Research on discovering and developing new drugs. Covers structure-revealing tools, eye-disease mechanisms, protein screening, and once-daily oral medicines.
Scientists have developed new therapies that selectively remove aggregated tau proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease in mice. The approach utilises TRIM21 to target tau aggregates, leaving healthy tau intact, and demonstrates potential for other brain disorders driven by protein aggregation.
A global increase in testing for lipoprotein(a) is recommended due to one in five people being at risk of cardiovascular diseases. The test can help identify individuals who would benefit from medication that lowers the lipid particle significantly.
The World Health Organisation accounts for around 3.8 million deaths annually from fungal pathogens that are either resistant or rapidly acquiring resistance to antifungal drugs. The narrow focus on bacteria will not combat antimicrobial resistance effectively, and the authors demand a broader discussion on fungal pathogens.
Researchers will classify autism types, identify responsible genes, and develop precision therapy for autistic patients. The team will employ neural organoids derived from diverse brain samples to accelerate autism research.
A study led by Cesar de la Fuente and his team has uncovered sequences for infection-fighting molecules in the genomic data of extinct species. These ancient β-defensins may lead to the creation of new antimicrobial therapies, including antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral treatments.
A new framework from a global team of scientists aims to overcome translational hurdles in nanomedicine development. The DELIVER guidelines provide early-stage recommendations for maximizing clinical translation and enabling the successful development of new nanomedicine treatments.
Researchers have found a potential compound that pairs well with an IRAK4 inhibitor to kill AML cells by reducing c-Myc levels, a protein also driving cancer growth. The three-year LLS grant will allow further research into the effects of IRAK4 targeting on c-Myc.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that age-related changes in male fibroblasts contribute to more aggressive and treatment-resistant melanomas. The study discovered that male fibroblasts accumulate reactive oxygen species and produce higher levels of BMP2, leading to increased DNA damage and resistance to targeted therapies.
A University of Leicester study has found that certain gut bacteria may influence whether a patient's immune system is successful in fighting mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer. Researchers suggest that dietary changes, such as increased fibre intake, could improve the benefits of immunotherapy for these patients.
Researchers discovered faulty immune processes responsible for lingering lung issues after COVID-19, which can be disrupted by existing drugs. The study also identified molecules responsible for the issue and potential therapeutic options for patients with ongoing lung damage.
Researchers investigated peptide clumping behavior using molecular dynamics simulations and AI techniques. They discovered that aromatic amino acids enhance aggregation, while hydrophilic ones inhibit it, offering insights into peptide structure and function.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to produce billions of pharmaceutically active substances using DNA-encoded chemical libraries. The new method can synthesize and test much larger drug molecules, including ring-shaped peptides, and reduces contamination in the molecular library.
A subset of CD4 T cells create an anti-inflammatory environment within the lung tissue, protecting against TB reinfection by limiting bacterial growth and disease severity. The discovery complements previous research on protective immune T cells in controlling TB infection, suggesting a potential key to improving existing vaccines.
Researchers at Universiteit van Amsterdam created a PFAS-free synthesis route for pharmaceutical and agrochemical compounds using a trifluoromethyl group attached to sulfur, nitrogen, or oxygen atoms. The method avoids the use of PFAS reagents, offering an environmentally friendly alternative.
Researchers discovered that the blood coagulation protein fibrin causes unusual clotting and inflammation in COVID-19, suppressing the body's ability to clear the virus. A promising therapeutic strategy has been identified, targeting fibrin to combat these deleterious effects.
Researchers at UCSF have developed intelligent brain pacemakers that use AI to monitor and adjust brain activity in real-time, providing personalized treatment for Parkinson's patients. The approach, called adaptive deep brain stimulation, has shown promise in reducing symptoms such as movement problems and insomnia.
A new study by UCLA investigators found that Manuka honey contains compounds that can help reduce tumor growth in preclinical models. The research suggests that Manuka honey could potentially be developed into a natural supplement or standalone treatment for ER-positive breast cancer, which accounts for most breast cancer cases.
MIT chemists have developed a new way to synthesize complex oligocyclotryptamines found in plants, which could hold potential as antibiotics, analgesics, or cancer drugs. The approach allows for precise assembly of the rings and control of the 3D orientation of each component.
A new USC study led by Caleb Finch shows how feeding mice the drug GSM-15606 provided protection against air pollution-related increases in proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease. The results indicate that GSM-15606 may one day have a role as a preventive measure against Alzheimer's in people living with air pollution.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science have developed an efficient method to synthesize eutyscoparol A and violaceoid C, two compounds with potential therapeutic properties. The new approach improves yields and simplifies synthesis steps, enabling further research into their pharmacological effects.
