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Evaluation of the phytochemical and medicinal value of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), by conversion into powders and extracts to develop a nutritional bakery product

The study found that lemongrass powder significantly increased the fiber and mineral content of wheat flour-based biscuits. The powder's phytochemical extracts also boosted the biscuits' antioxidant activity. Optimal levels of lemongrass powder were determined to be 2.5% for taste, flavor, and overall acceptability.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalFuture Integrative Medicine·DateDec 2, 2024

Using the world’s fastest exascale computer, ACM Gordon Bell Prize-winning team presents record-breaking algorithm to advance understanding of chemistry and biology

A team of researchers developed a new technique combining methods to simulate molecules, achieving accuracy and efficiency on the Frontier exascale supercomputer. They broke records with simulations of over one million electrons and scaled their algorithm to an EFlop/s processing quintillion calculations per second.

Scientists develop breakthrough culture system to unlock secrets of skin microbiome

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a novel co-culture system that facilitates cultivating multiple indigenous skin bacteria in a balanced state. This breakthrough allows for detailed analysis of the biology of indigenous skin bacteria, which can lead to new treatments for skin diseases and improved quality of life.

SourceTokyo University of Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2024

Eradivir’s EV25 therapeutic proven to reduce advanced-stage influenza viral loads faster, more thoroughly in preclinical studies than current therapies

EV25, a bispecific small molecule developed by Eradivir, acts faster than the current standard of care, eliminating detectable virus within 24 hours. It also recruits naturally occurring antibodies to fight the virus, reducing viral loads and protecting against lung damage.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2024

Genetic variation enhances cancer drug sensitivity

A recent study from Uppsala University found that genetic variation in cancer cells can enhance the effects of an already approved cancer drug, talazoparib, against liver cancer cells lacking a functional CYP2D6 enzyme. This suggests a potential for more individually tailored and effective cancer therapies.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2024

New study provides first evidence of African children with severe malaria experiencing partial resistance to world’s most powerful malaria drug

A new study from Uganda documents partial resistance to artemisinin in 11 out of 100 African children with severe malaria, suggesting a growing concern for the efficacy of lifesaving malaria treatments. The study also reveals that 10 patients who were thought to have been cured suffered repeat malaria attacks within 28 days.

New anti-cancer agent works without oxygen

A new anti-cancer agent has been developed that targets glutathione in cancer cells, switching it off and causing tumor shrinkage. The catalyst-based therapy accumulates specifically in tumor tissue, showing promising results in animal studies and potential for further human trials.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2024

High-tech tracking technology streamlines drug discovery

Researchers have developed a large-scale drug screening technique that tracks drug targets inside cells, allowing for the identification of potential new drugs. The technology screens candidate drugs 100 times faster than standard manual techniques, enabling the discovery of previously unknown drugs.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2024

Through the looking glass: A cross-chiral reaction challenges our definition of life

Researchers demonstrate the first cross-chiral exponential amplification of an RNA enzyme, potentially leading to the development of cross-chiral therapeutics and biotechnologies. The discovery suggests that a bioengineer can create a new form of biochemical evolution by using both left- and right-handed molecules.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2024

How the coronavirus defeats the innate immune response

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has an enzyme that counteracts the innate defense mechanism against viruses, allowing it to evade the innate immune system and become more infectious. Understanding this mechanism may lead to the development of new antiviral drugs and treatments.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2024

Growing influence of the financial sector in serious illness care in the US

A new article in Journal of Palliative Medicine highlights the growing role of for-profit entities in home health and hospice care, which can compromise care quality and patient welfare. The authors emphasize the need for research and regulatory responses to address these trends and ensure better care for seriously ill older adults.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 16, 2024

Researchers offer alternative to hydroxyurea in study of DNA replication process

Researchers at Colorado State University have identified an alternate method to study changes during the DNA replication process in lab settings using genetically modified yeast. This new approach provides a less toxic and quickly reversible alternative to hydroxyurea, allowing for better insight into cell cycle arrest mechanisms.

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2024

Pharmacology: Venomous crustacean from Mayan underwater caves provides new drug candidates

A study from Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that venomous crustaceans, specifically remipede crabs in Mexican cenote caves, contain a variety of toxins with pharmacological potential. The xibalbines peptides effectively inhibit potassium channels and activate signaling pathways involved in pain sensitization.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2024

Antidepressant shows promise for treating brain tumors

Researchers at ETH Zurich have found an antidepressant, vortioxetine, effective against glioblastomas, a particularly aggressive brain tumor with no cure. The drug's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger a signalling cascade makes it promising for treating this deadly tumour.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2024

Drug testing evolved

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a human iPS cell-derived kidney organoid-based proximal tubule-on-chip that mimics in vivo renal physiology. This model exhibits enhanced expression and polarity of essential renal transporters, making it a powerful tool for assessing drug transport and nephrotoxicity.

SourceKyoto University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024