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Tri-tube heart valve replacement adapts to the growing heart in lambs

Scientists developed a tri-tube heart valve replacement that can regenerate and grow over time, addressing the need for long-term valve replacements in children with congenital heart disorders. The new design showed improved growth dynamics and reduced calcification compared to clinically used bioprosthetic valves.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 17, 2021

What makes certain groups more vulnerable to COVID-19?

Researchers analyzed protein sequences of SARS-CoV2 virus and host cell receptors to find commonalities among animals susceptible to infection. Greater cellular oxidation may predispose the elderly and those with underlying health conditions to more severe infection.

SourceMcGill University·JournalComputational and Structural Biotechnology Journal·DateDec 3, 2020

Scientists present pre- and postfusion cryo-em structures of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

The researchers report two new cryo-EM structures representing the pre- and postfusion conformations of the full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The findings suggest that current vaccine strategies may be relying on limited information about the natural state of the protein, highlighting the need for further evaluation.

Mouse model mimics SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans

Researchers created a mouse model that produces human angiotensin-converting enzyme II (hACE2), the receptor SARS-CoV-2 binds to. The mice exhibited robust viral RNA replication in the lung and brain, as well as interstitial pneumonia. These features replicate those observed in COVID-19 patients.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 27, 2020

Light drives injection

Researchers develop a molecular light switch to control the T3SS injectisome, enabling precise and efficient protein delivery into host cells. This technology has potential applications in biotechnology and medicine, including tumor therapy.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2020

Researchers uncover mechanisms of protective antibody response during Marburg infection

Researchers uncovered novel mechanisms of protective antibodies against Marburg virus infection through a study of monoclonal antibodies from a survivor. The findings suggest that these antibodies recruit immune cells to kill infected cells and strengthen the protective effect by rearranging the viral glycoprotein. This research provid...

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 21, 2020

New tool monitors real time mutations in flu

A Rutgers-led team has created a tool to monitor live influenza A virus mutations in real time, allowing for the analysis of viral RNA without killing cells. This breakthrough could aid virologists in understanding and stopping viral replication.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateFeb 6, 2020

Protein injections in medicine

Researchers have successfully replaced bacterial toxins with proteins in nano-syringes, enabling targeted delivery of drugs to specific body cells. The innovation aims to introduce drugs into cancer cells with minimal side effects.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2019