Latest news with #BaylorCollegeofMedicine
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
AlidaBio Launches First Service Provider Partnership with Baylor College of Medicine's GARP Core to Offer Multiplexed RNA Modification Sequencing
SAN DIEGO, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Alida Biosciences, a leader in next-generation RNA modification analysis, is proud to announce its first official service provider: the Genomic and RNA Profiling (GARP) Core at Baylor College of Medicine. This new service offering is powered by AlidaBio's EpiPlex™ Platform, the first and only solution that concurrently detects and quantifies multiple RNA modifications alongside gene expression using short-read sequencing. Officially launched in February 2025, the platform combines the EpiPlex RNA Library Prep Kit with the EpiScout™ Analysis Suite, delivering a complete, single-workflow solution to uncover the functional impact of RNA modifications in development, aging, and disease. Researchers interested in accessing this service can contact the core directly at garpcore@ "We're thrilled to see our first service provider come online at a world-class institution like Baylor College of Medicine," said Dr. Gudrun Stengel, CEO of AlidaBio. "GARP's deep expertise in transcriptomic profiling, combined with our pioneering RNA modification technology, ensures that researchers across disciplines can access this breakthrough capability through an experienced and trusted partner." "This technology represents a significant leap forward in RNA biology," said Dr. Daniel Kraushaar, Director of the GARP Core. "With the ability to simultaneously assess gene expression and multiple RNA modifications, researchers can now gain unprecedented insight into post-transcriptional regulation. We're excited to offer this cutting-edge platform to the Baylor research community and beyond." Designed for clinical and translational research, the EpiPlex Kit is optimized for samples with limited RNA input. With sensitivity down to 50 ng of total RNA, the assay can deliver high-resolution results from challenging materials like tissue biopsies or FFPE samples—where RNA tends to be fragmented and of lower quality. . The accompanying EpiScout Analysis Suite is an intuitive, informatics platform that automates analysis and visualization of complex epitranscriptomic data. By integrating multiple RNA modifications with expression data, researchers gain a multidimensional view of transcriptome regulation without the usual bioinformatics bottlenecks. The EpiPlex assay is automatable and streamlined for efficiency, enabling completion of the wet-lab portion of the workflow in a single day. It is available in 8- and 24-sample formats, supporting labs of any size. Early-access partners across academia and industry have validated the platform's accuracy, reproducibility, and potential for collaborative, large-scale studies. AlidaBio continues to expand the EpiPlex platform, with future plans including additional modification targets, higher base resolution, and targeted panels tailored for drug discovery and disease-specific applications. For more information about AlidaBio's products and services, please visit About Alida BiosciencesFounded in 2020, Alida Biosciences is transforming epigenomics with powerful, user-friendly tools for RNA modification analysis. Our technologies enable concurrent detection and quantification of multiple RNA modifications from clinically relevant samples, supporting breakthroughs in research, therapeutics, and diagnostics. AlidaBio is backed by Genoa Ventures, FusionX Ventures, General Inception and Vertical Venture Partners, and supported by SBIR grants from the NHGRI. Media Contact Nikita Warnernwarner@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Alida Biosciences Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
'A real inspiration': Fallen Bloomfield officer donates organs to three people
Jun. 4—Even after dying, Bloomfield police officer Timothy Ontiveros continued to give to others. On Sunday, the 33-year-old died after being shot by Dennis Armenta, 58, during a traffic stop in Bloomfield on May 26. Armenta was fatally shot by another officer. After being taken off life support, Ontiveros' kidneys and liver were donated to three people, New Mexico Donor Services spokesperson Celina Espinoza said in a phone interview Wednesday. "To lose an officer in the line of duty is really, really difficult," she said, "and for him to continue to give even after serving his community so valiantly is just a real inspiration." Espinoza did not identify the recipients or disclose where they lived, but said the transplants were successful and everyone was "doing well." Ontiveros was not a registered organ donor, Espinoza said. If a person is not registered, their family may make the decision on the dying person's behalf to donate their organs, according to the National Institute of Aging. Ontiveros' family said "he had a true heart for service and would have wanted to continue to help others," Espinoza said. Only 1 in 1,000 hospital deaths happens in a way that allows for an organ donation, according to the Baylor College of Medicine. "It's rare people are able to give the gift of organ donation," Espinoza said. "It's a true miracle every time it happens." Ontiveros had served with the Bloomfield Police Department since December. He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Aztec Fire Department. He previously worked for Farmington police. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered flags to be at half-staff for five days starting Thursday. "Officer Ontiveros exemplified extraordinary bravery and unwavering dedication in serving and protecting his fellow New Mexicans," she said in a statement. "He will be greatly missed by his family and community and will be remembered as a dedicated father to his two daughters, a fighter and a true public servant. "It is appropriate and proper to acknowledge Officer Ontiveros' life and service through a public period of mourning across New Mexico."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
