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New technology allows researchers to precisely, flexibly modulate brain

A new technology combining holographic acoustic devices with genetic engineering allows precise targeting of affected neurons in the brain, potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases. The technique, AhSonogenetics, uses a noninvasive wearable ultrasound device to alter genetically selected neurons in mice, alleviating Parkinson's-...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2024

Omics research and AI tools are contributing to our understanding of what causes Alzheimer’s disease

The study highlights the potential of omics research and AI tools to disentangle the molecular drivers of Alzheimer’s disease. Key findings include the identification of novel biomarkers for early detection and therapeutic targets, as well as the exploration of genetic factors contributing to AD risk and progression.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 12, 2024

SMART breakthrough research identifies mechanism behind drug resistance in malaria parasite

A recent study reveals that a cellular process called transfer Ribonucleic acid (tRNA) modification influences the malaria parasite’s ability to develop resistance. This breakthrough discovery could help researchers develop new drugs to combat resistance and better tools for studying RNA modifications.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

A comprehensive review by the team of Xinhua Zhang at Shandong University of Technology on the significant roles and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in fruit and vegetables

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating protein-coding gene expression and respond to environmental stresses in fruits and vegetables. Recent research reveals the formation, functional characteristics, and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in these crops.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2024

Gene signatures from tissue-resident T cells as a predictive tool for melanoma patients

Researchers found a strong association between favorable survival outcomes and high populations of tissue-resident memory T cells in melanoma patients. The study identified 11 distinct gene signatures that correlate with T cell abundance and patient survival, suggesting a crucial role for T cells in immunomodulation.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournaliScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2024

Unveiling the mysteries of cell division in embryos with timelapse photography

Researchers used medaka fish, CRISPR and new imaging techniques to study embryonic mitosis. They discovered unique spindles assemble in early embryos and found Ran-GTP plays a decisive role in spindle formation, which diminishes later in development. The study paves the way for further exploration of embryonic mitosis.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 24, 2024

A microbial plastic factory for high-quality green plastic

Kobe University researchers develop a bacterial plastic factory that produces highly transparent, biodegradable plastics with improved properties. By blending polylactic acid with ultra-high molecular weight LAHB, they create a material that exhibits all the desired properties.

SourceKobe University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2024

A new antibody capture method reveals G-quadruplex landscape and its regulation

Researchers developed an improved method for G4 landscape determination, revealing that sequence property-specific constraints in the nuclear environment mitigate G4 formation. The technique, AbC G4-ChIP, captures G4s efficiently without bias, showing that depletion of a repeat-binding protein enhances net G4 capture at specific sites.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateMar 18, 2024

University of Houston engineer Metin Akay featured in study highlighting 50 scientists' contributions to biomedical engineering advancements

A new study highlights the contributions of 50 top scientists from elite universities to transforming medicine through cutting-edge biomedical engineering advances. Five primary medical challenges are identified, including precision engineering for personalized care and tissue engineering for human health.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·DateMar 4, 2024

Data-processing tool could enable better early stage cancer detection

A team of Rice University researchers has developed a platform for integrating DNA and RNA data from single-cell sequencing with greater speed and precision. The method, MaCroDNA, relies on a classical algorithm to identify matching pairs of data and outperformed state-of-the-art technologies in accuracy measurements.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2024

Study details five cutting-edge advances in biomedical engineering and their applications in medicine

A study by 50 experts reveals five cutting-edge biomedical engineering advances with significant applications in medicine, including precision engineering, on-demand tissue engineering, and advanced brain interface systems. These advances aim to transform the practice of medicine, impacting various conditions and diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 27, 2024

Five grand challenges for the future at the interface of engineering and medicine

Researchers identify five grand challenges in biomedical engineering to address social needs, existing gaps, and technological limitations. The Convergence Revolution and Fourth Industrial Revolution are expected to shape the future of medicine, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaborations and next-generation training.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 26, 2024

From Colombia to Laos: protecting crops through nanotechnology

A breakthrough in DNA sequencing technology has identified the fungus genus Ceratobasidium as the culprit behind cassava witches' broom disease. This discovery will help plant pathologists in Laos and other Southeast Asian countries protect their crops, supporting millions of smallholder farmers who rely on cassava.

Clear legal rules about the use of sperm and eggs in fertility treatment must remain to protect the vulnerable, study says

A new study emphasizes the importance of strict legal rules governing fertility treatment in the UK, warning that recent court cases could create a common law exception to informed consent. The research highlights the need for rigorous consent regimes to protect vulnerable patients from exploitation and misuse of genetic material.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalLegal Studies·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2024

New technology makes cancer easier for immune system to find and destroy

A new CRISPR-based technology, TRED-I, has been developed to increase visibility of cancer cells to the immune system by augmenting MHC class I molecules. This technology has shown promising results in animal cancer models, reducing tumor sizes and enhancing treatment efficacy when used with existing immunotherapy.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

Breakthrough technology offers promising treatment for ischemic retinopathy

Researchers develop technology that alleviates retinal pathologies by targeting mitochondrial chaperone TRAP1, which is implicated in the breakdown of blood-retinal barrier and pathological neovascularization. This treatment approach holds great promise for revolutionizing the treatment landscape for ischemic retinopathy.

URI professor leads effort demonstrating success of new technology in conducting deep-sea research on fragile organisms

A team of researchers led by URI Professor Brennan Phillips successfully demonstrated new technologies for capturing preserved tissue and high-resolution images of deep-sea animals in minutes, preserving them for advanced genomic study. This breakthrough enables faster species discovery and can inform extinction prevention efforts.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Study shows genetically modified pluripotent stem cells may evade immunological rejection after transplantation

Researchers have successfully genetically modified pluripotent stem cells to evade immune recognition, offering a viable path forward for pluripotent stem cell-based therapies. The study's findings suggest that these engineered stem cells could pave the way for new treatments for diseases such as Type 1 diabetes and macular degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2024

New study uncovers molecular interactions driving multiple inflammasome activation and inflammatory cell death

A team of researchers discovered a multiprotein complex involving NLRP3, AIM2, NLRC4, and Pyrin that drives PANoptosis, a type of programmed inflammatory cell death. The findings have implications for understanding inflammasome biology and identifying potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalCellular and Molecular Immunology·DateDec 27, 2023

Novel stem cell therapy using technology from mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may stimulate natural repair in treatment of chronic and acute liver disease

A new stem cell treatment using mRNA technology from COVID-19 vaccines has shown promise in regenerating liver tissue, potentially reversing chronic and acute liver diseases. The treatment stimulates the natural repair mechanism of the liver by activating specific receptors on stem cells.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 7, 2023

SMART researchers pave the way for faster and safer T-cell therapy through novel contamination-detection method

A novel contamination-detection method enables faster and safer T-cell therapy production, reducing the risk for patients and speeding up treatment. The method uses cutting-edge technology to identify harmful microorganisms within 24 hours.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 27, 2023

Scientists map the antigenic landscape

Researchers have successfully mapped the entire HLA class II landscape, predicting how pathogens are displayed on cell surfaces. The mapping reveals that multiple HLA variants play essential roles in autoimmune disorders and organ rejection, highlighting their potential for developing immunotherapy treatments.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 24, 2023