Research on discovering and developing new drugs. Covers structure-revealing tools, eye-disease mechanisms, protein screening, and once-daily oral medicines.
A newly developed compound is showing promise as a more effective treatment for human schistosomiasis, an understudied tropical disease caused by parasitic worms. The compound overcomes the limitations of current treatment praziquantel by being effective against the larval stage and resistant strains.
Scientists have extracted a powerful antibacterial peptide from African catfish skin mucus, which could help combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The peptide, called NACAP-II, has been shown to disrupt bacterial cell membranes at very low concentrations.
Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a new method that enables the efficient production of cysteine-rich peptides and microproteins in their naturally folded 3D structure. The approach uses organic solvents to mimic nature's oxidative folding process, resulting in speeds of over 100,000 times faster than aqueous...
Researchers at WVU are developing an AI tool to reduce medication errors that lead to hospital readmissions, aiming to improve patient safety and reduce healthcare costs. The tool will analyze patient records and identify high-risk patients, alerting pharmacists to potential issues.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a patented contact lens material that acts as a bandage for corneal wounds, releasing drugs in a controlled manner to enhance healing. The material, which uses collagen-based technology, achieves complete wound healing within five days in human cell culture studies.
Research reveals that FoxO6 upregulates ApoC3, leading to increased lipid accumulation and liver damage in aged rats on a high-fat diet. The study suggests that targeting this pathway may offer therapeutic strategies against hepatic steatosis.
A new genetic test has identified patients with triple negative early-stage breast cancer who are unlikely to respond to immunotherapy drugs. The test, called ImPrintTN, can predict a patient's likelihood of responding to these treatments and help avoid severe side effects.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can inactivate multiple strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by targeting its twist in the spike protein. These particles show promise as a complementary treatment for COVID-19 when vaccines and other treatments are ineffective, particularly against vulnerable populations.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a patented process to produce heparin in the lab, offering a consistent and safe supply of the essential medicine. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize the production of heparin, reducing reliance on animal-derived sources and addressing global supply chain issues.
Researchers developed chronological age prediction models by analyzing gene expression changes in the prefrontal cortex, identifying genes associated with aging and potential mechanisms. The models showed high correlation with age and demonstrated female and male-specific differences.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a bedtime nasal spray that can reduce the severity of sleep apnea in people and lower their blood pressure. The study found that the spray, which blocks potassium channels, improved oxygen levels and reduced markers of OSA severity in 7 out of 10 participants.
A research team at the University of Cologne has identified mechanisms governing drug response in small cell lung cancer. The study reveals that large populations of treatment-sensitive cells often hide numerous therapy-resistant cells that can multiply unchecked after successful treatment.
A study from Bentley University's Center for Integration of Science and Industry found that US drug approvals were aligned with the US, but not global, burden of disease. The increasing number of expedited approval programs may make this gap worse, as these programs tend to favor conditions with lower disease burden.
Scientists from the University of Cologne developed threofuranosyl nucleic acid (TNA) with a new base pair, offering improved stability and function compared to natural DNA and RNA. This breakthrough could enable targeted drug delivery, diagnostics, and recognition of viral proteins or biomarkers.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System are developing a technique to 'paint' tiny nanoparticles on transplanted veins to prevent blockages, potentially sparing patients from repeated surgeries. This approach could significantly reduce the number of vascular reconstructions performed annually in the US.
Research from UCSF found COVID antigens lingering in blood up to 14 months and tissue samples for over two years after infection. The persistence of these fragments may drive long COVID symptoms and associated risks.
Researchers at the University of Buffalo have discovered that fusion proteins hijack gene regulatory complexes through their unfolded domains, causing cancer. The study found that these disordered domains interact with high specificity and form liquid-like droplets, enabling cancerous genes to be activated.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center have identified a new protein called p47 that helps prevent breast cancer metastasis. The study found that lower p47 expression was correlated with higher breast cancer metastasis, and that increasing p47 function could potentially lead to new therapies.
Researchers discovered GZ17-6.02's ability to interact with proteasome inhibitors in a greater than additive fashion to kill multiple myeloma cells and alone inhibit inhibitor-resistant cells. The compound combination also activated key pathways and increased autophagosome formation, leading to tumor cell killing.
A new algorithm called GlycoSHIELD enables fast but realistic modeling of sugar chains on protein surfaces, reducing computing hours from thousands to just minutes. This breakthrough could improve drug and vaccine development by predicting the structure and dynamics of sugar layers.