7 Unexpected Items ER Doctors Always Take On Vacation
Getting sick on vacation happens more than most people realize: nearly 30% of Americans say they've gotten sick or injured on a trip, throwing their travel plans for a loop. While there's only so much you can do to lower the risk of getting sick on vacation, emergency room doctors say it's important to be prepared for certain situations. 'You don't want to ruin a great vacation with some type of bad event that happens to you,' said Dr. Eric Adkins, an emergency medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. 'Sometimes you can prepare for simpler events. If you're as prepared as you can be, hopefully you can still salvage your trip.' There are some more obvious things to consider packing, like over-the-counter pain relievers and disposable bandages. But ER doctors tend to think beyond that, tossing essentials you might not think of in their bags for the just-in-case. With that in mind, we tapped four emergency room physicians for details on what they always reach for when it's time to pack. Several doctors we spoke to said they always have anti-nausea medication ready. 'Always pack Zofran, just in case,' said Dr. Cedric Dark, associate professor of emergency medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. 'The feeling of nausea and vomiting is one of the most hated things you could ever imagine and there's nothing over-the-counter that is that helpful.' Adkins calls Zofran (generic name: ondansetron) 'essential,' adding, 'I'll always have that with me.' He remembers a vacation a few years ago when Zofran came in handy as his family went on a whale-watching trip. 'Four out of five of us vomited,' he said. 'I was glad we had Zofran with us.' The medication is only available by prescription, which is why Adkins recommends talking to your primary care physician before your trip. 'It dissolves under your tongue,' he said. 'It still works, even if you are having trouble keeping things down.' Dark lists this as a must if he's traveling someplace tropical. He uses a mosquito zapper racquet but a standalone trap can do the job, too. 'My wife reacts horribly to mosquitoes,' he explained. Not only are mosquito bites itchy and uncomfortable, the insects can carry a range of serious diseases, including West Nile virus, malaria, Zika virus and dengue fever. Dark recommends using your mosquito trap or racquet along with bug spray for maximum protection. While they're unlikely to be life-saving, tweezers are a must-pack item for Dr. Joy Crook, associate professor of clinical emergency medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. 'Someone always gets a splinter,' she explained. Having a pair of tweezers ready to go means she won't have to hunt down a pharmacy and make an extra trip to remove something as simple as a splinter. Traveling for more than four hours by air, car, or bus raises the risk of developing blood clots, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But there are other factors that increase that risk even more, including being over the age of 40, being overweight or obese, or if you're using birth control that contains estrogen. Getting up and moving regularly during your trip can help lower the risk, but so can wearing compression socks. That's why they're a go-to forDr. Erin Muckey, associate professor of emergency medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. 'I wear compression socks on long flights,' she said. 'It's helpful to prevent blood clots and to encourage general blood flow.' You can't look up directions to the nearest pharmacy or hospital, or even call for help, if your phone battery is on zero. That's why Adkins always takes a portable USB battery pack with him on trips. 'A lot of places are doing better with having spots to charge your phone, but occasionally you'll need a portable battery,' he said. 'It seems simple, but you want to make sure your phone is charged so you can look things up or communicate with other people, if needed.' There have been a series of headline-making stories of travelers dying from carbon monoxide poisoning on vacation over the past year alone. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that's odorless and colorless, and it's produced when fuels like gasoline, oil, charcoal and natural gas burn incompletely, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In low concentrations, carbon monoxide can cause fatigue and chest pain; In high concentrations, it can cause flu-like symptoms and even be deadly. Because the gas is odorless and colorless, it can be hard to know if you're being exposed without a carbon monoxide detector. Luckily, there are plenty of portable carbon monoxide detectors that can easily be packed in a suitcase. 'This is a recent addition to my travel bag,' Crook said. 'It's easy to bring and may save a life.' Lack of sleep can weaken your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to getting sick. When he's traveling across time zones, Adkins says he'll often pack a melatonin supplement, just in case. Melatonin is a hormone that your brain produces in response to darkness and can help with the timing of your circadian rhythms, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). The supplement gives your body more of the hormone. 'It can help reset your internal clock,' Adkins explains. (Just talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new kind of supplement, including melatonin.) While you're at it, don't forget to toss OTC pain relievers and Band-Aids in your bag. 'These are important. You never know what will happen,' Muckey said. This Electronic Bug-Zapping Wand Just Made My Summer A Thousand Times Better The Bestselling Bug-Zapping Devices That Reviewers Say Are Actually Effective The Flight Essential Not Enough People Bring On A Plane
