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High-tech tracking technology streamlines drug discovery

Researchers have developed a large-scale drug screening technique that tracks drug targets inside cells, allowing for the identification of potential new drugs. The technology screens candidate drugs 100 times faster than standard manual techniques, enabling the discovery of previously unknown drugs.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2024

New anti-cancer agent works without oxygen

A new anti-cancer agent has been developed that targets glutathione in cancer cells, switching it off and causing tumor shrinkage. The catalyst-based therapy accumulates specifically in tumor tissue, showing promising results in animal studies and potential for further human trials.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2024

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered a cancer mechanism that can eliminate tumors – even those resistant to immunotherapy

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a new cancer mechanism that prevents the immune system from attacking tumors. The discovery was made by reversing this mechanism, which stimulates the immune system to fight cancer cells, including those resistant to prevailing forms of immunotherapy.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 2024

Phase Two results with CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing support further development as treatment for hereditary angioedema (HAE)

A CRISPR-Cas9 based gene editing therapy has been shown to reduce angioedema attacks and sustainably lower kallikrein levels in patients with hereditary angioedema, offering a potential treatment option. The therapy was tested on 27 patients across two dosages compared to placebo.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 24, 2024

How blood cancer cells rewire to evade drug treatment

Researchers found that blood cancer cells rewired their gene regulatory networks to evade drug treatment in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), disrupting normal differentiation and growth. The study identified key findings, including changes in open chromatin regions and the loss of binding of RUNX1 and AP-1 transcription factors.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 23, 2024

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for medical non-adherence: A topical review and clinical recommendations

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a promising intervention for addressing medical non-adherence in pediatric patients with chronic illnesses. CBT successfully integrates principles of learning theory and cognitive science to address behavioral and emotional challenges that affect health outcomes.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateOct 21, 2024

Smaller vial size for Alzheimer’s drug could save Medicare hundreds of millions per year

A new study suggests that introducing a smaller vial size for the Alzheimer's drug lecanemab could reduce waste by 74% and save Medicare up to $336 million per year. This is due to the high amount of unused medication being discarded, with each patient often receiving a dose lower than the available vial sizes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 14, 2024

A new technique that makes competition between tumour cells visible can help personalise treatments for multiple myeloma

A new technique called Clonal competition assays helps understand the evolutionary advantages of multiple myeloma cells over available treatments. It allows researchers to see how each population of cells in the same myeloma reacts to treatments, getting closer to understanding heterogeneity and resistance.

Online insomnia treatment can help caregivers get much-needed rest, study suggests

A study suggests that online insomnia treatment, SHUTi, can provide meaningful relief for caregivers struggling with sleep difficulties. The program showed promising results in improving sleep quality and reducing stress among high-intensity caregivers, those shouldering the greatest responsibilities in caring for their loved ones.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateOct 2, 2024

Estimated long-term benefits of finerenone in heart failure

Long-term treatment with the nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone is estimated to extend event-free survival by up to 3 years among people with heart failure. The FINEARTS-HF randomized clinical trial found this benefit in patients with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateSep 27, 2024

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 resistance after antiviral treatment

Treatment-emergent nirmatrelvir resistance mutations were commonly detected in immunosuppressed individuals, but at low frequencies and transient nature. The study suggests a low risk for the spread of nirmatrelvir resistance in the community with current variants and drug usage patterns.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 25, 2024

CRISPR-Cas13: A new frontier in RNA-editing with revolutionary therapeutic potential

The CRISPR-Cas13 system enables temporary gene expression manipulation without permanent genomic changes, holding promise for treating diseases caused by RNA defects. It has been applied to correct mutations linked to Duchenne muscular dystrophy and can be used to alter splicing events, making it a powerful tool in personalized medicine.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalBioDesign Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2024

Clinical trial results show low-intensity therapy can achieve positive outcomes for certain pediatric leukemia subtypes

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that patients with ETV6::RUNX1 and high-hyperdiploid B-ALL can achieve positive outcomes with low-intensity chemotherapy, tailoring treatment based on genetic subtypes and early treatment response. This approach reduces side effects and improves event-free survival rates.

The heart of the question: Who can get Medicare-covered weight loss medicine?

A new study found that up to 10 million people in the US could qualify for Medicare-covered semaglutide injections, depending on their level of cardiovascular risk. Those with higher risk scores would be eligible for full or partial coverage, potentially expanding access to this life-saving medication.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 23, 2024

Study shows psychedelic drug psilocybin gives comparable long-term antidepressant effects to standard antidepressants, but may offer additional benefits

A 6-month study found that psilocybin offered similar improvements to SSRI escitalopram in depressive symptoms, but with greater social functioning and psychological connectedness. Psilocybin may offer an alternative for those not responding to SSRIs, but its benefits are still being studied.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 21, 2024

Antidepressant shows promise for treating brain tumors

Researchers at ETH Zurich have found an antidepressant, vortioxetine, effective against glioblastomas, a particularly aggressive brain tumor with no cure. The drug's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger a signalling cascade makes it promising for treating this deadly tumour.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2024

New drug molecule could lead to new treatments for Parkinson’s disease in younger patients

A novel drug molecule has been found to reactivate a crucial protein called parkin, which plays a key role in maintaining healthy brain cells. The study's findings lay the foundation for the design of personalized treatments for younger patients with specific mutations, offering new hope for a cure for Parkinson's disease.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2024