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Bias can lead to better therapies

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys discovered a new mechanism to confer signaling bias in predictable ways, permitting rational design of new drugs. This breakthrough could lead to better therapies for addiction and psychiatric disorders by targeting the neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) with biased modulators.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2025

Metformin changes blood metal levels in humans

A Kobe University study found that metformin reduces copper and iron levels and increases zinc levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. This suggests a possible mechanism for the drug's beneficial effects beyond lowering blood sugar levels.

SourceKobe University·JournalBMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2025

New gene therapy delivery device could let hospitals create personalized nanomedicines on-demand

A new gene therapy delivery device called NANOSPRESSO could revolutionize how hospitals treat rare diseases by allowing them to create personalized nanomedicines in-house. This democratized approach to precision medicine could boost access to low-cost bespoke gene and RNA therapies, especially in low-resource settings.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 26, 2025

Cannabis use disorder is increasing rapidly, especially among older adults and people living with HIV

A new study finds that cannabis use disorder diagnoses rose substantially across all age groups, race/ethnicity, and comorbidity subgroups nationwide from 2000 to 2022. People living with HIV experienced the greatest relative increase in CUD diagnoses, particularly among older adults.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2025

Scientists hack cell entry to supercharge cancer drugs

Researchers at Duke University and colleagues discover a way to improve the uptake of cancer-fighting drugs called PROTACs by leveraging the CD36 protein. This approach delivered up to 23 times more potent treatment without compromising stability or solubility, paving the way for effective medications.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

Researchers may have solved decades-old mystery behind benzodiazepine side effects

A research team has identified a key protein suspected to be involved in benzodiazepine-related inflammation, which could inform strategies to improve benzodiazepine drug design and treat inflammation-related conditions. The findings may lead to new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2025

The 43rd Barcelona BioMed Conference explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence to transform biomedical research

The conference gathered international researchers to discuss AI's role in drug discovery and development, including generative AI strategies for designing chemical compounds. The speakers emphasized the significance of personalized medicine, where therapies will be tailored to each patient's unique molecular profile.

Innovative phospholipids enhance mRNA delivery

A new class of zwitterionic phospholipids, DOPE-Cx, enhances the functional delivery of mRNA via lipid nanoparticles, overcoming endosomal escape and improving mRNA expression. This breakthrough paves the way for advanced therapeutic applications, including mRNA vaccines, cancer treatment, and protein replacement therapy.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2025

New method searches through 10 sextillion drug molecules

Researchers developed a new method to search through billions of molecules to identify potential anti-inflammatory drug candidates. The method uses computer algorithms to explore vast chemical space and has the potential to speed up the costly drug development process.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 26, 2025

MD Anderson researchers develop novel antibody-toxin conjugate

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have developed a novel antibody-toxin conjugate that stimulates the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. The new approach combines the benefits of ADCs with immunotherapies, allowing the body's natural immune response to limit side effects and prevent tumor recurrence.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 25, 2025

NUS scientists develop realistic ‘micro-gut’ model to study the relationship between gut microbes and human diseases

Researchers developed a 3D microscopic version of the human intestines on a chip, allowing for real-time examination of gut microbes' interactions with the human intestine. The 'Gut-Microbiome on a chip' model enables the study of complex interplay between gut microbes and health, facilitating targeted microbiome-based interventions.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2025

Quantum leap in material design

A new quantum-classical approach has been developed for designing photochromic materials, accelerating the discovery of novel compounds. The method identified five promising candidates with key properties essential for photopharmacology applications.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·DateFeb 5, 2025

CNIC scientists design an effective treatment strategy to prevent heart injury caused by a class of anticancer drugs

Researchers at the CNIC have designed a treatment strategy to protect the heart against cardiotoxic effects of anthracyclines, a common class of anticancer drugs. Empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, has been shown to preserve cardiac function and metabolism in experimental models.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJACC CardioOncology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2025

Cutting back on alcohol may be more effective than immediately abstaining for preventing misuse among college students

A Texas A&M University researcher found that reducing alcohol consumption aligns with a harm reduction approach, which may be a more feasible approach for high-risk college drinkers. The study surveyed 822 high-risk college students and analyzed their intention to reduce drinking using the Theory of Planned Behavior.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Education·DateJan 30, 2025

NUS researchers pioneer DNA-tagged gold nanoparticles for targeted cancer treatment

The team's novel technique enables high-throughput screening of nanoparticle shapes, sizes, and modifications, reducing associated screening costs. The research demonstrates the distinct preferences of tumour cells for certain nanoparticle configurations, enabling personalized cancer treatments that are safer and more effective.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2025