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Scientists uncover that albumin is prevented from crossing the placenta – open opportunities for design of long-acting biologic medicines with limited fetal exposure

Researchers uncover the placenta distinguishes between antibodies and albumin, allowing for the design of long-acting biologic medicines with reduced fetal exposure. Fusion of IgG antibodies to albumin inhibits transport across the placenta, enabling the development of safer treatments during pregnancy.

A new reagent makes living brains transparent for deeper, non-invasive imaging

Researchers at Kyushu University develop a new tissue-clearing reagent, SeeDB-Live, enabling repeated, reversible, and real-time imaging of living brains at greater depth and clarity. This breakthrough allows scientists to visualize neural activity in living mice and brain slices, offering new insights into brain dynamics and function.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Protein in urine can predict risk of dementia

A study published in Journal of Internal Medicine found that people with moderate to high levels of albumin in their urine have a higher risk of developing dementia. The researchers discovered an association between albuminuria and increased risk of dementia, independent of kidney function.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateSep 23, 2025

In a preclinical study, a new jararaca antivenom serum was three times more effective than the standard one

Researchers developed a new, three times more effective version of the antibothropic serum used to treat snake venom poisoning. The improved serum had increased neutralizing antibodies and fewer proteins associated with side effects, resulting in greater potency and reduced risk of adverse reactions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateApr 15, 2025

Pea-based cappuccino: The greener future of food

Researchers at Institut Laue-Langevin and Aarhus University developed a new method to characterise foam structure, enabling the creation of plant-derived foaming ingredients in food. The technique uses small-angle neutron scattering, imaging, and electrical conductivity measurements to provide insights into pea albumin-based foams.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

A novel probe technology for detecting native albumin activity as a biomarker in patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and its clinical applications

A novel ratiometric fluorescent probe was synthesized to detect native human albumin (HA) activity in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Native HA activity levels were significantly higher in low albumin groups, correlating with increased severity of liver disease.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalFuture Integrative Medicine·DateOct 29, 2024

Eating more fruits & vegetables to reduce dietary acid lowers blood pressure and improves kidney and heart health in patients with hypertension

A five-year randomized control trial found that diets high in fruits and vegetables lower blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve kidney health. The study also suggests that incorporating fruits and vegetables into treatment plans can be more effective than traditional medication approaches.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2024

More than 18,000 excess TB cases in the U.S. attributable to structural racism

A study found that structural racism is largely to blame for disparities in tuberculosis (TB) incidence among the U.S.-born population. Researchers analyzed national TB registry data and found that TB incidence ratios were higher for certain racial and ethnic groups, with greater relative disparities among females.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateApr 1, 2024

Simple measurement can predict risk of worsening of widespread kidney disease

A team of researchers from Aarhus University has developed a simple measurement of protein in the urine that can predict which individuals are at high risk of rapid progression of chronic kidney disease. The study found that patients with newly diagnosed mild to moderate chronic kidney disease within three years have a 15% risk of rapi...

SourceAarhus University·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

A long-acting biologic with transmucosal transport properties that arrest SARS-CoV-2 virus variants

A long-acting biologic with transmucosal transport properties has been developed to block cellular infection of all SARS-CoV-2 variants. The biologic utilizes a soluble recombinant human ACE2 protein fused to an engineered human albumin variant, offering improved pharmacokinetic properties and delivery across selective barriers.

New liver dialysis device shows potential to resolve liver failure in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure

A clinical trial using DIALIVE, a novel liver dialysis device, demonstrated significant improvements in all main underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of acute-on-chronic liver failure. Treatment resulted in accelerated resolution of ACLF and sustained improvement in biomarkers.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 31, 2023

Zinc enhances albumin’s protective role against Parkinson's disease

Researchers have discovered that zinc ions tune the ability of human serum albumin to prevent α-synuclein aggregation, a process linked to Parkinson's disease. Zinc binding alters HSA's chaperone function, blunting fibril formation and slowing down protein deposition that can lead to neurodegeneration.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·DateOct 16, 2022

Researchers identify factors that contribute to alcoholic liver disease

A novel study has identified metabolic defects, impaired protein secretion, and altered phosphoproteomic signatures in alcohol-associated cirrhosis and hepatitis. These findings may lead to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for a disease with limited treatment options.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022

Australian study set to guide the treatment of critically ill patients worldwide

A large clinical trial involving over 5,000 patients found that commonly used saline solution is as effective at keeping people alive and their organs functioning as more expensive balanced solutions. The study's results provide greater certainty about the safety and benefits of saline solution for treatment.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 18, 2022

New weapon for inflammation

Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a new role for fibrinogen in reducing inflammation and protecting against disease. Fibrinogen's ability to neutralize harmful chemicals like hypochlorite could lead to new biomarkers and therapies for kidney, heart, and other diseases.

SourceFlinders University·JournalRedox Biology·DateJan 31, 2021

The art of sensing within the skin

Scientists developed permanent dermal sensors that can be applied as artistic tattoos to detect changes in blood pH and metabolite levels. The sensors, based on colorimetric chemical reactions, were tested on pig skin patches, showing accurate detection of biomarkers.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 18, 2019

Hitchhiking to kill

Researchers developed a method to conjugate the cancer therapeutic floxuridine with natural serum albumin, allowing it to target and accumulate in cancer cells. The lipid-conjugated compound halted tumor growth, while the free drug was ineffective.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 21, 2018

Copeptin levels associated with renal and cardiac disease in type 1 diabetes patients

A study found that type 1 diabetes patients with elevated albumin in their urine had triple the risk of life-threatening kidney and cardiac disease compared to those with normal levels. Copeptin levels were significantly higher in these patients, suggesting a new potential target for therapies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Diabetes and its Complications·DateDec 8, 2016

A slick way to test artificial knees and hips

Researchers discovered that albumin and globulin proteins improve the tribology of artificial joint implants, suggesting a potential solution to reduce wear and tear. The findings have implications for extending the lifespan of prosthetic joints and improving patient quality of life.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Surface Science and Engineering·DateMay 19, 2016

Too-few proteins prompt nanoparticles to clump

Rice scientists observed that blood serum proteins irreversibly attach, unfold, and bring gold nanoparticles together in low concentrations. This counterintuitive behavior has significant implications for diseases caused by aggregation, such as Alzheimer's, and nanoparticle toxicity issues.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 28, 2016

Recipe for antibacterial plastic: Plastic plus egg whites

Researchers have discovered bioplastics with significant antibacterial properties that could reduce hospital-acquired infections and food contamination. Albumin-based bioplastics demonstrated complete inhibition of bacterial growth, making them a potential solution for wound healing dressings and drug delivery.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Applied Polymer Science·DateMar 27, 2015

Poor nutritional status before bladder operation causes higher risk of complications

A new study by the University of North Carolina School of Medicine has identified low preoperative albumin levels as an independent risk factor for surgical-related health problems after radical cystectomy. Patients with a low albumin level before surgery are 2.1 times more likely to experience complications within 30 days.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateOct 7, 2013