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Missing molecule may explain Down syndrome

Scientists found a promising candidate, pleiotrophin, which is essential for brain development and function; restoring it may improve brain circuits in individuals with Down syndrome and other neurological diseases. The study's findings suggest using modified viruses to deliver the protein directly into cells could lead to new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 17, 2025

First in Asia! Translational Exercise Biomedicine becomes the official partnership journal of FIMS

The International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) has partnered with Translational Exercise Biomedicine (TEB), the first such collaboration in Asia. This partnership aims to enhance research publication, host co-branded events, and advance global advocacy for sports medicine.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalTranslational Exercise Biomedicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 12, 2025

A patient’s own cartilage cells may be the key to help healing after hip surgery

A recent study by researchers at the University of Missouri has made a groundbreaking discovery using patient's own cartilage cells to aid in healing after hip surgery. The research team successfully cultured and expanded cartilage cells, or chondrocytes, in the lab, paving the way for future clinical applications.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalArchives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2025

Discovering how cells in small intestine of people with coeliac disease communicate with one another

Scientists have created a detailed map of cell behavior in the small intestine of people with coeliac disease using single-cell RNA sequencing. The study found that immune signals from immune system proteins encourage fibroblasts to support changes in the gut lining, suggesting communication between cells plays a key role in the disease.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2025

Shortcut to weight loss: No nausea required

Researchers at Syracuse University have identified a new target for treating obesity and diabetes, reducing nausea and vomiting associated with existing treatments. A molecule called tridecaneuropeptide (TDN) produced by brain support cells suppresses appetite and improves glucose processing without adverse effects.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 5, 2025

Beyond the mammogram: Study finds differences between benign and cancerous breast calcifications

Researchers at the University of Illinois found that benign and cancerous breast calcifications have unique structures and formation processes. The study provides a new classification scheme and opens the possibility of treating benign calcifications using certain drugs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2025

What cats may teach us about Long COVID

Scientists found that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) therapy improved immune recovery in cats with FIP, a disease similar to Long COVID. The study showed reduced systemic inflammation and increased regulatory T cells, suggesting potential benefits for human patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 14, 2025

With the second grant to therapy

Researchers at the University of Würzburg are developing a new therapy for KEAP1-mutated lung cancer using a sulfite inhibitor to block tumor cell growth. The team has identified a first-of-its-kind compound, SulfExstatin-1, which accumulates toxic sulfite in cancer cells, initiating their death.

The ISSCR launches consortium to support adoption of stem cell-derived disease models for drug discovery and development

The ISSCR has assembled an international consortium to support the adoption of human stem cell-derived disease models for drug discovery and development. This initiative aims to reduce R&D costs and accelerate therapy development, aligning with efforts by regulatory bodies such as the FDA, NIH, and European Commission.

New study reveals how 5'LysTTT tRNA fragments protect neurons during botulinum toxin exposure

Scientists have uncovered a previously unknown mechanism explaining how neurons survive botulinum neurotoxin type A exposure. The research found that specific tRNA fragments interact with key proteins and RNA molecules involved in regulating ferroptosis, supporting neuronal survival by blocking cell death pathways.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalGenomic Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2025

Boston Children’s Hospital’s Therapeutic & Medical Device Accelerator announces inaugural awardees for its internal funding program

The Boston Children's Therapeutic & Medical Device Accelerator has announced its inaugural awardees, selected for their groundbreaking innovations in pediatric healthcare. The program provides targeted funding, expert mentorship, and strategic collaborations to advance hospital discoveries towards clinical impact.

HDAC11 deficiency improves muscle function and regeneration during ageing

A study led by the Badalona Neuromuscular Research Group found that HDAC11 deficiency reduces muscle mass loss, promotes muscle regeneration, and improves overall muscle function in aged murine models. This discovery proposes a new therapeutic strategy to slow down age-related muscular decline and promote healthier ageing.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalGeroScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2025

The antibiotic that takes the bite out of Lyme

Researchers identified piperacillin as an effective treatment for Lyme disease, which causes devastating symptoms in half a million individuals annually. The antibiotic works by targeting the bacteria's unique cell wall synthesis pattern, leading to its death without harming beneficial gut microbes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 23, 2025

UCLA researchers identify precision medicine approach for preventing kidney failure

Researchers have identified a potential precision medicine approach to prevent chronic kidney disease progression by targeting type 5 collagen, a minor component of scar tissue. A repurposed anti-cancer drug, Cilengitide, has been shown to slow kidney scarring and disease progression in high-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 9, 2025

Positron emission tomography in psychiatry: Dr. Romina Mizrahi maps the molecular future

Dr. Romina Mizrahi's PET-based neuroimaging sheds light on brain workings, integrating genetics, environment and imaging to understand psychiatric illness as a complex biological puzzle. She advocates for precision psychiatry paradigm with customized treatments based on molecular profiles, and calls for diversity in academic leadership.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeNews article·DateApr 8, 2025

Study identifies Shisa7 gene as key driver in heroin addiction

A study published in Biological Psychiatry identified the Shisa7 gene as a key driver of heroin addiction. The research team used machine learning to analyze brain tissue from human opioid users and found that modulating this gene's expression influenced heroin-seeking behavior and cognitive flexibility.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2025

Could an arthritis drug unlock lasting relief from epilepsy and seizures? UW–Madison researchers see promising results in mice

Researchers at UW–Madison have discovered that the arthritis drug tofacitinib can halt brain-damaging seizures in mice, restore short-term memory, and reduce inflammation. The drug has shown promising results in preventing seizures even after treatment is stopped, offering a potential new approach for treating epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

Classifying childhood brain cancers by immune response may improve diagnostics and treatments

Researchers developed a new diagnostic platform that classifies brain tumors based on the body's cancer-fighting immune response. The approach tailors treatment options to each patient's unique immune profile, offering improved diagnostics and potential for immunotherapies to revolutionize childhood leukemia treatments.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 19, 2025

Glaucoma monitoring lags in low-income and rural areas

A Northwestern University study found significant disparities in glaucoma monitoring, with rural and economically distressed communities facing barriers to care. The study identified strategies to improve access, including expanding tele-ophthalmology services, home monitoring technology, and financial support.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalTranslational Vision Science & Technology·DateMar 17, 2025

Rice-BCM research achieves gene-editing breakthrough that could improve treatment for liver disease, other disorders

The Rice University lab, in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine, has developed a new gene-editing strategy called Repair Drive that improves the effectiveness of gene therapies in the liver. The technique enables the repair of liver cells at higher rates and equips them with a selective advantage to outcompete incorrectly edi...

SourceRice University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Mechanical heart valve replacements have better long-term survival, study finds

A new study published in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery found that mechanical heart valve replacements have better long-term survival rates compared to biological valves. Patients who received mechanical valves had improved survival up to 13 years after surgery, with smaller valves showing greater benefits.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2025