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A type of immune cell could hold a key to preventing scar tissue buildup in wounds

A study by University of Arizona researchers reveals a previously unknown population of circulating immune cells that play a critical role in fibrosis, the buildup of scar tissue. Blocking signals from these cells during wound healing can reduce scar tissue formation and promote normal healing.

SourceUniversity of Arizona, Office of Research and Partnerships·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 25, 2025

WPI researcher receives CAREER Award for project focused on fibrosis

Catherine Whittington, a WPI researcher, has received a CAREER Award to develop laboratory models for the study of fibrosis in pancreas, skin, and uterine fibroids. The models will help researchers better understand factors at the cellular level that lead to fibrosis and how interventions can interrupt or reverse it.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·DateAug 20, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Researchers may have found a way to mitigate or eliminate excessive scarring during wound healing

A study published in Nature Communications identifies fibromodulin as a protein that forms a complex with interleukin 1β to stop myofibroblasts from forming excessive scar tissue. This finding could lead to a new way to reduce or prevent excessive scarring, benefiting patients recovering from surgery, injuries, or burns.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2025

Pulmonary fibrosis has no cure. Could a cancer drug hold the answer?

Researchers at Tulane University identified a potential new way to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) using an FDA-approved cancer drug. The treatment works by blocking the CTLA4 protein, which blocks overactive T cells, allowing the immune system to clear out damaged cells that cause lung scarring.

SourceTulane University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 22, 2025

AI-generated ‘Synthetic scarred hearts’ aid atrial fibrillation treatment

Researchers developed an AI model that creates synthetic fibrosis patterns to aid in treating atrial fibrillation. The system accurately mimics real heart scarring and enables clinicians to test different treatment approaches on digital models before performing procedures.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalFrontiers·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 11, 2025

UCLA researchers identify precision medicine approach for preventing kidney failure

Researchers have identified a potential precision medicine approach to prevent chronic kidney disease progression by targeting type 5 collagen, a minor component of scar tissue. A repurposed anti-cancer drug, Cilengitide, has been shown to slow kidney scarring and disease progression in high-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 9, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

A broken heart: Two types of scars, two paths to healing

A collaborative study reveals two distinct types of scarring, referred to as “hot” and “cold,” which require entirely different treatments for diseased hearts. The researchers found that hot fibrosis is driven by an immune response, while cold fibrosis is a self-maintaining process.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCell Systems·DateFeb 23, 2025

Duke-NUS study targets proteins to reverse lung scarring

Scientists have pinpointed two proteins in immune cells that, when blocked, can significantly reduce lung tissue scarring and restore regeneration. Blocking YAP and TAZ can curb scar formation by dampening inflammation, maintaining a healthy immune cell ratio, and disrupting their communication with nearby cells.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New laparoscopic imaging technique accurately maps biological tissue for minimally invasive surgery

A new laparoscopic imaging technique uses stereo depth estimation and speckle-illumination SFDI to accurately map the optical properties of biological tissue. The device provides detailed optical property maps, enabling surgeons to identify critical tumor margins and improve clinical outcomes.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateFeb 17, 2025

Vitamin D and keloids: a new path to treatment

Researchers have identified a novel therapeutic pathway for treating keloid scars by targeting the enzyme CYP24A1 and vitamin D. The study found that inhibiting CYP24A1 can reduce profibrotic gene expression, offering a fresh perspective on keloid treatment strategies.

SourceBurns & Trauma·JournalBurns & Trauma·DateFeb 8, 2025

Vitamin D and keloid scars: A new path to treatment

Researchers have identified vitamin D and CYP24A1 as key factors in keloid scar development, providing a novel therapeutic pathway to mitigate fibrotic characteristics. Inhibiting CYP24A1 may improve treatment efficacy and prevent recurrence.

SourceBurns & Trauma·JournalBurns & Trauma·DateJan 22, 2025
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Common cough syrup ingredient shows promise in treating serious lung disease

Researchers have discovered that dextromethorphan, an FDA-approved ingredient found in many cough syrups, has potential to treat fibrotic lung disease. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, showed how dextromethorphan can impede collagen formation, reducing lung scarring and stiffness.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 18, 2024

How we could test for unhealthy alcohol use before it's too late

A new study finds that a blood test using phosphatidylethanol (PEth) can detect liver disease caused by excessive drinking, offering a more reliable alternative to self-reported measures. The test has shown strong correlation with Fibrosis 4, an indicator of liver risk, and could be included in routine blood tests.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe American Journal of Gastroenterology·DateDec 11, 2024

Erase the trace: New frontiers in scar prevention and skin repair

Researchers review different types of scars and existing treatment options, exploring new therapies that can reduce scar formation through skin regeneration. New treatments aim to balance VEGF inhibitors and TGF-β3 administration to improve scarring and promote skin regeneration.

