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Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology


Tiny antibody fragments raised in camels find drug targets in human breast cancer cells

Researchers discovered Camel-raised Nanobody agents that target breast cancer cells, offering a new approach to identifying effective treatments for individual patients. The 'Nanobodies' are robust, small, and easy to produce at low cost, making them a promising tool in the fight against breast cancer.

Intelligent design: Engineered protein fragment blocks the AIDS virus from entering cells

Scientists have engineered a protein fragment that prevents the AIDS virus from entering cells, offering a potential breakthrough in treating and preventing HIV/AIDS infection. The discovery is based on a naturally occurring protein called RANTES, which was modified to remove harmful effects while maintaining its therapeutic properties.

Rockefeller Scientists discover new compound that rids cells of Alzheimer protein debris

Scientists from Rockefeller University have discovered a new compound, SMER28, which stimulates autophagy and effectively slows down the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein aggregates in rat and mice cells. This approach offers a radically different method to treat Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative diseases.

New research suggests that obesity and diabetes are a downside of human evolution

A new genetic discovery suggests that the loss of function in a human-specific gene called CMAH may contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes. The study found that mice with this gene mutation developed insulin resistance and pancreatic beta cell failure, leading to decreased insulin production and impaired blood glucose control.

Scientists climb Mt. Everest to explain how hearts adapt and recover from low oxygen

Researchers studied physicians and scientists trekking to Mt. Everest Base Camp, finding extensive but reversible changes in heart function after exposure to low oxygen levels. The findings suggest that heart problems experienced by seriously ill patients may be reversible once oxygen levels are returned to normal.

Scientists discover that a specific enzyme inhibitor may help control lung inflammation

Researchers discovered a specific enzyme inhibitor, delta-protein kinase C, that can help control lung inflammation by protecting the lungs from neutrophil-mediated damage. This could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with sepsis and trauma.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJan 4, 2011

Blame the environment: Why vaccines may be ineffective for some people

Researchers found that Mycobacterium chelonae, a common environmental bacterium, can decrease the effectiveness of the bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine. The study suggests that immune cells exposed to this bacterium may dampen vaccine efficacy. This discovery could lead to new, more effective vaccines against tuberculosis.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateDec 1, 2010

New prion discovery reveals drug target for mad cow disease and related illnesses

Researchers have discovered that plasminogen, a protein that breaks down blood clots, accelerates the progression of prion diseases by putting rogue prion proteins into overdrive. This finding presents a promising new target for anti-prion therapy, which could improve treatment options for patients suffering from prion diseases.

Medical imaging breakthrough uses light and sound to see microscopic details inside our bodies

Researchers have developed a new imaging technology that combines photoacoustic tomography with gold nanobeacons, allowing for unprecedented detail in visualizing blood vessel formation. This breakthrough has the potential to help healthcare providers diagnose diseases earlier and more accurately.