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Building a smart cardiac patch

Scientists at Harvard University have developed a 'bionic' cardiac patch that can monitor and respond to cardiac problems, potentially revolutionizing heart attack treatment. The patch, made of nanoscale electronic scaffolds, can detect arrhythmia and adjust its performance in real-time.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 27, 2016

Metal exposure -- a factor in bat population decline

A national assessment of metal contamination in bats reveals high levels of metals such as lead, copper, and cadmium that can cause toxic effects in bat populations. Around 21% of sampled bats contained residues of at least one metal above toxic thresholds, indicating a significant proportion may be affected by metal exposure.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJun 9, 2016

'Person-on-a-chip': U of T engineers grow 3-D heart, liver tissues for better drug testing

Researchers at U of T Engineering have developed a new way of growing realistic human tissues outside the body, called AngioChip. The technology uses a three-dimensional structure complete with internal blood vessels and can be used to test drugs on lab-grown human tissues, providing a realistic model at a fraction of the cost.

Zika virus linked to stillbirth, other symptoms in Brazil

A Brazilian woman infected with Zika virus had a stillborn baby with severe tissue swelling and central nervous system defects, suggesting the virus may cause damage outside the CNS. The case raises concerns about the risk of stillbirths and other adverse outcomes in pregnant women exposed to the virus.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 25, 2016

'Cleaner' protein protects against atherosclerosis

Researchers found that A1M stops the oxidation of blood fats and repairs damaged molecules, protecting against atherosclerosis. The protein can also clean and reduce oxidised blood fats from LDL and take care of dangerous substances from MPO.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateFeb 3, 2015

Reprogrammed cells grow into new blood vessels

Researchers at Houston Methodist develop a new approach to regrow damaged blood vessels using trans-differentiated fibroblasts, improving blood flow and oxygenation. The technique shows promise for treating cardiovascular damage and injuries with minimal risk of chromosome damage.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalCirculation·DateNov 7, 2014

Exploiting gastric vulnerability

Researchers found that H. pylori bacteria can rapidly detect minor injuries in the stomach and navigate toward them. The study shows how H. pylori causes disease by interfering with healing at these injury sites.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 17, 2014

An essential step toward printing living tissues

Researchers at Harvard University's Wyss Institute have developed a bioprinting method to create intricately patterned 3D tissue constructs with multiple cell types and tiny blood vessels. The breakthrough enables the creation of thicker, functional tissues that can be used for drug testing and potentially replaced damaged human tissue.

Computer simulation of blood vessel growth

Researchers created a computer simulation to accurately predict blood vessel growth in the laboratory. By studying real blood vessels from rats, they found that denser extracellular matrix impairs vessel formation. This breakthrough aims to develop new treatments for diseases related to blood flow and cancer metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 22, 2014

Orbital samples with sight-saving potential

Two studies examine the effects of spaceflight on mouse eyes, revealing oxidative stress as a key mechanism behind eye damage. Researchers found genes involved in response to oxidative stress and potential indicators of optic nerve damage, highlighting the need for countermeasures to protect astronauts' vision.

SourceNASA/Johnson Space Center·JournalGravitational and Space Research·DateDec 11, 2013