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Silk sponges instead of animal testing: How a 3D cell culture system could revolutionize cancer diagnostics

Researchers have developed a bioanalytical test system using human cells on a silk matrix to test active ingredients under realistic conditions. The new method enables efficient evaluation of future cancer diagnostics and has the potential to significantly reduce animal testing, accelerating the development of radiopharmaceuticals.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 20, 2025

Pharmacology: Venomous crustacean from Mayan underwater caves provides new drug candidates

A study from Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that venomous crustaceans, specifically remipede crabs in Mexican cenote caves, contain a variety of toxins with pharmacological potential. The xibalbines peptides effectively inhibit potassium channels and activate signaling pathways involved in pain sensitization.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2024

Discovery of a new defense mechanism in bacteria

Scientists have discovered a new defense mechanism in bacteria that uses cell-to-cell communication to 'warn' unaffected bacteria about potential threats, allowing them to shield themselves and spread the warning signal. This mechanism has been found to be effective against various antibiotics and toxins.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 10, 2024

Self-adaptive system for temperature control: a dynamically controllable strategy for healing wound tissue

A self-adaptive temperature control system can improve wound healing by mimicking the skin's thermoregulatory functions. The system, developed by Zhu Meifang at Donghua University, uses an interactive thermoregulatory biomimetic electronic system to regulate temperature and promote dynamic healing processes.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2024

Would the highly sensitive transparent ultrasound transducer revolutionize biomedical imaging technology?

A novel transparent ultrasonic transducer (TUT) developed by POSTECH researchers offers exceptional optical transparency and maintains acoustic performance, surpassing conventional limitations. This breakthrough enables high-depth-to-resolution ratios for ultrasound imaging, with applications in various medical devices and fields.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2024

Hydrogen sulfide regulates neural circuit for respiration

Researchers at University of Tsukuba found that hydrogen sulfide production within the respiratory center alters neurotransmissions, disrupting breathing patterns. The study identified variations in this mechanism across different regions, revealing a modulating influence on neural circuits contributing to respiration stability.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 6, 2023

University of Cincinnati research examines the molecular mechanism of psychological loss

A new study from the University of Cincinnati explores the molecular mechanism of psychological loss through enrichment removal, identifying a key area of the brain that plays a role in this experience. The research highlights the importance of understanding how loss affects mental health and may lead to novel therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 2023

Targeting the Src N-Terminal regulatory element in cancer

Researchers from Universitat de Barcelona and Universitat Internacional de Catalunya discuss the non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase Src as a good example of an oncogene. Targeting the Src N-terminal regulatory element (SNRE) has potential as oncotargets to inhibit Src activity only in cancer cells.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 9, 2023

Post-COVID syndrome visible in DNA

Researchers found epigenetic changes in post-COVID patients, including genes associated with taste and smell, as well as cell metabolism. These findings may lead to the development of new diagnostic tools for this and similar diseases.

SourceLinköping University·JournalClinical Epigenetics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023

Sweet sap, savory ants

Researchers found that woodpeckers have regained the ability to sense sugar by repurposing their savory receptor. In contrast, wrynecks selectively lost this ability due to a single amino acid change in their receptor, highlighting a novel mechanism of sensory reversion.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2022

Rice models moving ‘washers’ that help DNA replicate

Researchers have modelled a key mechanism by which DNA replicates, revealing details about how helicases wrangle DNA during replication. The simulations showed each step of translocation can travel more than 12 nucleotides along the backbone, pinpointing interactions involved in long-distance movement.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 9, 2022

Rice engineers get a grip with ‘necrobotic’ spiders

Rice University mechanical engineers repurpose deceased spiders as small-scale, naturally derived grippers. The spiders can lift more than 130% of their own body weight and perform tasks like sorting or moving objects around. Future research will focus on testing the concept with smaller spiders.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Rice engineers get a grip with ‘necrobotic’ spiders

Researchers at Rice University have created a system that uses the physiology of deceased spiders to create small-scale grippers. The spiders' unique hydraulic system allows them to lift and manipulate objects, making them a promising technology for pick-and-place tasks and capturing smaller insects in nature.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2022

Are fertility apps useful?

A study of 200,000 FAM app users found that digital self-tracking can provide valuable information for inferring underlying hormonal changes and ovulation timing. The analysis revealed patterns similar to those in small-scale clinical studies, with notable improvements in the duration and range of the follicular phase.