Researchers developed a new reaction using nickel as a catalyst to create polymers with unique structures and fine-tunable properties, opening doors for applications in drug delivery, energy storage, microelectronics, and beyond. The sustainable method holds promise for environmentally friendly polymer production.
Researchers have identified a metal deficiency in SOD1 protein associated with motor neurone disease using native ambient mass spectrometry imaging. This breakthrough could lead to new insights and treatments for the disease, which affects around 5,000 people in the UK.
This innovative system combines remote health monitoring and drug delivery using 3D-printed hollow microneedles, advancing personalized medicine. The integrated theranostic microneedle array measures key health indicators like pH, glucose, and lactate levels, while enabling rapid, pumpless, and point-of-care drug administration.
Researchers developed a novel EIT-EVA PCB sensor for non-invasive assessment of drug inhibition on ion channels. The system enables real-time monitoring of ion flow changes in response to drug exposure, offering a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional methods.
ICU patients with contractile weakness of the diaphragm due to mechanical ventilation develop a state of hibernation, where myosin protein is trapped in an energy-saving state. This compromises diaphragm strength and independent breathing, leading to difficulties in weaning from the ventilator. Researchers have found a potential lead f...
A new study from Michigan Medicine suggests that inhibiting the SWI/SNF epigenetic complex can therapeutically target oncogenic transcription factors. The research, led by Arul Chinnaiyan, builds on previous work to find genetic vulnerabilities in transcription factor-driven cancers.
Terasaki Institute scientists have created a novel bioink derived from egg whites, offering abundant proteins and excellent biocompatibility. This breakthrough technology has the potential to create more accurate tissue models for drug testing and develop functional tissue replacements for regenerative medicine applications.
Research from Bentley University shows that biotechnology companies can maintain current levels of new drug approvals in face of global revenue reductions. Strategic distribution of cost reductions and continued investment in early-stage development by biotech firms sustain pipeline, contradicting industry claims.
A recent paper surveys advances in diabetes pathogenesis and treatment, highlighting the role of genes, environmental factors, and social determinants. The study suggests that understanding these dynamics is key to developing targeted interventions to reduce diabetes risk and manage its complications.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have discovered that the tumor suppressor protein Par-4 can cause a unique type of cell death called ferroptosis in human glioblastoma cells, while sparing healthy cells. This new understanding has the potential to inform the development of novel treatments for various hard-to-treat cancers and neurodegener...
Cyclophosphamide (CP) induces reproductive toxicity through genetic stability disruption, hormonal imbalance, and cytotoxic effects on spermatogenesis. This leads to decreased testis weight, oligozoospermia, birth defects, and heritable chromosomal translocations.
Random antimicrobial peptide mixtures significantly reduce the risk of resistance evolution compared to single peptides. These findings support the development of new antimicrobial strategies to tackle growing antibiotic-resistant threats and safeguard public health.
A combination treatment incorporating three drugs – tamsulosin, metoprolol, and bromocriptine – significantly slowed disease progression in four different animal models of IRD. The study suggests that drug repurposing could provide solutions for rare diseases like retinal degenerations, which are currently inaccessible therapeutically.
A new study links various soft material behaviors, revealing a critical parameter called the brittility factor that simplifies failure behavior. This finding helps engineers design better materials for future challenges.
A new study has found that 90-95% of participants produced strong T-cell responses after exposure to adenoviral vaccines in a lab setting. This unexpected finding may have implications for the effectiveness and safety of future COVID-19 vaccines, as well as other infectious diseases.
A novel strategy using venetoclax and azacitidine demonstrates significant anti-cancer effect with mild toxicity for relapsed/refractory AML patients. The treatment showed markedly better survival rates after one year compared to a control group, with improved 'graft-versus-leukemia effects' via alterations of immune cells.
Researchers created a new cell model to study the effects of senescence on lung fibroblasts. Senescent alveolar epithelial cells triggered fibrotic activation in lung fibroblasts, which was attenuated by senolytic therapy.
Researchers achieved a new method for synthesizing α-substituted carbonyl compounds using a palladium-catalyzed anti-Michael addition reaction. The method produces high-yield products and can be applied to various nucleophiles, including indoles and aromatic compounds.
Researchers at the University of Plymouth have discovered that administering a HDAC6 inhibitor prior to radiotherapy can inhibit cellular growth and increase cell death in meningioma samples. This promising approach could lead to improved treatment outcomes for malignant meningioma patients.
