require gnotobiotic or germ-free animals. While the average mouse or rat is home to trillions of commensal bacteria and fungi in places like the skin, nose, and gut, germ-free animals are devoid of these microbes.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications are necessary for treating disease and saving lives, but they can also cause serious public health and safety concerns.

National Drug Take Back Day provides an opportunity for you to make a difference by preventing accidental poisoning, drug abuse and addiction, and overdose deaths. By cleaning out your medicine cabinet of expired or unwanted pills, you can help keep drugs out of the wrong hands (or paws).

TransPharm Preclinical Solutions performs efficacy testing of novel therapeutics against a wide variety of infections in mice and rats. Historically, analysis of microbial burden has been performed using tissue harvests and cultures, a multi-step method...