Gulf Insider
7 days ago
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Milk Boosts Gut Diversity, Cheese Lowers Certain Microbes
Milk is a staple in many households. It has long been valued for nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, yet new data hint at another benefit that involves the intricate community of microbes inside the digestive system. Recent findings, led by Dr. Li Jiao from Baylor College of Medicine, shows that milk consumption is connected with an uptick in several helpful bacteria, while cheese may reduce certain microbes important for a balanced intestinal environment. Experts say dairy interacts with the microbiome, which is the mix of microorganisms in the body that help break down nutrients. Milk seems to support a broader range of gut microbes, a sign of a more adaptable gut. Scientists have explored the role of milk in encouraging the growth of bacteria linked to lower inflammation and improved gut barriers. Some researchers suggest this trend could relate to the carbohydrate content in dairy, but details remain under investigation. Several dairy-linked microbes stand out. One is Faecalibacterium, known for producing substances that help maintain gut balance and calm inflammation. Another is Akkermansia, often mentioned for its link to healthy weight and blood sugar control. Investigators say these bacteria can be more abundant in the gut when milk intake rises. Cheese appears to bring different consequences by reducing Bacteroides, which are common gut residents that may influence colon conditions. It also seems to lower Subdoligranulum, a genus thought to play a part in metabolic health. Scientists have noticed that Bifidobacterium, regarded as a probiotic, may increase with certain dairy habits too. This possibility has drawn interest among professionals looking for dietary ways to support digestion. Although yogurt is often praised for its probiotic potential, this study didn't find clear links between yogurt intake and gut microbiota changes. That's likely because participants reported very low yogurt consumption overall, limiting meaningful analysis. Without enough data, researchers couldn't determine whether yogurt had the same effects on key bacteria like Akkermansia or Faecalibacterium. More diverse and higher yogurt intake in future studies may be needed to explore how fermented dairy compares to milk and cheese. A few researchers highlight that milk has more lactose, which might help raise the presence of healthful bacteria. Cheese, produced through fermentation, contains less lactose but includes other elements that might shape the gut in a different way. Dietitians remind people that daily dairy recommendations can differ by age, lifestyle, and health status. Individuals who are sensitive to lactose or prone to certain digestive concerns might need to choose their dairy products carefully. Some nutrition guidelines in the United States advise around three cups of dairy daily, although personal needs vary. Many folks fall short of this amount, which leaves a door open for considering how milk or cheese might add microbial variety. Health experts caution that these findings shouldn't lead to broad assumptions about all dairy products. The study involved a small group of older men, and their average dairy intake was lower than national averages, so the results may not apply to other groups or dietary patterns. Still, the research adds weight to calls for more personalized dietary advice. Instead of focusing only on dairy quantity, future guidelines might need to emphasize the type of dairy product and its effects on gut bacteria balance and overall health. The study included only 34 participants, most of whom were older men. This limited sample size makes it hard to apply the findings to younger people, women, or more diverse populations. Also, the reliance on self-reported food frequency questionnaires introduces some uncertainty. People don't always remember their food habits accurately, which can affect how well their dairy intake matches up with microbiome changes. Studies increasingly point to the idea that food choices affect more than just basic nutrition. Milk consumption, in particular, is now tied to the presence of microbes that could protect against a variety of gut-related issues. 'Dairy consumption may influence host health by modulating the structure and composition of the colonic adherent gut microbiota,' said Dr. Jiao. The broader health connection is an active topic, and future efforts may include trials that examine long-term changes. Researchers plan to learn more about how each type of dairy modifies these microorganisms in people of different ages and backgrounds. They also want to understand the range of nutrients, such as calcium or protein, that might work alongside gut microbes to keep digestion running smoothly. Also read: New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Starting To Spread Worldwide: What We Know
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
7 Unexpected Items ER Doctors Always Take On Vacation