Researchers from Leiden University discuss targeting ABC transporters in pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC), a cancer with poor survival rates. The authors highlight the potential of inhibiting ABC transporters to overcome chemoresistance and suggest developing stratification protocols to identify patients most likely to benefit.
Researchers have successfully developed mercury selenide and cadmium selenide nanocrystals that absorb and emit in the infrared spectrum, retaining desired properties of their parent CdSe nanocrystals. This breakthrough technology has potential to revolutionize molecular probing for imaging in biological systems.
A Phase 2 clinical trial demonstrated the effectiveness of OXO-001 in increasing embryo implantation, pregnancy and live birth rates among infertile women. The study showed significant improvements in biochemical, clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates, with a notable increase in live birth rates.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new way to make microbes hardy enough to withstand industrial processing, high temperatures, radiation, and long-term storage. The method involves mixing bacteria with food and drug additives, resulting in stable formulations that can be used in various applications.
Scientists have mapped over 5,000 genetic variants in the 'tumour protection' gene BAP1 that significantly increase cancer risk. These variants can be used to develop new treatments, including IGF-1 inhibitors, to slow down or prevent cancer progression.
A new machine learning-based method uses 3D structure of protein backbone with large language models to predict molecular changes that lead to better antibody drugs. The approach resulted in a 25-fold improvement against a virus, outperforming traditional methods that rely on generating huge amounts of data about protein sequences.
Researchers develop new method to create azetidines, a stable form of heterocycle that don't oxidize under physiological conditions, expanding toolkit for drug developers to improve medication safety and reduce side effects. This breakthrough enables the creation of more useful chemical transformations with better medical functions.
Researchers discovered Pradimicin A's molecular basis for binding to viral N-glycan, showing promise as an anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug. The compound inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infectivity by interacting with branched oligomannose-containing glycans.
A new adapter molecule recruits a previously unknown E3 ligase for targeted protein degradation, expanding therapeutic options for cancer and rare diseases. The discovery offers advantages in development due to the molecule's smaller size and potential for tissue-specific application.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a way to turn ordinary white fat cells into beige fat cells that burn calories, opening the door to developing new weight-loss drugs. The approach uses a protein called KLF-15 and may avoid side effects associated with current treatments.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet developed nanorobots that target and kill cancer cells using a 'kill switch' activated in low pH environments. The study achieved a 70% reduction in tumour growth in mice, paving the way for further investigation into its potential as a cancer treatment.
A new mouse study suggests that elenolic acid can lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss in obese mice with diabetes. The compound was found to induce the release of metabolic hormones GLP-1 and PYY, leading to improved glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have developed a groundbreaking synthesis method for producing withanolides, a class of compounds that inhibit cancer cell growth and induce cell death. The scalable production of these compounds will advance cancer research and treatment development, offering new hope for patients.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified cellular and molecular markers that can predict when pancreatic cancer will spread to the liver or other organs. The study found that patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer who showed signs of immune exhaustion were more likely to develop liver metastases.
A Phase 1 clinical trial is underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an investigational monoclonal antibody targeting enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), a virus associated with severe respiratory and neurological diseases. The trial will assess the antibody's potency, duration of action, and optimal dose in healthy volunteers.
Lenacapavir has shown 100% efficacy as PrEP among cisgender women in a Phase 3 clinical trial. The twice-yearly injection offers improved feasibility of PrEP for those experiencing barriers to daily pill-taking. NIAID looks forward to additional data and regulatory decisions.
A new global definition of sarcopenia is proposed, aiming to unify research and clinical practice. The definition may help identify low muscle mass or strength in older people, increasing the risk of poor outcomes such as fragility and disability.
Double-membrane vesicles form five common shapes through spontaneous self-organization, offering insight into lipid body intricacies. The study's findings could inspire synthetic materials and bio-inspired drug delivery systems.
A novel inhibitor HVH-2930 targeting heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) demonstrates efficacy against drug-resistant breast cancer cells. It selectively downregulates HER2 signaling, crucial for breast cancer progression, without triggering the heat shock response.
Scientists are conducting a clinical trial to explore the use of anti-retroviral medications Ritonavir and Lopinavir as a potential treatment for brain tumors in patients with Neurofibromatosis 2. The study aims to determine if these drugs can help reduce tumor growth and survival in NF2 patients.
Researchers have developed three new cellular models of myotonic dystrophy type 1 that accurately represent the clinical diversity of the disease. The models show great heterogeneity in genetic expansion and molecular alterations, making them suitable for studying pathophysiology and testing therapeutic options.