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A 3D bone marrow analog reveals the role of trabecular volume in MSC mechanoresponse and bone loss during aging and microgravity

Aging individuals experience bone loss despite physical activity, highlighting the importance of MSCs in regulating bone mechanoresponse. The new 3D bone marrow analog reveals that trabecular volume affects MSC response to mechanical signals, with higher strains associated with older densities and increased F-actin production

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalMechanobiology in Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 31, 2025

The first mouse strain that is susceptible to severe COVID-19 without genetic modification has been identified

Scientists at The Jackson Laboratory have identified the CAST/EiJ mouse as a highly susceptible model for studying severe COVID-19. This genetically pure background allows researchers to investigate the virus's impact without artificial receptor modifications, mirroring human responses. Initial trials using antiviral treatments show pr...

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2024

Uncovering “Blockbuster T cells” in the gut wins NOSTER & Science Microbiome Prize

Researchers have identified a novel type of T cell that can recognize and respond to multiple bacterial strains in the gut. This breakthrough finding has significant implications for treating diseases such as cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. The discovery was made by Kazuki Nagashima, winner of the NOSTER & Science Microbiome Prize.

Finnish Vole fever spreading further south

A new study has discovered that bank voles in southern Sweden carry a virus that can cause hemorrhagic fever in humans, spreading the disease further south than previously known. The virus strain is closely related to strains from Finland and Karelia.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateMay 28, 2024

A virus that kills sleepers

Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified a virus called Paride that can infect and destroy dormant bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study found that the combination of Paride and an antibiotic called meropenem was effective in killing bacteria in both laboratory cultures and mice with chronic infections.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2024

How to make the TB vaccine more effective

Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute have found that adding an antibody to the widely-used TB vaccine significantly improves its long-term effectiveness. The combination of the vaccine and an IL-10 blocker allows for better control of TB infection in mice, with improved lung health and increased memory immune cells.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateMar 11, 2022

Disease genes help developing brains

Scientists have identified two new candidate genes, ULK4 and PTTG1, that positively influence the development of an embryo by restoring a strong Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway. This finding provides new insights into the causes of holoprosencephaly, a congenital malformation affecting around one to four in every 1,000 unborns.

Bifidobacteria act as a barrier against infection

Researchers have identified two Bifidobacterium strains that exhibit potent antimicrobial properties, protecting the intestinal tract from lethal infection with salmonella. These strains, CA1 and F9, decrease bacterial numbers, prevent entry into cells, and work in concert with gut lining enzymes to produce a barrier against infection.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalGut·DateOct 17, 2000