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Breakthrough in combating multiple myeloma: For the 1st time in the world researchers destroyed most cancer cells in the bone marrow using a targeted system containing RNA therapy

A breakthrough treatment targeting bone marrow cancer cells destroyed 90% of multiple myeloma cells in laboratory tests and 60% in human tissue samples. Researchers developed lipid-based nanoparticles containing RNA molecules that silence the CKAP5 gene, inhibiting cancer cell division.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 27, 2023

Chemical found in common sweetener damages DNA

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers finds that sucralose-6-acetate, a chemical formed when we digest sucralose, is genotoxic and breaks up DNA. The chemical is also present in trace amounts in the sweetener itself, posing potential health risks.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part B·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Growing blood stem cells in the lab to save lives

A team led by Professor Satoshi Yamazaki has established a novel culture system that supports long-term ex vivo expansion of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), overcoming previous limitations. The new system, which uses chemically-defined cell culture media, significantly improves HSC growth and proliferation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature·DateMay 24, 2023

Got milky spots?

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine reveals a unique subset of fibroblastic reticular cells in omental milky spots crucial for immune cell recruitment to prevent sepsis. These cells regulate the display of CXCL12, recruiting lymphocytes to sites of inflammation.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023

Liquid biopsies can detect which cancer patients may be at higher risk of developing additional blood cancers

Researchers found that liquid biopsies can detect clonal haematopoiesis, a condition placing patients at higher risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukaemia. The study suggests that these patients should be referred for further evaluation to uncover actual risk and identify potential diagnostic pathways.

Two hits to the mitochondria causes severe anemia

A study found that impairing mitochondria in two different ways can cause severe anemia. Researchers used mouse models to investigate the role of mitochondria in blood cell differentiation and found that disrupting mitochondrial function and dynamics causes anemia through distinct mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPharmacological Research·DateOct 17, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists’ discovery of the structure of a key part of our chromosomes could improve understanding of how humans age and develop cancer

Scientists from NTU Singapore have discovered that telomeres are stacked in columns like a spring, leaving DNA exposed to damage. This finding could improve understanding of how humans age and develop cancer, with potential treatments for diseases caused by dysfunctional telomeres.

New technology offers pathways to finding treatments for kidney disease

Researchers at Washington University have developed a hydrogel system that preserves biochemistry and mechanical environments of cultured podocyte cells. This allows researchers to identify new ways to control mechanisms used by cells to heal themselves, potentially leading to therapies for currently incurable diseases.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2022

New labeling approach enables examination of packages cells send out to gain insight about health

Researchers have developed a new labeling technique to analyze exosomes from specific cell types, providing insights into their role in both health and disease. The technique allows for the identification of protein cargo and RNA in exosomes, enabling the study of cellular communication and potential monitoring of response to treatment.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateAug 30, 2022

A fat molecule found to be critical for blood vessel health

Researchers at National University of Singapore have identified S1P as a potent signaling molecule crucial for maintaining blood vessel integrity and function. The study highlights the importance of S1P export from blood cells and blood vessels in preventing complications and mortality related to vascular diseases.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 17, 2022

Cancer research repurposed to expose age-related blood diseases

Scientists at IRB Barcelona develop a new approach to pinpointing the genes driving clonal hematopoiesis, a biological process linked to ageing and increased risk of blood malignancies. By adapting cancer genomics tools, researchers aim to improve early detection and monitoring of this condition.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 2, 2022

Artificial cilia could someday power diagnostic devices

Cornell researchers have designed a micro-sized artificial cilial system using platinum-based components that can control the movement of fluids at a scale similar to biological cilia. The technology could enable low-cost diagnostic devices for testing blood samples, manipulating cells or assisting in microfabrication processes.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2022

Researchers share insights about the mechanisms of human embryo and create method to develop transcriptionally similar cells in tissue culture

Scientists have identified a retinoic acid-dependent hemogenic endothelial progenitor from human pluripotent stem cells, enabling the development of transcriptionally similar cells in tissue culture. This breakthrough method brings researchers closer to developing blood-forming stem cells for transfusions and cancer treatments.

Kumamoto University’s Dr. Kenichi Miharada awarded this year’s Heisei Memorial Research Grant from the Japan Prize Foundation

Dr. Kenichi Miharada and his team received the grant to develop an in vitro red blood cell production method due to global blood shortage for transfusions. They have already established a semi-infinitely proliferating red blood cell source called immortalized human erythroblast cell line (ELLU cells), but face technical challenges.

IU School of Medicine-led study shows human induced pluripotent stem cells improve visual acuity, vascular health

Researchers successfully differentiated human induced pluripotent stem cells into specific mesoderm subset for use as a novel therapy to rescue ischemic tissues and repair blood vessels. The results demonstrate significant improvement in visual acuity and electroretinograms with restoration of vascular perfusion in animal models.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 10, 2022

Rogue antibodies make cells “sticky” to trigger blood clots in COVID-19 patients

Researchers found higher-than-expected levels of antiphospholipid autoantibodies in COVID-19 patients, causing endothelial cell activation and promoting clotting. Removing these antibodies from blood samples lost the activation effect, suggesting a potential cause of severe COVID-19 symptoms.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2022

The origin of neuronal diversity

Researchers developed a new technique to analyze brain cell development, finding that cells of similar types are often unrelated and can converge from different progenitors. Conversely, different cell types can diverge from the same progenitor, determining their fate during differentiation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 2021

Cord blood cell transplantation and curcumin administration tested as therapy of Tay-Sachs disease

A new study investigates the effects of cord blood cell transplantation and curcumin administration on Tay-Sachs disease. The results show an increase in enzyme production and a decrease in inflammation after transplantation, as well as improved symptoms and reduced GM2 ganglioside levels when combined with curcumin.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalLife·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Cystic fibrosis patients may see personalized treatments emerge from “drug screening in a dish,” stem cell research finds

Stem cell researchers have developed a new method to identify and develop personalized therapies for Cystic Fibrosis patients with rare mutations. By growing precursor lung cells from patients' own blood, they can screen for new drugs and validate responses in mature airway cells.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateOct 21, 2021

Researchers identify new drug target for blood cancer, potentially solid tumors

Researchers have discovered a new drug target for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and other hematologic malignancies, which are sensitive to MEK inhibitors. The study found that mutations affecting RNA splicing alter cells to develop MDS and solid tumors, providing a potential new approach to treating this rare blood cancer.

Pregnant women with COVID-19 face higher risk of pre-eclampsia, study shows

A review of scientific literature found pregnant women infected by SARS-CoV-2 have a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia due to reduced ACE2 availability. ACE2 plays a crucial role in placental development, blood pressure control, and fetal development, making its impairment more susceptible to serious complications.