Getting sick on vacation happens more than most people realize: nearly 30% of Americans say they've gotten sick or injured on a trip, throwing their travel plans for a loop. While there's only so much you can do to lower the risk of getting sick on vacation, emergency room doctors say it's important to be prepared for certain situations. 'You don't want to ruin a great vacation with some type of bad event that happens to you,' said Dr. Eric Adkins, an emergency medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. 'Sometimes you can prepare for simpler events. If you're as prepared as you can be, hopefully you can still salvage your trip.' There are some more obvious things to consider packing, like over-the-counter pain relievers and disposable bandages. But ER doctors tend to think beyond that, tossing essentials you might not think of in their bags for the just-in-case. With that in mind, we tapped four emergency room physicians for details on what they always reach for when it's time to pack. Several doctors we spoke to said they always have anti-nausea medication ready. 'Always pack Zofran, just in case,' said Dr. Cedric Dark, associate professor of emergency medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. 'The feeling of nausea and vomiting is one of the most hated things you could ever imagine and there's nothing over-the-counter that is that helpful.' Adkins calls Zofran (generic name: ondansetron) 'essential,' adding, 'I'll always have that with me.' He remembers a vacation a few years ago when Zofran came in handy as his family went on a whale-watching trip. 'Four out of five of us vomited,' he said. 'I was glad we had Zofran with us.' The medication is only available by prescription, which is why Adkins recommends talking to your primary care physician before your trip. 'It dissolves under your tongue,' he said. 'It still works, even if you are having trouble keeping things down.' Dark lists this as a must if he's traveling someplace tropical. He uses a mosquito zapper racquet but a standalone trap can do the job, too. 'My wife reacts horribly to mosquitoes,' he explained. Not only are mosquito bites itchy and uncomfortable, the insects can carry a range of serious diseases, including West Nile virus, malaria, Zika virus and dengue fever. Dark recommends using your mosquito trap or racquet along with bug spray for maximum protection. While they're unlikely to be life-saving, tweezers are a must-pack item for Dr. Joy Crook, associate professor of clinical emergency medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. 'Someone always gets a splinter,' she explained. Having a pair of tweezers ready to go means she won't have to hunt down a pharmacy and make an extra trip to remove something as simple as a splinter. Traveling for more than four hours by air, car, or bus raises the risk of developing blood clots, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But there are other factors that increase that risk even more, including being over the age of 40, being overweight or obese, or if you're using birth control that contains estrogen. Getting up and moving regularly during your trip can help lower the risk, but so can wearing compression socks. That's why they're a go-to forDr. Erin Muckey, associate professor of emergency medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. 'I wear compression socks on long flights,' she said. 'It's helpful to prevent blood clots and to encourage general blood flow.' You can't look up directions to the nearest pharmacy or hospital, or even call for help, if your phone battery is on zero. That's why Adkins always takes a portable USB battery pack with him on trips. 'A lot of places are doing better with having spots to charge your phone, but occasionally you'll need a portable battery,' he said. 'It seems simple, but you want to make sure your phone is charged so you can look things up or communicate with other people, if needed.' There have been a series of headline-making stories of travelers dying from carbon monoxide poisoning on vacation over the past year alone. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that's odorless and colorless, and it's produced when fuels like gasoline, oil, charcoal and natural gas burn incompletely, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In low concentrations, carbon monoxide can cause fatigue and chest pain; In high concentrations, it can cause flu-like symptoms and even be deadly. Because the gas is odorless and colorless, it can be hard to know if you're being exposed without a carbon monoxide detector. Luckily, there are plenty of portable carbon monoxide detectors that can easily be packed in a suitcase. 'This is a recent addition to my travel bag,' Crook said. 'It's easy to bring and may save a life.' Lack of sleep can weaken your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to getting sick. When he's traveling across time zones, Adkins says he'll often pack a melatonin supplement, just in case. Melatonin is a hormone that your brain produces in response to darkness and can help with the timing of your circadian rhythms, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). The supplement gives your body more of the hormone. 'It can help reset your internal clock,' Adkins explains. (Just talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new kind of supplement, including melatonin.) While you're at it, don't forget to toss OTC pain relievers and Band-Aids in your bag. 'These are important. You never know what will happen,' Muckey said. This Electronic Bug-Zapping Wand Just Made My Summer A Thousand Times Better The Bestselling Bug-Zapping Devices That Reviewers Say Are Actually Effective The Flight Essential Not Enough People Bring On A Plane
