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Droplet-array sandwiching technology: Making versatile biochemical tools out of droplets

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have created a technique to precisely control the concentration of chemicals in droplets using electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD). This allows for accurate drug screening and cell-based analysis, enabling the efficient handling of substances on a smaller scale than traditional pipettes.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalSensors and Actuators B Chemical·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Discovery opens way to develop new immunotherapies

Australian researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which T cells can react to lower doses of antigens, leading to a 50-fold increase in T cell activation sensitivity. This finding opens up new possibilities for developing more effective immunotherapies.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2022

Why haven't cancer cells undergone genetic meltdowns?

Researchers studied HeLa cells and found that cancer cells accumulate harmful mutations, but about 13% of cells remain mutation-free. This allows them to survive despite reducing their growth rate and chromosome numbers. The study suggests that high rates of deleterious mutations are necessary for the population to die out.

Flexible warped nanographene developed for bioimaging

Researchers have developed a water-soluble warped nanographene molecule that induces cell death when exposed to blue laser light, showing promise for fluorescent cell imaging and possibly eradication of cancer cells. The molecule exhibits green fluorescence under ultraviolet or blue light and has low cytotoxicity.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 19, 2018

Water-soluble warped nanographene

Researchers have synthesized a water-soluble warped nanographene that exhibits photodynamic properties, killing human cells upon irradiation. The material's biocompatibility and fluorescence make it suitable for bioimaging and potential therapeutic applications.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 9, 2018

New tool for investigating RNA gone awry

A new technology called Sticky-flares offers the first real-time method to track and observe RNA distribution in living cells. The tool helps scientists understand the complexities of RNA better than any analytical technique, with potential applications in disorders such as mental disability, autism, and cancer.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2015

Sound separates cancer cells from blood samples

Researchers developed an acoustic-based microfluidic device to separate circulating cancer cells from blood samples with high accuracy. The device uses surface acoustic waves to push CTCs out of the fluid stream, making it a potentially game-changing technology for non-invasive diagnostics and treatment monitoring.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2015

Solving a traditional Chinese medicine mystery

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a natural product from traditional Chinese medicine that blocks gene control machinery in cells, suggesting potential as an anticancer drug. The compound, triptolide, has been shown to be effective against cancer and other conditions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 3, 2011