Research on discovering and developing new drugs. Covers structure-revealing tools, eye-disease mechanisms, protein screening, and once-daily oral medicines.
Researchers developed a reliable and reproducible real-time live tissue sensitivity assay (RT-LTSA) using fresh tumor samples to predict patients' clinical response to chemotherapy. The study showed improved disease-free survival and reduced recurrence rates in patients who received RT-LTSA sensitive adjuvant regimens.
Researchers at Moffitt will develop novel targeted alpha-particle therapies for uveal melanoma and other rare melanomas. The grant will fund projects aimed at advancing the therapy's efficacy and personalizing its treatment.
Researchers developed a personalized combination treatment that turned on an immunometabolic switch to effectively control aggressive prostate cancer. The treatment showed complete tumor control and long-lasting survival without side effects in a mouse model of advanced prostate cancer.
Researchers have characterised a specialised type of immune cell that plays a key role in protecting and repairing the healthy human gut. Depletion of these cells is linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) progression, with potential implications for treatment options.
A study by researchers at the University of Tokyo found that the presynaptic Ube3a E3 ligase molecule plays a key role in eliminating neural synapses. This discovery offers insights into developmental disorders such as Angelman syndrome and autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers found a strong positive correlation between BRD4 overexpression and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer. The study demonstrated that BRD4-L and BRD4-S isoforms play a role in promoting chemotherapy resistance in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma.
Researchers at University of California - Riverside uncover COVID's Achilles heel - its dependence on key human proteins. By understanding how the virus interacts with human cells, a new class of antiviral medication may be developed to block replication and treatment.
Preclinical data shows GP-2250's antineoplastic activity in pancreatic tumor cell lines, reducing ATP levels and inhibiting NF-kB. The compound targets aerobic glycolysis, a hallmark of cancer metabolism, providing a potential treatment for various cancers.
A new computational approach removes movement in heart cell and tissue images, allowing direct monitoring of electro-mechanical coupling. The algorithm mimics a drug's action, giving insight into heart diseases.
Researchers are developing a new treatment for ischemic stroke by targeting the prostaglandin receptor EP2, which could have a wider therapeutic window and improve behavioral outcomes. The potential new treatment has the potential to reduce inflammation and provide protection for neurons after an ischemic stroke.
A team of Chinese and UK researchers has identified superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) as a potential target for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer. By using nanoparticles to deliver siRNA that reduces SOD1 levels, the study showed reduced growth and decreased resistance to cisplatin in female mice.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered a unique site on BK channels that allows small molecules to selectively access the channel, potentially leading to the development of targeted drugs. This finding could help treat a range of diseases, including epilepsy and hypertension.
Researchers have identified a cluster of neurons in the hypothalamus called GABRA5 that regulates energy expenditure. Astrocytes control this cluster, producing tonic GABA that inhibits it, leading to weight gain.
A ferrocene-based capsule with unusual charge-transfer interactions has been synthesized, allowing for reversible encapsulation and release of guest molecules. The capsule can bind to a variety of organic and inorganic dyes and electron-accepting molecules, demonstrating its potential applications in medicine, biotechnology, and chemic...
Researchers Elzbieta Izbicka and Robert T. Streeper discuss the evolution of cancer drug development, highlighting recent progress and emerging challenges due to environmental factors. They also examine how artificial intelligence may impact future drug development.
A recent study found that the FDA approved 65% of novel drugs in 2022 based on a single clinical trial, while only half of the available studies were classified as randomized clinical trials. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the completeness of the approval process and patient access to accurate information.
SARS-CoV-2's nucleocapsid protein (N) uses human body temperature to replicate, binding to RNA motifs at specific spatial folds. The study reveals new functions and potential targets for antiviral drugs.
Researchers from the University of Kansas have created a powerful dataset to facilitate drug development against gram-negative bacteria. The dataset reveals over 270,000 previously unidentified outer-membrane proteins with potential as vaccine targets.
Public health experts recommend continuing routine mask-wearing in healthcare settings to protect vulnerable patients and staff from COVID-19. The authors argue that while severe cases have decreased, asymptomatic spread remains a threat, particularly among high-risk patients and healthcare workers who may not be aware they are infected.
A genetic study of 44,396 British people of Bangladeshi and Pakistani ancestry found that 57% have a genetic variant that renders clopidogrel ineffective in preventing recurrent heart attacks. People with two loss of function variants were more than three times more likely to experience recurrent heart attacks due to treatment failure.
