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New, high-resolution images reveal clues to improve anti-nausea drugs for cancer patients

A new study using a cryo-electron microscope provides critical information for developing anti-nausea drugs that are effective against cancer patients' vomiting side effects. The high-resolution images reveal the attachment site of widely-used setron drugs on serotonin receptors, offering insights into how their design might be improved.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2019

Proof of sandwiched graphene-membrane superstructure opens up a membrane-specific drug delivery mode

Researchers have created a graphene-based sandwiched superstructure that enables efficient transport of nanoparticles inside cell membranes, outperforming traditional carriers in anti-cancer efficacy. This discovery could significantly improve cytotoxicity effects and pave the way for novel membrane-specific drug delivery modes.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 7, 2019

When changing one atom makes molecules better

Researchers have found a way to replace hydrogen atoms with fluorine in organic molecules, increasing their metabolic stability and potentially leading to more effective pharmaceuticals. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 5, 2019

Atomic-scale simulation of antiarrhythmic drug interaction with cardiac cells

Researchers at UC Davis developed a novel simulation that provides insights into vital atomic-scale drug-cardiac cell interactions. The study advances the development of new antiarrhythmic drugs targeting voltage-gated sodium channels, which can help predict individual patient responses to drug therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2019

New findings about anti-malaria drug

A recent study has uncovered the molecular basis for artemisinins' effect on inhibitory neurotransmission, potentially leading to new treatments for neurological diseases. The research reveals that artemisinins target gephyrin, a protein involved in regulating inhibitory neurotransmission.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNeuron·DateJan 29, 2019

Police interactions linked to increased risk of client violence for female sex workers

Researchers found that street-based FSWs with more frequent abusive police interactions had a higher risk of client violence, emphasizing the need for interventions addressing relationships between FSW and police. The study also highlights the importance of decriminalizing sex work to alleviate pressure on these women.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 20, 2018

'Edited' plant-based toxin possesses anti-tumor characteristics

Researchers at Shinshu University discovered that editing fusicoccins, a toxic organic compound, can transform them into chemicals with anti-tumor properties. The study suggests that the compound works as a stabilizer for protein-protein interactions, which could lead to the development of new clinically relevant anti-cancer agents.

SourceShinshu University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateNov 15, 2018

Insurance-related disparities in timely access to gold standard dialysis procedure

Patients with newly diagnosed kidney failure may experience delays in accessing preferred dialysis methods due to lack of insurance coverage. Uninsured patients were less likely to use arteriovenous fistulas or grafts and had a higher risk of dialysis-related infections compared to those with Medicare or Medicaid.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 1, 2018

Mount Sinai builds modeling systems identifying gene-drug and environment interaction

A new approach integrates genomic and temporal information to infer causal relationships between genes, drugs, and their environment, allowing for a more accurate prediction of their interactions over time. The tool demonstrates the improvements in inferring genetic causes of disease enabled by higher-resolution molecular profiling.

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 drug and material discoveries to be untangled in VR

Scientists at the University of Bristol have developed new virtual reality cloud-based tools to accelerate research tasks in drug and material discovery. Using real-time molecular simulations, researchers can now interact with molecules in a virtual space, folding, knotting, and changing their shape to test interactions.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 2, 2018