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A protein from tiny tardigrades may help cancer patients tolerate radiation therapy

Researchers have developed a new strategy to protect cancer patients from radiation-induced DNA damage using a protein from tardigrades. The approach makes use of messenger RNA encoding the protein, which is delivered to patient tissues before radiation treatment. This reduces double-stranded DNA breaks by 50% in mouse models.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateFeb 26, 2025

Research suggests common viral infection worsens deadly condition among premature babies

Researchers found that cytomegalovirus infection significantly worsens necrotizing enterocolitis in mouse models, triggering inflammation and disrupting energy production. The study provides insight into the underlying mechanisms of NEC and may lead to the development of new treatments for this devastating condition.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateFeb 24, 2025

Stopping asthma in its tracks

Researchers have developed two therapeutic cocktails that inhibit key molecules, stopping immune cells from overreacting to allergens. The treatments reduced asthma attacks in mice by erasing the immune system's memory of asthma-causing allergens.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

Using light to activate treatments in the right place

Researchers at UNIGE have developed a system that uses light to activate targeted molecules, enabling spatial and temporal control over the activity of a molecule in a living organism. This technology has vast potential applications in both basic research and improving existing medical treatments, such as those for skin cancer.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateFeb 19, 2025

Pusan National University researchers develop self-protecting nanoparticles for effective treatment of colorectal cancer

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel drug delivery system that uses nanoparticles to target and kill colorectal cancer cells. The system, which involves encapsulating cancer cell-activated nanoconjugates in an alginate matrix, can selectively deliver drugs to tumor cells while minimizing side effects.

SourcePusan National University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

New immune-probing technique could boost treatment discovery

Researchers at Osaka University developed a new technique called single-cell suppressive profiling of regulatory T cells (scSPOT) that can pinpoint the effects of Tregs on all other immune cells. The study found that Tregs most strongly affect CD8-EM T cells, which play a key role in fighting cancer and infections.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025

Mpox: a better understanding of tecovirimat resistance

Researchers at the Institut Pasteur have gained a better understanding of how mpox variants become resistant to tecovirimat. They found that the drug works by binding two phospholipases together, preventing viral particles from spreading. This knowledge will help develop new antiviral treatments effective across all mpox strains.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2025

New CAMH-developed drug shows promise in reversing memory loss for early Alzheimer's patients

A new drug developed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has shown significant promise in reversing memory loss in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The drug, GL-II-73, selectively targets GABA receptors to restore brain function and repair damaged neural connections.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2025

A new approach to detecting Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at Lancaster University have developed a new method to detect Alzheimer's disease by analyzing changes in brain oxygenation dynamics and neuronal function. The study found that individuals with Alzheimer's disease exhibit altered respiratory frequency, which may be an early indicator of the condition.

SourceLancaster University·JournalBrain Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2025

Cell death and aging in cancer research review

A review of cell death and aging in cancer research reveals the significance of cellular senescence in promoting cancer growth. The study highlights the potential of various types of programmed cell death, such as necroptosis and pyroptosis, as therapeutic targets against senescent cells.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalSeminars in Cancer Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 28, 2025

A new triple combination of inhibitors based on precision medicine emerges as a potential new treatment for Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors

Researchers identified a potential new treatment for aggressive sarcoma arising in nerves, using a pre-clinical platform that combines inhibitors targeting specific mutations. The triple combination of MEKi-BETi-CDKi showed promising results in shrinking tumors and even eliminating some cases, offering hope for improved treatment options.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2025

Sex differences in long COVID

A recent study found that long COVID is more prevalent in women than men, and the association was linked to factors such as age, pregnancy, and menopausal status. The research highlights the need for targeted drug development and improved management strategies for long COVID.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 22, 2025

Research using non-toxic bacteria to fight high-mortality cancers prepares for clinical trials

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a non-toxic bacterial therapy, BacID, to deliver cancer-fighting drugs directly into tumors. The therapy uses genetically engineered strains of Salmonella that can target tumors and control the release of cancer-fighting drugs inside cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2025

DARPA-ABC program supports Wyss Institute-led collaboration toward deeper understanding of anesthesia and safe drugs enabling anesthesia without the need for extensive monitoring

A multidisciplinary team led by the Wyss Institute aims to create novel anesthesia-inducing drugs that can safely induce an anesthesia-like state without compromising vital functions. The project leverages expertise from Harvard's MCB, MIT, and Tufts University to develop safe battlefield-ready anesthetics.

SCP-Nano: A new technology to visualize nanocarriers in cells and tissues

Researchers use SCP-Nano to analyze distribution of extremely low doses of nanocarriers throughout the mouse body, visualizing each cell that has taken them up. The platform identifies unwanted accumulation in organs like the heart and liver, paving the way for safer mRNA therapeutics.