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Researchers discover potential way to prevent life-threatening allergic reactions for those with peanut allergies

Scientists at Indiana University School of Medicine have developed a new treatment that blocks anaphylaxis caused by peanut allergies, potentially saving lives. The covalent heterobivalent inhibitor (cHBI) was tested in animal models and showed promise in preventing allergic reactions for over two weeks.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2023

Pusan National University researchers uncover novel gene that regulates leukemia development and progression

Pusan National University researchers have identified a novel gene, SURF4, that regulates cell death and differentiation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study found that suppressing SURF4 expression increases cell differentiation, cell death, and accumulation of ROS, leading to arrested tumor growth in mice.

SourcePusan National University·JournalCancer Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2023

Personalized brain modeling technique may lead to breakthroughs in clinical epilepsy trial

A personalized brain modeling approach is being tested in a large-scale clinical trial for drug-resistant epilepsy, aiming to improve surgery preparation and patient specificity. The technique uses virtual models of patients' brains to simulate abnormal activity during seizures, helping clinicians identify target areas more effectively.

SourceHuman Brain Project·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 26, 2023

Experimental COVID-19 vaccine offers long-term protection against severe disease

A follow-up study found that the 2-dose vaccines still provided protection against lung disease one year after vaccination as infants. The adjuvanted protein vaccine candidate maintained higher levels of neutralizing antibodies and provided superior protection compared to the mRNA vaccine.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2022

Monoclonal antibodies preserve stem cells in mouse brains, bring promise for future studies

Researchers used monoclonal antibodies to suppress the immune system in mice, tracking human neural stem cell survival using luciferase. The study reveals that monoclonal antibody-mediated immunosuppression enabled long-term survival of transplanted human neural stem cells in mouse brains for at least six to eight months.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022

Promising results from psilocybin trial for treatment-resistant depression

Researchers conducted the largest clinical trial to date of psilocybin, finding a statistically significant rapid reduction in symptoms of depression. The study suggests that COMP360 psilocybin with psychological support could be an effective treatment strategy for people with treatment-resistant depression.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 7, 2022

New gene editing strategy could lead to treatments for people born with inherited diseases of the immune system

Researchers have developed a pioneering gene editing strategy that can repair faulty genes in immune cells, offering new hope for patients with conditions like CTLA-4 insufficiency. The technique uses CRISPR/Cas9 to target and correct the faulty gene, preserving important regulatory mechanisms.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Significant number of seniors rely on failing public transit systems to get to medical appointments

A new study found that frail seniors often use public transportation to get to doctor appointments due to inadequate accessibility. The study highlights the pressing need to improve public transit infrastructure and services in cities to support an aging population.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

Mount Sinai study uncovers mechanisms of reactive oxygen species in stem cell function and inflammation prevention

The study found that a combination of NOX1, loss of function, and TNF leads to an abnormal increase in microfold cells, driving increased recruitment of immune cells. Reversing the defect with reactive oxygen species restored healthy gut balance. Further studies on reactive oxygen species-stem cell modulation therapy are proposed.

New UCI-led report illustrates potential of precision genome editing in treating inherited retinal diseases

Researchers at UCI have made significant progress in precision genome editing for treating inherited retinal diseases, enabling precise gene correction and disease rescue. The study highlights the potential of this technology to revolutionize treatment of genetic disorders of vision, with over 270 causative genes identified.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2022

New review paper proposes framework for advancing application of animal-to-human transplantation

A new review paper has proposed a framework for advancing the application of xenotransplantation, a potential solution to the organ shortage. The study discusses innovations and advances in transplanting animal hearts into human subjects, with a focus on overcoming challenges and barriers.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJACC Basic to Translational Science·TypeCase study·DateJun 15, 2022

Low-tech - just what the doctor ordered

A simplified surgical tool called RAIS has been developed to enable laparoscopic surgery in low-to-middle income countries. The device uses a mechanical retractor and does not require CO2 gas or a general anaesthetic, making it more accessible and affordable for rural surgeons.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 13, 2022

Houston Methodist study finds clues about concussions from the gut

Researchers discovered a link between traumatic brain injuries and changes in the gut microbiome, suggesting a potential diagnostic tool for concussions. The study found two bacterial species that dropped significantly after concussions, indicating a correlation with traumatic brain injury-linked proteins in the blood.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Study finds healthy-appearing lupus skin predisposed to flares, rashes

Researchers found that normal-appearing lupus skin contains the same inflammatory signals as skin with rashes, suggesting a primed state for inflammation. The study's findings provide new insights into how UV light triggers rashes in lupus patients and highlight the potential for precision medicine in treating the disease.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

Risk factors for severe COVID-19 in hospitalized adults differ by age

Researchers found that vital signs and lab results at hospital admission are key predictors of disease severity. Age groups between 18-50 and 50+ showed different risk factors for severe cases and death. The study's findings suggest a need for updated models reflecting current standard care, where physiological parameters can be more h...

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 28, 2022

Zeroing in on a new treatment for autism and epilepsy

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have discovered that reducing protein tau levels soon after birth can prevent autism and epilepsy in an experimental model. The study pinpointed the crucial brain cells where tau levels must be reduced to avoid these problems, and showed that lowering tau is still effective when initiated after birth.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 27, 2022