Imperial researchers have imaged Piezo1 channels in human cells and organs, revealing their role in regulating blood pressure, respiration, bladder control, and the immune system. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of their role in fundamental physiological processes and potentially new drug targets for diseases.
Researchers at Lund University have successfully developed temporary, organic electrodes that can be seamlessly integrated into biological systems. This breakthrough enables the possibility of bioelectronics being implanted in and removed from the body without surgery.
A new study by the PhyloBone project at the University of Turku has identified 255 proteins in 30 species of vertebrates that may play a key role in regulating bone formation and regeneration. The research could lead to new treatments and preventive measures for osteoporosis, a condition that affects millions worldwide.
Researchers at City of Hope have identified new molecular targets on a cell receptor that play a major role in cardiovascular regulation. The findings could lead to improved drugs for heart disease, an unfortunate side effect of some cancer therapies.
Researchers at TUM develop an RNA agent for a lung spray that slows macrophage activity, reducing lung inflammation and fibrosis. The active substance RCS-21 is delivered via an inhaler through a special sugar molecule, showing promise in treating acute inflammatory lung damage.
QUT researchers have created a booster vaccine using implant technology to protect wild koalas from Chlamydia disease. The new device allows for in-the-field vaccination without recapturing the animals, reducing human interference and increasing vaccination efficiency.
Researchers create accurate tumor models using 3D bioprinting and a bioink made from Laponite, improving bonding and cross-linking capabilities. The study shows that Laponite enhances biological signaling in the tumor microenvironment, increasing cell viability and promoting anti-tumor drug development.
The GEMINI blood test uses machine learning to identify cancer-causing mutations in single molecules of cell-free DNA. The test detected over 90% of lung cancers, including stage I and II cases, in a proof-of-concept study published in Nature Genetics.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a safe and efficient way to create cyclopropanes, key features in many drugs, using a previously undescribed chemical process. The new method uses visible light and common ingredients to transform alkenes into cyclopropanes with no carbene intermediate.
Researchers propose disease-oriented dosing of rapamycin to delay age-related diseases and increase lifespan. By decelerating early development of these diseases, rapamycin may help individuals live longer.
Researchers have developed novel molecules that target the membrane of viruses, rather than their proteins, offering a promising new approach for treating infectious diseases. The molecules, inspired by natural peptides, disrupt the protective layers of enveloped viruses like Zika and chikungunya, while sparing human cells.
Researchers have discovered a new way to combat fatal fungal infections by blocking the production of fatty acids, a major component of fats. The breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments against species-resistant fungi.
The study reveals altered magnitudes and coherence between oscillations in brain vasculature and brain waves in older adults. This finding has significant implications for the assessment of Alzheimer's disease and monitoring of neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at Harvard developed a fiber-infused ink that allows 3D-printed heart muscle cells to align and contract like human heart cells, enabling the creation of functional heart ventricles. The innovation can be used to build life-like heart tissues with thicker muscle walls, paving the way for regenerative therapeutics.
A new study from the University of Missouri found that poverty, low health literacy, cultural beliefs, lack of infrastructure, and political issues hinder diabetes self-management for Haitian migrants. The researchers suggest targeted interventions, such as community gardens and healthcare education through local priests.
The PULSE project combines magnetic and acoustic levitation to bioprint highly sophisticated organoids that closely mimic human organs. These in vitro heart models will provide invaluable insights into cardiac physiology and pathology, enabling the development of preventive and therapeutic solutions.
Primary care physicians face challenges in prescribing medications for alcohol use disorder (MAUD), citing negative personal beliefs about treatment effectiveness and patient adherence. Despite this, they selectively prescribe MAUD to motivated patients with severe AUD or receiving concurrent treatments, highlighting the need for incre...
Researchers at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that eliminating a key driver of cancer also hastened aging in mice. Despite accelerated aging, these mice lived up to 20% longer than normal mice due to lower cancer rates.
Researchers from Korea University Medicine have discovered a potential therapeutic target for overcoming cisplatin resistance and neuropathic pain in cervical cancer. By inhibiting TRPV1, they found that resistant tumors became vulnerable to cisplatin, improving the outlook for patients.
A study published in Science reveals that ganglia in the neck region are responsible for disrupting melatonin production and causing sleep disturbances in people with heart conditions. Researchers found that macrophages accumulate in the ganglion, leading to inflammation and scarring, which can be treated with drugs.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science successfully synthesized tanzawaic acid B in large amounts, paving the way for new antibiotic development. The breakthrough method could lead to creation of various compounds for pharmaceuticals, including new antibiotic candidates.
