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White blood cells use brute force to dislodge bacteria

A recent study in Nature Communications reveals that white blood cells employ a novel mechanism to dislodge bacteria from human tissues using brute force and integrin-based adhesion rings. The research, led by Xuefeng Wang, has significant implications for understanding the role of macrophages in cleaning up environmental pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025

Advancing surgical sutures: The promise of cellulose-based materials

Researchers have made significant advancements in cellulose-based sutures, showcasing their potential as sustainable alternatives for wound closure and healing. The new materials demonstrate non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and mechanical strength, with nanocellulose showing particular promise due to its high strength and flexibility.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 22, 2025

Outcomes worse for patients who develop pressure sores after acute spinal cord injury

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that hospital-acquired pressure ulcers are associated with poorer neurological outcomes and reduced motor function in patients with acute cervical spinal cord injury. The findings suggest that preventing pressure ulcers can help protect these patients and lead to improved medical care.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2024

New lignin-based hydrogel breakthrough for wound healing and controlled drug release

The study presents a lignin-based hydrogel that combines mechanical strength with bioactivity, promoting wound healing and sustained drug release. The hydrogel's controlled-release properties make it an ideal candidate for treating complex wounds and reducing medication side effects.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2024

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

Unnoticeable electric currents could reduce skin infections

Researchers designed a skin patch that uses imperceptible electric currents to control microbes, stopping 99% of biofilm formation in bacteria. The device, called Bioelectronic Localized Antimicrobial Stimulation Therapy, could lead to a wearable patch with a wireless circuit to control infections without drugs.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2024

Life-saving spongelike “bandage” developed by UCF researchers rapidly stops hemorrhaging and mitigates risk of infection

A new hemostatic sponge developed by UCF researchers can stop severe bleeding in under a minute, while also acting as an antibacterial agent. The liquid gel transforms into a spongelike foam upon exposure to the wound, applying pressure to restrict hemorrhage and promoting natural clotting.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalBiomaterials Science·DateOct 16, 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

Medical school scientist creates therapy to kill hypervirulent bacteria

A new therapy has been identified that can penetrate the slime protecting drug-resistant bacteria, allowing it to be killed by the body's immune system or antibiotics. The antimicrobial peptide, derived from cow peptides, targets sugar connections in the slime structure, damaging its integrity and allowing entry.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 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

Healing eyes with contact lenses

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a patented contact lens material that acts as a bandage for corneal wounds, releasing drugs in a controlled manner to enhance healing. The material, which uses collagen-based technology, achieves complete wound healing within five days in human cell culture studies.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPharmaceutics·DateMar 21, 2024

Revolutionary chronic wound treatment could help millions

A team of international scientists has developed an effective treatment for preventing infection in chronic wounds that does not involve antibiotics. The new method involves the plasma activation of hydrogel dressings, producing a unique mix of chemical oxidants that are effective in decontaminating and aiding healing.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeObservational study·DateMar 13, 2024

A new glue, potentially also for you

Researchers create a simple method to instantly bond layers made of the same or different types of hydrogels using a thin film of chitosan. The new approach has potential to broadly advance new biomaterials solutions for multiple unmet clinical needs, including regenerative medicine and surgical care.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Nanofiber bandages fight infection, speed healing

Researchers at Cornell University have developed nanofiber-coated cotton bandages that exhibit excellent antibacterial performance against gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial species. The bandages, infused with lawsone, a red-orange compound found in henna leaves, also show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

SourceCornell University·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateFeb 8, 2024

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

CityU neuroscientists uncover the therapeutic potential of low-dose ionizing radiation for traumatic brain injury and ischemic stroke

Researchers found that low-dose X-ray irradiation reduced lesion size and reversed motor deficits in TBI and ischemic stroke mice, demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic strategy. The treatment also accelerated substantial motor function recovery and promoted brain rewiring after stroke.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

Perceived time has an actual effect on physical healing

New Harvard study finds that perceived time influences actual physical healing time, challenging conventional beliefs about psychological influence on health. The study used a standardized procedure to mildly wound volunteer subjects and found that wounds healed faster when participants believed more time had passed.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

Revolutionary seaweed and carbonated water based hydrogel for treating skin wounds

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a novel, low-cost hydrogel using seaweed extract that prevents wound expansion and promotes healing. The hydrogel demonstrates significantly lower adhesion and swelling compared to conventional hydrogels, making it an excellent alternative for treating skin wounds.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023