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A heart of gold

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed gold nanofibers that can mimic the heart's coordinated electrical system, increasing the viability of transplanted cardiac tissues. This innovation could lead to new treatment options for patients with damaged heart tissue after a heart attack.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B·DateJul 17, 2013

Bed of needles

Scientists developed an adhesive patch that uses swellable microneedle tips to secure skin grafts firmly in place over wounds. The invention offers a trauma- and infection-prone alternative to traditional staples and sutures.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2013

Toddlers increasingly swallowing liquid detergent capsules

A cluster of five incidents involving toddlers swallowing liquid detergent capsules has prompted a call to action for improved safety warnings and childproof packaging. The incidents resulted in airway blockage, swelling, and ulceration, highlighting the need for urgent action to prevent potential life-threatening injuries.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateSep 5, 2012

Toward a therapy to healing stroke

Researchers at KIT biologists identified key factors controlling thalamus development, enabling potential tissue replacement therapy for stroke patients. They are now developing 2D cell culture systems and 3D cultivation projects to activate these factors in undifferentiated cells.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 14, 2011

Pain relief can now be based on solid evidence

A Cochrane Review analyzed 35 Cochrane Reviews of randomized trials to evaluate the effectiveness of 46 different drug/dose combinations against acute pain. The review found that no single drug provides high levels of pain relief for all patients, but some options have a solid evidence base

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateSep 6, 2011

Restoring blood flow

A novel nanostructure mimics vascular endothelial growth factor to promote blood vessel growth, potentially treating conditions like peripheral arterial disease. The nanostructure shows promise in restoring blood flow and has a longer half-life compared to the natural protein, enhancing its potency.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2011

A drugstore within

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that mesenchymal stem cells can inhibit an overactive immune system and promote tissue repair. These cells have shown potential in treating conditions such as acute heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and juvenile diabetes.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 7, 2011

Columbia engineers patch a heart

Researchers at Columbia University have established a new method to repair damaged hearts using a tissue-engineering platform. This breakthrough enables heart tissue to repair itself and has the potential to combat cardiovascular disease, one of the most serious health problems today.

SourceColumbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2011

Cardiac catheter that can do it all

A new, multifunctional catheter developed by Northwestern University and the University of Illinois can perform all necessary medical devices for cardiac ablation therapy in one minimally invasive procedure. The device combines diagnostic and treatment capabilities, improving clinical arrhythmia therapy by reducing steps and costs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 6, 2011

How much can a cell uptake?

A new study has found that macrophages have a seven-cell uptake threshold, governing the healing process. The researchers also discovered substances informing cells on tissue repair rates and accelerating macrophage transition to immune organs.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·DateMar 2, 2011

A 'stitch in time' could help damaged hearts

A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute demonstrates the feasibility of delivering adult bone-marrow-derived stem cells using biopolymer microthreads, which support cell growth while maintaining differentiation potential. The technology has the potential to improve cardiac function and treat cardiac arrhythmias.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateDec 9, 2010

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center research shows fish oil component given up to 5 hours after stroke limits brain damage

A study by LSU Health Sciences Center researchers found that Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a fish oil component, can protect brain tissue and promote recovery in acute ischemic stroke even when treatment is delayed. DHA treatment reduced swelling and facilitated neurobehavioral recovery.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalTranslational Stroke Research·DateNov 8, 2010

Images shed new light on inflammation

Researchers at the University of Calgary have discovered that damaged tissue can release signals that attract white blood cells, leading to inappropriate inflammation. The team used innovative imaging techniques to observe this process in real-time, shedding light on potential new treatments for inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 2010

Yale scientists implant regenerated lung tissue in rats

A Yale University-led team of scientists has made an important breakthrough in regenerating fully functional lung tissue that can exchange gas. The researchers successfully implanted cultured lung cells into rats, which efficiently exchanged oxygen and carbon dioxide, mimicking the natural lungs' function.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateJun 24, 2010

Hormone replacement in joint fluid has potential regenerative effect

Researchers found that hormone replacement therapy in joint fluid may be beneficial for treating late-stage human osteoarthritis by regenerating damaged cartilage tissue. Estrogen and testosterone were shown to influence the expression of genes in chondrogenic progenitor cells, which are present in arthritic tissue.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateMar 30, 2010

Advance growing animal penile erectile tissue in lab may benefit patients

Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have successfully grown replacement penile erectile tissue in rabbits, enabling normal sexual function and offspring production. The engineered tissue has the potential to benefit patients with congenital abnormalities, penile cancer, and some cases of erectile dysfunction.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2009

Major improvements made in engineering heart repair patches from stem cells

University of Washington researchers have made significant improvements in engineering heart repair patches from stem cells, connecting to rodents' heart circulation with pre-formed blood vessels. The new patches successfully delivered rat blood to the transplanted graft, showing remarkable viability and functional capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2009