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Scientists discover intricacies of serotonin receptor crucial for better therapeutics

Researchers have crystallized serotonin receptors bound to several compounds, revealing why some drugs cause severe side effects while others do not. The study provides valuable insight into the receptor's structure and binding mechanisms, enabling drug developers to create safer and more effective medications.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateAug 20, 2018

New approach to treating chronic itch

Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a new method for alleviating chronic itch by targeting specific neurons in the spine that prevent itch signals from being relayed to the brain. The experimental drug has been shown to be effective in mice and dogs, with significant reductions in scratching and improved skin healing.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2018

New drugs to treat top infectious disease killer a possibility with Otago discovery

Researchers at University of Otago have discovered a novel property of Bedaquiline, a new anti-tuberculosis drug that could help develop more effective treatments for tuberculosis. The study's findings suggest that the drug works by disrupting energy generation in Mycobacterium tuberculosis cells, offering potential for designing more ...

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2018

AcuraStem receives fast-track SBIR grant

AcuraStem has been awarded a $3.7 million SBIR grant to continue research on a small molecule therapeutic for ALS, utilizing induced motor neuron cellular models and precision platform iNeuroRx°. The grant supports the development of AS2015, targeting expansion repeats in the C9ORF72 gene.

Molecular movies of RNA guide drug discovery

Researchers at Duke University have developed a technique to capture RNA molecules in precise images, revealing new opportunities for drug discovery. The method identifies potential anti-HIV compounds from millions of possibilities, showcasing its accuracy and potential to treat various ailments.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 4, 2018

HKU medical chemists discover peptic ulcer treatment metallodrug effective in 'taming' superbugs

Researchers have discovered an alternative strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance by repositioning colloidal bismuth subcitrate, which effectively paralyzes multi-resistant superbugs and suppresses the development of antibiotic resistance. The findings offer a promising new approach to treat deadly infections caused by CRE and CRKP.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2018

The fight against tooth decay gets help with a new smart material from U of T researchers

Researchers at U of T have designed a new antimicrobial material to minimize recurrent caries under fillings, affecting 100 million patients annually. The novel material packs 50 times more bacteria-fighting drugs than traditional options, offering a potential solution to this common dental problem.

Through the looking glass: New mirror-image molecules could lead to better medicines

Researchers at University of Toronto have developed technology for creating durable disease-fighting molecules that can last longer in the body, reducing frequent drug injections. Mirror-image versions of existing drugs, such as GLP1 and PTH, have been created using computational approach, showing longer-lasting effects on cells.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

Population-specific deep biomarkers of aging

A novel deep-learning based hematological human aging clock predicts the biological age of individual patients with high accuracy. The model outperforms chronological age in predicting all-cause mortality, highlighting population-specific patterns of aging.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalJournal of Gerontology·DateJan 11, 2018

When brands tempt us to lie, cheat and steal

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that consumers are more likely to engage in dishonest behavior, such as shoplifting or piracy, if they perceive a company as harming the environment or people. This effect occurs even when consumers have not personally had a bad experience with the company.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateNov 29, 2017