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Controlling cells with a laser beam

Researchers at TU Wien develop a method to guide individual cells with laser precision, enabling reproducible production of artificial tissue and testing new drugs without animal testing. The technique involves adding special molecules to hydrogel surrounding cells, which become softer and more permeable when activated by a laser beam.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2022

Researchers find new approach to treating cardiovascular diseases

A research team discovered that an excessive number of thromboxane A2 receptors in blood vessel cells hinders the formation of new blood vessels, leading to vascular and cardiovascular diseases. The finding offers a promising biomarker for treatment and potential therapeutic benefits from blocking the receptor's action.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

A diet rich in protein, zinc and niacin and low in saturated fat makes blood vessels more flexible, Israeli research suggests

A new study suggests that a diet high in protein, zinc, and niacin, and low in saturated fat, can improve blood vessel flexibility. The study found improvements in metabolic and cardiovascular health, including reductions in calorie and saturated fat intake, increases in zinc and niacin, and improvements in blood vessel function.

Turmeric compound helps grow engineered blood vessels and tissues

Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered that curcumin promotes vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion, helping to grow engineered blood vessels and tissues. The study uses magnetic hydrogels coated with curcumin-coated nanoparticles, which gradually release the compound without injuring cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Wireless pain management for drug-resistant conditions offers promising alternative to surgery, study finds

A new wireless implant has the potential to treat neuropathic pain resistant to medical therapy, offering a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. The device uses bioelectronic therapy to stimulate peripheral nerves from within blood vessels, providing precise placement and predictable outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 31, 2022

Discovery could pave way for new lung treatment

Researchers have identified a new family of proteins in blood vessels that prevent fluid from entering the lungs, offering a potential new avenue for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome. Stimulating these bitter taste receptors has been shown to provide protection against fluid leak into the lung.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateMar 23, 2022

New clues about how a high-salt diet contributes to cardiometabolic diseases found deep in the brain

A new study suggests that a high-salt diet can lead to the hyperactivity of brain cells, resulting in increased constriction of blood vessels and worsening of cardiometabolic diseases. The research also found that excessive salt consumption can trigger an unusual response in which neurons become more active despite reduced blood flow.

For the first time: researchers identified brain wounds in IDF veterans with PTSD and relieved their symptoms using hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Researchers from Tel Aviv University found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) relieves PTSD symptoms in treatment-resistant veterans, improving brain function and microstructure. The breakthrough study provides new hope for PTSD sufferers, offering an objective diagnostic tool and potential long-term improvements.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 23, 2022

University of South Florida awarded five-year, $1.35 million NIH institutional grant to train scientists in vascular inflammation and injury research

The University of South Florida has received a five-year, $1.35 million NIH institutional grant to train scientists in vascular inflammation and injury research. The grant will support the comprehensive training of pre- and postdoctoral scientists focused on this emerging area of research.

New study: 14 units a week still harmful to health

A new study published in Clinical Nutrition found that drinking less than the UK's recommended 14 units of alcohol per week increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a 23% increased risk of suffering a cardiovascular event for every additional 1.5 pints of beer consumed.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 28, 2022

Using the eye as a window into heart disease

Researchers developed an AI system that can analyze retinal scans to identify patients at high risk of a heart attack over the next year. The system uses deep learning techniques and achieves an accuracy of 70-80%, revolutionizing the way patients are screened for signs of heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 25, 2022

Scientists edge closer to probe that would inspect atherosclerotic plaques by forcing molecules to sound their presence

Researchers at Skoltech have created an optoacoustic endoscopic probe that can analyze atherosclerotic plaques by forcing molecules to sound their presence. The device uses laser light to make biomarkers oscillate, producing ultrasound signals that can be detected by a sensitive microphone.

A new tool for studying COVID’s impact on gut health

Researchers developed a human Intestine Chip to study coronavirus infection and test potential treatments. The chip showed that nafamostat reduced virus presence while remdesivir damaged intestinal tissue, offering insights into underlying causes of GI symptoms and improving understanding of treatment efficacy and toxicity.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2021

Vascular disease in COVID-19 is not caused by viral infection of blood vessels

Researchers from the University of Queensland found that COVID-19 causes cardiovascular complications due to inflammation in infected airway cells. The study clarifies a key debate about the relationship between the virus and blood vessel linings, suggesting inflammation as the primary cause of damage.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalClinical & Translational Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2021

Mitigating lung damage, mortality due to SARS-CoV-2

A pre-clinical study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers shows that a drug targeting specific immune pathways can prevent lung damage and death in mice infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study suggests targeted treatments may be more suitable for COVID-19 patients than broad immune suppressants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Synthetic tissue model with blood vessels

Scientists create a cell culture system where blood vessels can grow within a framework made of synthetic materials. The team investigates material properties that promote blood vessel formation and refines the model to improve its performance, paving the way for growing implantable tissues.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2021

Skeletal scaffold supports bone cells and blood vessels

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) create a biomaterial that supports the growth of bone marrow precursor cells and forms tubular blood vessels, mimicking natural bone tissue architecture. This breakthrough enables the development of 3D disease models for tissue engineering and biomedical research.

UQ research finds new way to reduce scarring

Researchers at University of Queensland develop gene therapy to block scar formation by targeting SOX9 gene, promising benefits for burn patients and others with significant scarring. The study uses siRNA technology to reduce scarring in animal models, paving the way for potential human treatment.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2021

New biomaterial regrows blood vessels and bone, RCSI research

Scientists have developed a new biomaterial that regrows both blood vessels and bone, potentially providing an alternative to current systems. The biomaterial was inspired by the natural way in which bone defects regenerate and uses a mechanobiology-informed approach to promote both angiogenesis and osteogenesis.

SourceRCSI·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateApr 20, 2021