A new antiviral drug has shown significant promise in treating hepatitis C, particularly in patients with genotype 1, the most difficult to treat. Adding the drug nearly doubled the treatment's effectiveness when given for 48 weeks.
The SPRINT-1 study found that adding boceprevir to standard hepatitis C treatment can significantly increase the response rate for genotype 1 patients. The addition of boceprevir to peginterferon and ribavirin regimens resulted in higher rates of sustained virological response compared to the control group.
Researchers identified a genetic variant on chromosome 18 associated with increased TB susceptibility in African populations. The study demonstrates the feasibility of genome-wide association studies in Africa, which have been successful in European populations but faced challenges due to high genetic diversity.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new terahertz semiconductor laser that emits highly collimated beams, suitable for applications such as security screening and chemical sensing. The advance uses metamaterials to confine and collimate the THz light, opening up new possibilities for terahertz science and technology.
A UCSF-led team has discovered a direct link between an inherited genetic mutation, developmental abnormalities, and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a rare form of childhood cancer. The study found that germline CBL mutations are inherited in nearly half the families affected by JMML.
Researchers at UCI, UCSD, and Harvard have induced robust regeneration of nerve connections that control voluntary movement after spinal cord injury. By deleting a cell growth inhibitor called PTEN, they achieved this breakthrough by turning back the developmental clock in a molecular pathway critical for the growth of corticospinal tr...
A large-scale genetic study identified key genetic markers linked to developing meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. The research suggests innate differences in natural defences leave individuals vulnerable to the bacteria.
Researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB) used X-ray absorption spectroscopy to observe electron transfer in biochemical substances. They discovered a 'dark channel' where excited electrons remain longer, preventing fluorescent light emission.
Scientists have created a mouse with highly effective human immune system components, enabling it to specifically target and destroy cancer cells. This breakthrough could lead to new immunotherapy approaches for cancer treatment.