A new study has identified a strategy used by early-stage cancer cells to evade the immune system. By turning on the gene SOX17, these cells create an immunosuppressive environment that prevents them from being detected. This gene helps cancer cells ignore immune messages and grow in the presence of an immune system.
A novel AI-driven model developed by Maytal Saar-Tsechansky predicts which patients are most likely to benefit from preventive treatment for Type II diabetes. The model, trained on electronic health records of 89,191 prediabetic patients, improved both health and economic efficiency, enabling data-driven allocation of resources.
Researchers discovered that ketamine's sustained effects involve increasing immature cells' activity, while rapid effects rely on newborn neurons firing more rapidly. This breakthrough opens doors to developing new antidepressant treatments.
Researchers highlight difficulties in targeting metastatic tumors and propose two- and three-drug combinations to achieve effective tumor control. They also emphasize the need for simultaneous blocking of primary driving oncogene, evolving resistance mechanism, and secondary survival pathway.
A UCF-developed technology uses a plasmonic platform to detect the chirality of molecules with high precision, enabling more accurate drug development and therapies. The platform improves upon current methods with sensitivity nearly 13 orders of magnitude greater.
Researchers have developed a new class of antibiotics that can overcome drug-resistant bacteria by targeting the physical and functional integrity of the bacterial cell wall. This could be a game-changer in treating infections, particularly those caused by resistant strains.
Scientists create 'μkiss' technique for precise delivery of materials to individual cells, offering new possibilities in single-cell science and next-generation therapeutic applications. The method provides full control over location, time, and scale of material application, enabling detailed studies of cellular processes.
Researchers have discovered a new way to target chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer cells by depriving them of cholesterol, leading to significant tumor growth reduction. The nanoparticles starve the cells of cholesterol, triggering cell death through oxidation of lipids in the cell membrane.
The University of Illinois has developed a new nanoscale sensor that can monitor areas 1,000 times smaller than traditional technology, tracking subtle changes in brain chemistry with sub-second resolution. The device takes advantage of silicon-based manufacturing techniques to achieve 100% efficiency and high spatial resolution.
Researchers developed a multipronged strategy to identify transporters used by different drugs, revealing potential interactions between commonly prescribed antibiotics and blood thinners. The approach has the potential to improve patient treatment and predict potential toxicities.
Researchers at Salk Institute find a new method to interrupt sperm production using an HDAC inhibitor, which blocks fertility without affecting libido. The treatment's reversibility is attributed to its ability to modulate gene expression downstream of retinoic acid.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science achieve first total synthesis of merrillianin, a complex sesquiterpene with potential anti-rheumatic activity. The breakthrough method involves 30 reaction steps and could lead to the development of new treatments for nervous system diseases.
A new study from Uppsala University found that people who have had herpes virus are twice as likely to develop dementia as those who have never been infected. The researchers studied 1,000 70-year-olds over 15 years and confirmed previous research on the potential link between herpes and dementia.
A new study from the University of Ottawa proposes using vanoxerine, a drug initially developed for cocaine addiction, to potentially treat advanced colon cancer. Vanoxerine has been found to suppress cancer stem cell activity in colon cancer patients' tissues and tumours implanted in laboratory animals. The drug works by interfering w...
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University found that alpha-santalol, a compound in sandalwood oil, decreases cell proliferation and induces apoptosis to prevent prostate cancer development. The study showed a 53% increase in normal tissue area in treated mice, indicating protection against prostate cancer progression.
The team created a trophoblast stem cell-based organoid model that effectively mimics the structural and biological details of the human placenta. This model will help scientists better understand general placental biology and potential drug toxicity, ultimately informing the development of safer drugs.
Researching astronauts' microbiomes is vital for long-term space missions, as the space environment can disrupt balance and have adverse consequences. Studying microorganisms in space can also aid in developing technologies like space agriculture and antimicrobial agents.
The American Heart Association and The Children's Heart Foundation have pledged over $10 million in funding to research congenital heart defects. Researchers will advance their work to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHDs, giving more children a chance to grow into healthy adults.
A new type of cell therapy has shown promising results in improving survival rates and reducing pneumonia among critically ill ARDS patients recovering from severe Covid-19. The invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapy, known as agenT-797, triggered an anti-inflammatory response and activated anti-viral immunity.
A team of scientists from the Beckman Institute has received a $3 million grant to develop diagnostic tools and imaging agents for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease. They will use a combination of PET and MRI scans to target smaller beta-amyloid peptides and other signs of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a novel approach to synthesize dibenzothiophene s-oxides, which feature highly reactive functional groups. This method surpasses conventional methods and enables the creation of a wide range of molecules with diverse properties.