SourceELSP·JournalBiofunctional Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 18, 2024
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Researchers use genomic technology to investigate aggressive skin cancer linked to burn scars

Researchers used genomic technology to study Marjolin's ulcer, a rare and highly aggressive skin cancer that grows on chronic burn wounds. The study reveals insights into how keratinocytes switch their function to become cancerous, creating a fertile environment for tumor cells to grow and spread.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeCase study·DateOct 28, 2024

UCLA researchers engineer experimental drug for preventing heart failure after heart attacks

Scientists at UCLA have engineered an experimental therapy that shows promise in enhancing heart repair following a heart attack, preventing the onset of heart failure. The new single-dose therapy targets the protein ENPP1, which is responsible for increasing inflammation and scar tissue formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateOct 24, 2024

Immunotherapy blocks scarring, improves heart function in mice with heart failure

A new study suggests that immunotherapy may be an effective treatment strategy for heart failure by blocking scar tissue formation and improving heart function. Researchers identified a type of fibroblast cell responsible for scar tissue and used a monoclonal antibody to reduce its formation, showing promising results in mouse models.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Human skin map gives 'recipe' to build skin and could help prevent scarring

Researchers created a single cell atlas of prenatal human skin, providing a molecular recipe for building skin. The study also led to the creation of a mini organ model that grows hair, offering insights into scarless skin repair and potential clinical applications in regenerative medicine.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2024

New study shows cells get involved in unhealthy relationships after acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice

Researchers have identified key cellular interactions and microenvironments that contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) after acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides new insights into how damaged cells interact within disease-promoting microenvironments.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2024
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New imaging device improves ear disease diagnosis

A new imaging device that combines optical coherence tomography (OCT) with traditional otoscopy improves diagnostic capabilities for hearing clinics. The integrated device provides detailed views of the eardrum and middle ear, enabling more accurate diagnoses and treatment.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateAug 23, 2024

Bacteria and keloids

Research found higher bacterial concentrations in keloid tissue, especially in deep layers, leading to increased inflammation and fibroblast production. Antibiotics and phage treatments may help reduce bacteria and improve treatment outcomes for keloids.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJul 30, 2024
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Arthritis drugs may relieve long COVID lung symptoms

Researchers at UVA discovered an unknown cause of long COVID inside lung tissues, promoting chronic inflammation that drives lasting respiratory symptoms. They found that immune cells can go haywire and promote tissue scarring, leading to conditions like interstitial lung disease.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 30, 2024

Researchers find intriguing new tool for tendon healing: nanoparticles for precision drug delivery

A team of researchers has created a new approach to deliver drugs precisely to surgically repaired tendons using nanoparticles, reducing scar tissue formation and improving function. The treatment targets the Acp5 gene, which is highly expressed at the injury site, and delivers medication directly to the healing tendon.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 27, 2024

Study reveals target for reversing scar tissue after heart attack

A new study reveals that zebrafish have a unique ability to remove scar tissue after an injury, allowing their hearts to regenerate and fully regrow. Researchers found that the type of collagen cross-linking in zebrafish is different from mammals, making it potentially reversible. The discovery points to a new target for reversing scar...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 10, 2024
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Healing faster: Unveiling the future of tissue & organ repair

A team of scientists at the University of Ottawa has developed a novel peptide-based hydrogel that can be used for on-the-spot repair to damaged organs and tissues. The material shows great potential for closing skin wounds, delivering therapeutics to damaged heart muscle, and reshaping and healing injured corneas.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

It takes two to TANGO: New strategy to tackle fibrosis and scarring

Researchers developed a new experimental strategy to tackle scarring and fibrosis by releasing enough collagen to prevent tissue damage while protecting it from excessive amounts. The strategy, which uses molecules known as peptides to block the export of collagen from cells, shows promise in treating conditions such as scleroderma.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

New advance against a form of heart failure prevalent in men

University of Virginia researchers have identified a single gene on the Y chromosome that can account for the disease-promoting effects of Y chromosome loss. This discovery provides new avenues for understanding the causes of heart disease and could lead to a treatment for men with Y chromosome loss.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateApr 1, 2024
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Researchers identify protein sensor that plays a role in lung fibrosis

