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Computational drug discovery: Exploring natural products targeting SARS-CoV-2

A recent study identifies 11 natural compounds that can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, including caffeine, which exhibits high binding stability and excellent solubility. The discovery highlights the potential of natural products in combating COVID-19 and demonstrates the versatility of widely known compounds like caffeine.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2025

Efficient development of drugs with fewer mice

Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a technology to test 25 antibodies simultaneously in a single mouse, greatly reducing the number of laboratory animals required. The method uses protein fragments as barcodes for analysis, allowing for high-quality preclinical data on multiple antibody candidates.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2025

Innovations in core-shell nanoparticles advancing drug delivery and precision medicine

Core-shell nanoparticles offer effective drug encapsulation, shielding from degradation, and controlled release. This innovation enables targeted drug delivery, improving treatment outcomes and reducing side effects. The versatility of these nanoparticles allows for tailored materials to suit different therapeutic needs.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalOMICS A Journal of Integrative Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 5, 2025

Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) launches a second funding opportunity to accelerate novel tool development to advance Parkinson's disease research

The Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) initiative offers funding of up to $6M for research community members to develop sustainable tools for Parkinson’s disease research. The funding supports the development of preclinical models, detection reagents, and modulation agents to accelerate therapeutic research.

Pusan National University researchers developed an advanced AI model for accelerating therapeutic gene target discovery

The new AI model leverages hypergraphs to quickly and accurately identify therapeutic gene targets for diseases. HIT outperformed existing models in all tested metrics, demonstrating its accuracy in classifying therapeutic gene targets with great precision.

SourcePusan National University·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 5, 2025

New combination treatment strategy dramatically increases cell death in leukemia

Researchers at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified an innovative combination treatment strategy that collaborates to kill AML cells. The new approach targets the SRC gene and MCL-1 protein, leading to increased cell death in leukemia cells. This discovery offers a promising new direction for leukemia treatment.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 27, 2025

New study suggests panitumumab with low-dose capecitabine as a safer, effective maintenance treatment for advanced colorectal cancer

Researchers found that a combination of Panitumumab and low-dose Capecitabine is an effective and well-tolerated maintenance regimen for patients with wild-type KRAS metastatic colorectal cancer. The treatment delayed disease progression while managing side effects, improving patients' quality of life.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeNews article·DateFeb 18, 2025

Biologists transform gut bacteria into tiny protein pharmacies

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a method to convert gut bacteria into mini protein factories that produce and release sustained flows of targeted proteins within the lower intestine. This approach eliminates a major roadblock in delivering drugs to this part of the body, offering potential treatment for chronic diseases.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature·DateFeb 18, 2025

Beyond the gut: A new frontier in IBS treatment by targeting the brain

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have found that opioid delta-receptor agonists can alleviate stress-induced IBS symptoms in a validated mouse model by targeting the central nervous system. The study suggests that these drugs could provide a more definitive solution for IBS with minimal adverse effects.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2025

Cutting back on alcohol may be more effective than immediately abstaining for preventing misuse among college students

A Texas A&M University researcher found that reducing alcohol consumption aligns with a harm reduction approach, which may be a more feasible approach for high-risk college drinkers. The study surveyed 822 high-risk college students and analyzed their intention to reduce drinking using the Theory of Planned Behavior.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Education·DateJan 30, 2025

NUS researchers pioneer DNA-tagged gold nanoparticles for targeted cancer treatment

The team's novel technique enables high-throughput screening of nanoparticle shapes, sizes, and modifications, reducing associated screening costs. The research demonstrates the distinct preferences of tumour cells for certain nanoparticle configurations, enabling personalized cancer treatments that are safer and more effective.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2025

BioChatter: making large language models accessible for biomedical research

BioChatter bridges the gap between large language models and biomedical research by providing a transparent and adaptable framework for custom research tasks. The platform can integrate with knowledge graphs and bioinformatics tools, making it easier for researchers to analyze complex datasets.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 22, 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

Bioactive compounds with possible industrial applications are identified in extremophilic bacteria from the Andes

Biofilm produced by Pseudomonas alcaligenes has unique structural properties and thermal stability, exhibiting antioxidant, emulsification and flocculation activity. The EPS can be used as a natural additive for the pharmaceutical and food industries with potential applications in developing sustainable or ecofriendly additives.

U of A Cancer Center clinical trial advances research in treatment of biliary tract cancers

The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, showed no significant difference in patient survival between two-drug and three-drug chemotherapy regimens. The researchers found that the three-drug regimen may increase toxicity but could be a viable option for specific patients with certain types of biliary tract cancers.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2025