Researchers from Harvard University have identified gene activity changes in motor nerve cells that may explain their selective degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study, funded by the NIH and published in Nature Aging, found that ALS-associated genes show elevated activity in Betz cells, leading to protein disruptions and neurodegeneration. These findings offer new insights into ALS and potential therapeutic targets, emphasizing the need for future studies with larger patient samples.
Researchers at UNC have discovered that the protein CGRP affects the brain's lymphatic system by preventing cerebrospinal fluid drainage, contributing to migraine pain. This finding could lead to new therapeutic strategies for migraines, though more research is needed to understand sex differences in migraine prevalence.
NIH researchers have developed an AI tool, LORIS, that uses routine clinical data to predict cancer patients' responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors, potentially improving treatment decisions. The model, which includes factors like age, cancer type, and blood markers, was validated using data from 2,881 patients and is publicly available for further clinical evaluation.
Researchers at UNIST and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital have developed a new technology using superparamagnetic nanoclusters (SPNCs) enveloped by red blood cell-derived nanovesicles to effectively remove inflammation-triggering agents from blood, showing promise for sepsis treatment. This method demonstrated significant therapeutic effects in preclinical trials with bacteremic model swine, potentially offering a breakthrough in treating sepsis by rapidly cleansing blood of pathogens and inflammatory agents.
Researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden have identified a new class of antibiotics that targets an enzyme essential to the functioning of gram-negative bacteria, which are known for their resistance to antibiotics. In tests on mice, the antibiotic showed promise in eliminating drug-resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae infections with just one dose, offering hope in the fight against antibiotic resistance. The study's findings are significant as gram-negative bacteria pose a major threat due to their resistance to broad-spectrum antibiotics, and the new antibiotic class could potentially address this critical health challenge.
WHO scientists are questioning the clinical trial endpoint being used by Grail to evaluate its Galleri blood test, which aims to detect multiple types of tumors early. The test is currently available in the U.S. but not yet approved by the FDA or reimbursed by Medicare, and Grail generated $30 million in revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023 while incurring a $197 million loss. If successful, the Galleri test could revolutionize cancer screening as a multi-cancer early detection test, but concerns about its evaluation process persist.
A study has demonstrated the potential of using pollen grains as green templates for producing biomaterials, particularly hydroxyapatite (HAp) and β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP), which are used for bone repair. The study explored the feasibility of using pollen grains as bio-templates for growing calcium phosphate minerals in the lab, resulting in well-defined spherical hollow capsules derived from pollen. These hollow structures have potential in drug delivery and bone regeneration applications, and further experiments are needed to explore their use in enhancing bone integration and regeneration around implants.
Scientists at Uppsala University have discovered a new class of antibiotics that effectively targets multidrug-resistant bacteria, curing bloodstream infections in mice. The antibiotics target a protein used by Gram-negative bacteria to synthesize their outermost layer of protection, and have shown promise in treating bacteria resistant to existing antibiotics. This discovery is a significant step in combating antibiotic resistance and was supported by the EU project ENABLE.
Dr. Mike Curtis, CEO of eGenesis, led the historic first pig kidney transplant into a living human, offering hope to thousands on the kidney transplant waitlist. This breakthrough, a result of decades of research, aims to address the shortage of human organs and provide life-saving options for those with renal failure. eGenesis is also working on treatments for acute liver failure and heart transplants, potentially revolutionizing the field of organ transplantation.
Researchers at MIT have demonstrated that stimulating high-frequency brain waves in mice with flashes of light and clicks of sound at 40 hertz can clear amyloid proteins associated with Alzheimer's. This stimulation increased protective cerebrospinal fluid, pulsations in neighboring arteries, and interstitial fluid leaving the brain, all aiding in waste removal. The study also highlighted the role of aquaporin-4 channels in astrocyte cells and an increase in a peptide linked to combating Alzheimer's. These findings provide valuable insights for understanding Alzheimer's and potentially reversing its effects by enhancing the brain's waste removal system.
Scientists in Israel have successfully created lab-grown testicles, or testicular organoids, which mimic the natural characteristics of human testes. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in male infertility research and potential therapeutic applications for disorders of sexual development. The organoids, created from mouse testicular tissue, provide a deeper understanding of testis function and could pave the way for the production of sperm in the laboratory, offering hope for children affected by cancer treatments that lead to infertility. This achievement follows the development of other organoids in recent years, marking a significant shift from traditional 2D cell cultures in medical research.
Scientists have discovered a way to develop cold-resistant potatoes that do not undergo cold-induced sweetening (CIS), which can lead to the production of toxic compounds like acrylamide in potato products such as chips and fries. By identifying and modifying the gene responsible for CIS, researchers hope to create healthier potato snacks that are resistant to the cold, reducing the risk of toxic compound production during processing. This breakthrough could also lead to more effective storage and transportation of potatoes, potentially reducing food waste and costs.
MIT researchers have developed a test to predict whether heart attack patients will experience an imbalance between the left and right ventricles when using mechanical pumps known as ventricular assist devices (VADs). The test measures the adaptability of the pulmonary vascular system and could help doctors determine if a patient needs additional support for the right ventricle. This new insight could improve device utility and patient outcomes, potentially leading to more widespread use of VADs.
A new AI study suggests that "zombie" viral fragments of SARS-CoV-2, unique to the COVID-19-causing virus and not found in its harmless cold-causing cousin, may be responsible for the variable severity of COVID-19. These fragments resemble human immune system molecules and can trick the body into overreacting, leading to severe inflammation. Individual differences in enzyme efficiency also play a role in determining the severity of the illness. This research offers insights into why COVID-19 affects people differently and opens possibilities for future treatments targeting these fragments.
Scientists are making progress in understanding how to make the human body receptive to organ donations from other species, potentially addressing the shortage of organs for transplants. A recent study at the University of Alabama-Birmingham's Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine transplanted genetically modified pig kidneys into three brain-dead patients using FDA-approved drugs, showing promise for xenotransplantation. The study suggests that using familiar medications for transplants could simplify the process and make it more widely accessible, offering hope for addressing the critical shortage of donor organs.