A team of researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine has discovered a critical protein sensor called SEL1L that regulates collagen clearance from tissue. This finding provides new insights into the development of therapeutic strategies for diseases like lung fibrosis, which currently have no effective treatments.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2024

Low-dose radiotherapy boost helps prevent local recurrence with better cosmetic outcomes in young breast cancer patients

Researchers found that young breast cancer patients who received a low-dose radiotherapy boost had a lower risk of local recurrence after 10 years, with only 4.4% experiencing recurrence. In contrast, high-dose boosts resulted in fewer recurrences but also more severe fibrosis and cosmetic issues.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 20, 2024

Simple blood test could predict risk of long-term COVID-19 lung problems

Researchers at UVA Health discovered a potential blood test to predict patients with severe COVID-19 who are likely to recover well and those at risk of long-term lung problems. The study found that patients with late-resolving symptoms had fewer immune cells in their blood, correlating with symptom severity.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateMar 15, 2024

Wound-homing molecule accelerates tissue repair

A study published in Nature Communications reports the discovery of a wound-homing molecule called CAR peptide, which accelerates tissue repair by activating natural healing pathways. The treatment shows promise for treating various injuries, including muscle ruptures and bone fractures, without forming less functional scar tissue.

SourceTampere University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2024
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Small RNAs take on the big task of helping skin wounds heal better and faster with minimal scarring

Researchers discovered that microRNA-29 can restore normal skin structure rather than producing a scar, promoting faster and more efficient wound healing. The release of microRNA-29 targets, particularly LAMC2, is crucial in this process, suggesting a potential new approach for treating large-area or deep wounds.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2024

How drugs can target the thick “scar tissue” of pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Salk Institute discovered how anti-cancer drugs can prevent fibroblast activation, a protective barrier around pancreatic tumors. The therapy reduces tumor growth and slows disease progression in mice and human patients, offering a promising treatment for pancreatic cancer.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2023
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Researchers unlock mystery of cartilage regeneration in lizards

A team of researchers from Keck School of Medicine of USC identified key cells involved in lizard cartilage regeneration and discovered their role in rebuilding cartilage damaged by osteoarthritis. They successfully induced cartilage building in a lizard limb by recreating a tail-like signaling environment.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023

Study shines light on cause of chronic kidney disease

Research identifies Indian Hedgehog protein as a key driver of chronic kidney disease and heart damage, offering new hope for treatments. The findings suggest that blocking the protein's actions could improve kidney function and reduce cardiovascular risk.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Study reveals the persistent effects of corruption on trust and voting

A recent study by Bocconi University found that corruption can have a long-lasting effect on trust in democratic institutions. First-time voters who experienced the Mani Pulite investigation in 1994 were more likely to vote for populist parties and express lower institutional trust even 20 years later. The study highlights the need to ...

SourceBocconi University·JournalThe Journal of Politics·DateMay 19, 2023

The Texas Heart Institute and The University of Texas at Austin awarded a National Institutes of Health grant to develop injectable hydrogel electrodes to prevent ventricular arrhythmias

The Texas Heart Institute and The University of Texas at Austin receive a four-year, $2.37 million NIH grant to develop injectable hydrogel electrodes for preventing and managing ventricular arrhythmias. Researchers have already demonstrated the feasibility of pacing the heart using the hydrogel in a porcine model.

SourceTexas Heart Institute·DateMay 4, 2023

Good news for patients waiting for stoma reversal surgery

A recent study led by Dr Rachael Rigby from Lancaster University found that delays in stoma reversal surgery do not impact on risk of complications or commensal microflora loss, atrophy, or scarring. However, a higher degree of microflora loss is associated with an increased risk of complications.

SourceLancaster University·JournalGut Microbes·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

American Roentgen Ray Society's Roentgen Fund presents 2023 Honorary Lecture, “Advanced High-Resolution CT,” in memory of W. Richard Webb

The American Roentgen Ray Society presents its 2023 Honorary Lecture on Advanced High-Resolution CT, dedicated to the late Dr. W. Richard Webb, who transformed thoracic imaging with his foundational work in HRCT. The lecture explores multiple conditions diagnosed via HRCT and the radiologist's role on multidisciplinary teams.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·DateApr 18, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

The single protein that causes the fibrosis death spiral

Researchers from Kyushu University found that the single mechanosensitive protein VGLL3 induces fibrosis, thickening and scarring tissue. The study suggests targeting this protein could lead to new treatments against fibrosis.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023