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New grasp of key COVID-19 protein may lead to a live-attenuated vaccine effective against more variants for longer

Researchers have identified a key protein in SARS-CoV-2 that, when targeted, elicits a robust immune response. A live-attenuated vaccine based on this protein shows promise in preventing disease and offering long-lasting immunity. The approach could target areas of the genome less likely to change with variants.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2023

Adding immunity to human kidney-on-a-chip advances cancer drug testing

A new immune-infiltrated human kidney organoid-on-chip model enables the assessment of on-target, off-tumor effects of immunotherapeutic T cell bispecific antibody drugs. The study's findings provide important insights into which cells are targeted by a given TCB and what, if any, off-target damage arises.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2023

Molecule identified that could be key for a new wave of drugs to target obesity and bone diseases

Scientists have identified a molecule that regulates nerve cell sensors, which could lead to new therapeutics for obesity, osteoporosis, and inflammatory diseases. The molecule can be modified into peptide-based therapeutics to boost the activity of channels involved in bone strength and satiety.

SourceVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2023

Sylvester Surgeon-scientist awarded center’s first Department of Defense grant to study pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center will investigate signaling mechanisms between myeloid-derived suppressor cells and pro-inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic cancer. The goal is to develop a nanoengineered immunotherapy that selectively disrupts these interactions to target treatment resistance.

Stalking a silent killer

Researchers aim to treat pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by targeting amino acid transporter SLC6A14 and compensatory nutrient scavenging mechanisms autophagy and macropinocytosis. Using alpha-methyl-L-tryptophan and hydroxychlorquine, the study seeks to improve therapeutic outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Study raises possibility of immunotherapy treatment for ALS

Researchers at OHSU identified a type of monoclonal antibody that can slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by modulating immune cells. The study used a mouse model and confirmed results in human brains affected by ALS, revealing a promising potential treatment for this fatal neurodegenerative disease.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

Hydrogen sulfide shows promise as healthy ageing therapeutic when specifically targeted within cells

Targeting tiny amounts of hydrogen sulfide to specific areas of cells in adult worms improved health and activity as they aged, according to a University of Exeter study. The research found that H2S improved the integrity of mitochondria, kept muscles active, and extended lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

Selectivity effect of molecular chirality may have universal applications, researchers find

A team led by Takuro Sato found that the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect can filter out electrons and molecules with specific chirality, enabling enantioselectivity without chiral catalysis. This discovery has broader applications in producing safer chemicals and developing advanced electronics across various scales.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Bacteria like cholera may be crucial in the development of new antibiotics

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered how a bacterium called Vibrio alginolyticus moves using sodium ions, which could lead to new targets for antibiotics. The study provides insights into the flagellum's movement and may help develop novel antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistance.

Predicting lifespan-extending chemical compounds for C. elegans with machine learning

A new study uses machine learning to analyze data from DrugAge, a database of chemical compounds modulating lifespan in model organisms. The researchers create four types of datasets to predict whether or not a compound extends the lifespan of C. elegans, using features such as compound-protein interactions and Gene Ontology terms.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 26, 2023

Investigating interactions at molecular junctions for novel electronic devices

A recent study by Tokyo Tech researchers explores the structure and electron transport properties of molecular junctions. The findings reveal three distinct structures at the junction, corresponding to high- and low-conductivity states, which hold promise for designing novel electronic devices with unique properties.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

Breakthrough Research shows potential for generative AI to accelerate development of new antivirals and drug discovery

A new study demonstrates the potential of generative AI to accelerate the development of new antivirals and drug discovery. Researchers from IBM, Oxford University, and Diamond Light Source have developed an AI model that can generate antiviral molecules for multiple target virus proteins, including SARS-CoV-2.

SourceDiamond Light Source·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 28, 2023