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Fish may be highly sensitive to antidepressants found in water

Researchers found that fish serotonin transporters, similar to human counterparts, can be highly sensitive to antidepressants found in water, highlighting potential risks to aquatic life. The study suggests prioritizing specific pharmaceuticals in environmental monitoring programs and deriving species-specific risk thresholds.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2026

Penn researchers use AI to surface unreported GLP-1 side effects in Reddit posts

Researchers identified patient-reported symptoms associated with GLP-1s, including menstrual changes, fatigue, and temperature-related complaints, that may not be fully captured in clinical trials or drug labeling. Nearly 4% of Reddit users reported reproductive symptoms, and fatigue was the second most common complaint.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 10, 2026

Key mechanism for Alzheimer’s disease discovered

Researchers at Heidelberg University have discovered a key mechanism for Alzheimer's disease, identifying a neurotoxic protein-protein complex responsible for nerve cell death and cognitive decline. A novel pharmacological inhibitor, FP802, has shown promising results in slowing disease progression.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 26, 2025

AACR: Advancements in combination therapies for liver and pancreatic cancers, organoid-based platform for personalized head and neck cancer treatment, liquid biopsies for cancer detection and more

Researchers from the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are presenting new findings on combination therapies for liver and pancreatic cancers, including a new organoid model for personalized head and neck cancer treatment. Additionally, they are discussing the potential of liquid biopsies for cancer detection and monitoring.

Breakthrough cardiac regeneration research offers hope for the treatment of ischemic heart failure

Researchers have discovered a new way to stimulate cardiomyocyte proliferation, offering promising results in both human cardiac slices and live animals. This innovative approach targets calcium signaling pathways, potentially transforming the treatment landscape for patients suffering from heart failure.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2025

In silico assessment of photosystem I P700 chlorophyll a apoprotein A2 (PsaB) from Chlorella vulgaris (green microalga) as a source of bioactive peptides

A study analyzed Photosystem I P700 chlorophyll a apoprotein A2 from Chlorella vulgaris, identifying up to 17 distinct bioactivities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hypotensive effects. The peptides were found to be non-toxic and likely non-allergenic.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateOct 26, 2024

Pharmacology: Venomous crustacean from Mayan underwater caves provides new drug candidates

A study from Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that venomous crustaceans, specifically remipede crabs in Mexican cenote caves, contain a variety of toxins with pharmacological potential. The xibalbines peptides effectively inhibit potassium channels and activate signaling pathways involved in pain sensitization.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2024

A critical assessment for huaier, a traditional Chinese medicine, for cancer therapy: medicinal characteristics, molecular mechanisms of action, in-vitro and in-vivo anticancer activities, and future research directions

Huaier has been traditionally used to treat various health conditions, including cancer. Its unique chemical composition and molecular mechanisms of action have shown potent antitumor effects in both in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Further research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety in cancer therapy.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalOncology Advances·DateSep 29, 2024

When serotonin dims the light

Researchers discover 5-HT2A receptor selectively suppresses visual information strength without inhibiting parallel processes. This mechanism regulates the importance attached to incoming information, which could help develop new therapies for psychiatric diseases.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

Slowing inflammation may boost immunotherapy’s effectiveness against advanced lung cancer

Researchers found that adding an anti-inflammatory drug to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy resulted in a high response rate of 67% among patients with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. The study suggests that reducing chronic inflammation may improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 20, 2024

Sister hormone of GLP-1 can lead to better weight-loss drugs

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the GIP hormone's role in regulating insulin levels and weight loss. The study, involving over 500,000 individuals, found that inhibiting the GIP receptor may result in weight loss, while activating it without arresting its signal is crucial.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2024

POSTECH and ImmunoBiome team make strides in microbiome-based cancer therapies by iron deprivation at the tumor microenvironment

A team of POSTECH and ImmunoBiome has discovered a dietary-derived bacterial strain, IMB001, that induces nutritional immunity and boosts anti-tumor responses. The strain works by skewing tumor-infiltrating macrophages toward an inflammatory phenotype, leading to increased cell death of rapidly multiplying tumor cells.

Mosaics of predisposition cause skin disease

Researchers at Kobe University discovered a new gene, FDFT1, responsible for porokeratosis by identifying epigenetic silencing. Patients with localized lesions didn't have inherited damaged copies, leading to a hypothesis that epigenetic changes are the first hit. The findings have implications for treatment and counseling.

SourceKobe University·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

Can't un-cook an egg

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a new reactant demonstrating efficacy on proteins with drug-resistant mutations. The new inhibitor, ArNASA, reacts with lysine residues and is highly stable in physiological environments.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJACS·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

Esketamine nasal spray effective against depression

A Phase IIIb study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that esketamine nasal spray achieved higher remission rates (27.1%) compared to quetiapine extended-release (17.6%) in patients with treatment-resistant depression, indicating its potential as a targeted therapy for this population.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 5, 2023

Stalking a silent killer

Researchers aim to treat pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by targeting amino acid transporter SLC6A14 and compensatory nutrient scavenging mechanisms autophagy and macropinocytosis. Using alpha-methyl-L-tryptophan and hydroxychlorquine, the study seeks to improve therapeutic outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Phyllodulcin could be a potential candidate for treating Alzheimer’s disease, find Sahmyook University researchers

Researchers from Sahmyook University found that phyllodulcin, a natural sweetener found in hydrangeas, can efficiently inhibit amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation and dissociate its aggregates in an animal model study. The study suggests that phyllodulcin may be useful in delaying the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceSahmyook University·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2023

Preliminary results of a first-in-human study show manageable toxicity and preliminary antitumor activity of a potential second generation epigenetic therapy for advanced solid tumors

A first-in-human study demonstrates the efficacy of a novel PRMT5 inhibitor, JNJ-64619178, in treating advanced solid tumors. The treatment showed manageable dose-dependent toxicity and achieved preliminary antitumor activity in patients with various cancer types.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 26, 2023

New study suggests combination therapy to prevent resistance to treatment in hormone responsive metastatic breast cancer patients

A new study led by Sandra Casimiro and Luís Costa found a promising molecular target, the RANK signaling pathway, that could be used in combination with standard care to avoid resistance to treatment in metastatic breast cancer. High levels of RANK in cancer cells are associated with resistance to treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

Potentiating cancer vulnerability to ferroptosis: Off-targeting effects of DHODH inhibitors

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich discovered that DHODH inhibitors sensitize cancer cells to ferroptosis by inhibiting ferroptosis suppressor protein-1 (FSP1), not DHODH itself. This finding confirms the crucial role of FSP1 in ferroptosis surveillance and opens up new avenues for developing effective cancer therapies.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica could be safely, effectively treated with tofacitinib, avoiding the need for steroids, per new proof-of-concept Randomized Controlled Trial

A new proof-of-concept Randomized Controlled Trial found tofacitinib effective and safe for Polymyalgia Rheumatica treatment, potentially avoiding steroid use. The study's results suggest a promising alternative treatment option for patients with this condition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 29, 2023