Researchers from Osaka University identified ten blood proteins associated with mortality in severe burns, including HBA1, TTR, and SERPINF2. These proteins may serve as targets for developing new treatment methods for burns, offering a promising direction for future research.
Rice University chemist Han Xiao has won a $3.2 million research grant from the National Cancer Institute to develop an epigenetic inhibitor targeting bone metastasis. The drug, based on existing bisphosphonates, aims to prevent cancer cells from spreading to other organs without affecting normal tissues.
The latest Alzheimer's drug, donanemab, has shown encouraging results in slowing cognitive decline by 35% compared to placebo in patients with low-to-intermediate levels of tau. However, its effectiveness is limited for those with more advanced disease, and risks include serious side effects such as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities.
A new biomarker, MTBR-tau243, tracks Alzheimer's disease progression by measuring levels of a specific form of tau in cerebrospinal fluid. The finding has major implications for diagnosing and staging the disease, and could accelerate the development of effective treatments.
A team from the University of Tokyo combines economic theory with biology to understand how natural systems respond to change. They use the Slutsky equation to discover that different metabolic systems share previously unknown universal properties, which can be understood using tools from other academic fields.
A new study published in Developmental Cell reveals that a signal produced by neurons is essential for the proper formation of the blood-brain barrier during embryonic development and helps maintain its integrity throughout adulthood. The findings could lead to more effective ways of delivering cancer or psychiatric medicines into the ...
Researchers have identified a unique role for certain immune receptors in leprosy infections, which could lead to new treatments. The study found that targeting a specific glycolipid and its interaction with an immune receptor may offer an alternative approach to current antibiotic-heavy treatment.
Researchers have discovered a new target for antibiotics that could treat multi-drug resistant superbugs. The antibiotic AMC-109 affects the cell membrane of bacteria by disordering its organization, leading to the death of the bacterium. This approach may also break down resistance to old-fashioned antibiotics.
The 'Fastball' test, a non-invasive EEG assessment, shows promise in detecting Alzheimer's disease earlier with a high success rate and minimal user interaction. With the new £1.5m funding, researchers aim to scale up testing and develop the technology for wider NHS rollout.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a novel mechanism by which hair cells can repair themselves after damage. This breakthrough understanding has the potential to develop new treatments for age-related hearing loss and other conditions.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University discover ponatinib, an existing cancer drug, can block key steps in alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanism. This could lead to new treatment options for ALT cancers, which currently lack targeted therapies.
A novel association of t(5;17) with t(8;21) has been reported in an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient, resulting in a RUNX1-RUNX1T1 rearrangement. The patient received chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation, highlighting the importance of this rare translocation.
An international team of chemists has successfully used structural editing to insert a four-membered molecular ring into an aromatic ring, creating a complex bicyclic ring system. The new process utilizes visible-light photocatalysis, providing environmentally friendly and atom-economical conditions.
Research leaders collaborate with organizations and regulators to develop digital tools for Parkinson's clinical trials. The Digital Drug Development Tools initiative accelerates the regulatory endorsement of these tools, enabling more objective and patient-centered measures.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich discovered that DHODH inhibitors sensitize cancer cells to ferroptosis by inhibiting ferroptosis suppressor protein-1 (FSP1), not DHODH itself. This finding confirms the crucial role of FSP1 in ferroptosis surveillance and opens up new avenues for developing effective cancer therapies.
Researchers have developed a technology to capture and release cell-free DNA from urine using nanowire surfaces, successfully detecting IDH1 mutation in glioma patients. This method opens possibilities for the detection of other tumor mutations and could revolutionize cancer diagnosis.
A large international collaboration has identified a genetic variant associated with faster disease progression in multiple sclerosis, highlighting the need to focus on nervous system resilience and repair. The study found that individuals with two copies of the gene variant experience accelerated disability due to MS.
Researchers at UC San Diego found a novel combination of KRAS and ERBB drug inhibitors outperformed treatments in human and mouse models of pancreatic cancer. The combination reduced drug resistance and increased survival rates.
Researchers explore pyroptosis as a potential therapeutic approach for lung cancer treatment. The review highlights the dual role of pyroptosis in tumor progression and negative impact on normal cells. It suggests balancing the contradictory effects of pyroptosis to optimize clinical applications.