A study reveals thyroid cancer's genetic changes contribute to resistance to BRAF inhibitors and can lead to tumor dedifferentiation. Researchers identify potential targets for new therapies, including dual-targeted treatments and immunotherapy combinations.
Researchers develop technology that alleviates retinal pathologies by targeting mitochondrial chaperone TRAP1, which is implicated in the breakdown of blood-retinal barrier and pathological neovascularization. This treatment approach holds great promise for revolutionizing the treatment landscape for ischemic retinopathy.
Researchers developed a new reagent called t-BuSF to improve the synthesis of sulfur-containing compounds used in medicines. The use of t-BuSF decreased reaction times and improved stability, enabling efficient production of these compounds.
Scientists have identified likely 'cells-of-origin' that can grow into breast cancer in women carrying a faulty BRCA2 gene, who are at high risk of developing the disease. The study also showed these cells have potential to be targeted with an existing cancer drug to delay tumour growth.
A phase 3 trial has shown that the novel drug acoramidis achieves near-complete stabilization of TTR proteins, slowing or halting disease progression. The treatment reduced hospitalizations for heart-related events and increased distance walked over six minutes.
The study classifies pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (pAML) into 23 distinct molecular categories, revealing unique biological characteristics and drivers of the disease. This classification provides a path forward for clinicians to identify distinct pAML sub-types and guide treatment decisions.
Researchers found a shared genetic trait that predicts a higher risk of small lung vessel disease and its severe form, pulmonary arterial hypertension. This discovery could lead to personalized treatments for patients with limited oxygen response.
A new trial found that combining anti-angiogenic drugs with chemotherapy led to more young people seeing their tumors shrink, from 18% in the control group to 26%. Patients who received Bevacizumab additionally had better one year progression-free survival rates.
The University of Rochester is establishing a new NIH-funded center focused on developing FDA-qualified drug development tools related to barrier functions in disease. Researchers will create microphysiological systems with ultrathin membranes of human cells, aiming to reduce animal trials and improve drug efficacy.
Scientists at the University of Bath have found that the gene Angiogenin plays an important role in the development of nerve cells. In its mutated form, it causes stem cells to persist in their original state longer than they should, resulting in neurodevelopmental defects.
A team at UNC-Chapel Hill has developed a new process for synthesizing amides with 100% atom efficiency, employing environmentally friendly cobalt. This approach offers an attractive alternative to traditional methods, which often generate waste and poor atom economy.
A new consortium, co-led by Florian Rieder, MD, and Vipul Jairath, MD, will create clinical care pathways toward drug development and improve disease management for patients with Crohn's disease and permanent ileostomy. The EndO-trial Consortium aims to develop effective drugs and measure treatment outcomes using patient-reported outco...
Researchers have developed a new method to generate cyclic peptides that can target diseases and be administered orally, overcoming challenges in protein binding. The approach enables high-throughput screening and has shown substantial bioavailability in rats, opening possibilities for treating various diseases.
The number of new dermatologic drug approvals by the FDA increased significantly between 2012 and 2022, with nearly half considered first in class or indication. This surge in approvals was deemed clinically useful or to have high added therapeutic benefit by health technology assessment organizations.
A team of researchers has identified the allosteric control sites found in the protein KRAS, providing a comprehensive map for controlling its effects. The study offers promising targets for safer and more effective drugs, with potential implications for cancer treatment.
A novel inhibitor drug, KRB-456, has been discovered to target the KRAS G12D mutation in pancreatic cancer patient-derived tumors. The study demonstrates that KRB-456 significantly inhibits tumor growth in mice, offering a promising therapeutic option for KRAS-driven cancers.
Klick Applied Sciences unveils LOVENet, an AI framework that rapidly identifies new therapeutic indications for existing drugs. The algorithm integrates large language model and structured knowledge graph technology to offer a fresh perspective on new potential applications.
A study by Waseda University explores the effects of different vascularization strategies on brain organoids, improving cell differentiation and transcriptome profiles. Vascularized cerebral organoids exhibit a gene expression profile closer to fetal human brains than non-vascularized ones.
Researchers explore quantum optical technology to solve scalability and accuracy issues in quantum computing, aiming to develop new drugs faster and more efficiently. Photon-based systems offer a solution by reducing physical components, increasing opportunities for scaling and stability.