Scientists have developed a method for controlling brain activity in living organisms using infrared light-controlled drugs. The technique uses mid-infrared light to activate a specific neurotransmitter receptor, providing unparalleled precision in three dimensions.
Researchers at IBEC developed a 3D muscle model that can replicate the damage caused by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, enabling preclinical studies of drugs for treating the disease. The model, created using patient cells, includes muscle fibers that can contract when stimulated, and is an essential step towards finding a cure.
A study led by IBEC analyzed cough sounds in COVID-19 patients to identify the severity of the disease. The research found that acoustic features of coughs could categorize patients as mild, moderate, or severe, enabling early intervention and remote monitoring.
A recent study led by IBEC demonstrates that laminin, a protein present in healthy breast tissues, prevents the effects of stiffening, protecting cells against tumor growth. The researchers observed that cells seeded on laminin-rich gel exhibited a significantly less pronounced mechanical response to substrate stiffness.
A team of researchers from IBEC has discovered that mechanical forces can disrupt the circadian clock in cells, specifically through the YAP protein. This finding provides new insights into the regulation of circadian rhythms and their role in cancer and aging processes.
The THERACAT project aims to deliver drugs only to tumor sites using bio-orthogonal catalysis, a promising approach for targeted cancer treatment. Researchers developed nanoparticles bearing metal catalysts to efficiently convert inactive pro-drugs into active drugs at the tumor site.
Researchers created human mini-kidneys that mimic diabetic kidneys, finding increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and a critical role for the ACE2 receptor. The study provides new insights into the link between diabetes and COVID-19 disease.
The BRIGHTER project develops a new 3D bioprinting technology that creates complex and accurate human tissues, reducing the need for animal models. The technology uses light-sheet lithography to fabricate human skin and other tissues with high resolution and accuracy.
A new study found that high-intensity rehabilitation significantly improves motor function in stroke patients compared to low-intensity therapy. Implementing high-intensity therapy sooner after a stroke can overcome the detrimental effects of starting late, according to researchers.
Researchers discovered that cells sense and respond to mechanical forces based on the rate of force application, which can lead to cell stiffening or softening. The 'molecular clutch' model explains how this affects cellular behavior, particularly in cancer development and organ function.
A team of researchers has deciphered the mechanisms leading to the concave shape of intestinal crypts and the migration movement of cells towards peaks. The study used a combination of computer modeling and in vitro experiments, revealing that mechanical forces exerted by cells control both processes.
Scientists at IBEC successfully controlled neuronal activity in the human brain using a light-responsive molecule named PAI. This breakthrough study demonstrates spatiotemporal control of brain state transitions, opening up new avenues for basic neuroscience research and potential brain therapies.
A new system using a drone with an electronic nose detects odor concentration in WWTPs, providing maps for targeted control actions. The technology represents a significant advance in odor management, surpassing previous methods that only tested single-odor chemical sources in controlled scenarios.
Researchers developed a machine learning technique to speed up microscopic cell analysis, reducing processing time from months to just seconds. The new approach uses neural networks to create detailed maps of cell composition without disrupting the cells, enabling rapid label-free biochemical composition mapping.
Researchers have developed a 3D model using patient cells to simulate the disease, enabling fast and cost-effective testing of drugs. The model has validated the effectiveness of previously tested drugs, opening new avenues for finding personalized treatments.
A team of scientists at IBEC and Stanford University reveals that the brain's ability to autonomously learn reflects nature more closely than previously thought. This discovery has implications for improving memory deficits in humans and building new AI systems with advanced memory capabilities.
Researchers at IBEC developed biobots with muscle tissue and flexible skeletons that can swim and coast like fish, achieving unprecedented velocities. The innovative skeleton creates a feedback loop through mechanical self-stimulation, leading to enhanced actuation and larger contraction force.