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CPRIT supports work on combo cancer therapy

Rice University's Gang Bao receives $1 million CPRIT grant to develop a three-pronged strategy combining magnetic nanoparticles, free radical generation, and immune checkpoint blockade to kill cancer cells. The approach aims to increase the efficacy of cancer therapy, potentially leading to a clinical trial.

Novel nanoparticles target gene therapy directly into the lungs

Scientists at Tufts University create nanoparticles that carry genetic instructions to specifically target the lungs, reducing tumors in a preclinical model of a rare genetic lung disease. The breakthrough could lead to improved treatment options for patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

SourceTufts University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2022

Researchers restore function in a gene that can suppress liver cancer and enhance immunotherapy

A team of researchers has reprogrammed the tumor microenvironment of liver cancer by using mRNA nanoparticles, restoring the function of the p53 master regulator gene. The approach increased antitumor immune responses in hepatocellular carcinoma laboratory models and shows promise for treating HCC and other cancers.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Even the smallest pollution particles change the rainfall regime in the Amazon

Researchers found nanoparticles from human activities rapidly grow in atmosphere and influence cloud formation, affecting raindrop formation and changing rainfall regime. The study provides new insights into the impact of small aerosols on precipitation and improves climate change studies based on mathematical models.

Lighting up tough pancreatic cancers

Researchers have designed a nanoparticle system that can deliver fluorescent dyes to diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer tumors. The system overcomes the challenge of reaching cells deep within dense tumor masses, enabling detailed images of tumor structures and potentially targeted therapies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJACS Au·DateFeb 2, 2022

Pusan National University scientists develop simpler way to create common chemical detection platform

Researchers have created a new, simpler way to fabricate SERS nanostructures with superior stability and performance at low cost. By using a heat-resistant polymer called polyimide (PI), they can produce nanosurfaces with nanopillars that enhance signal intensity for efficient chemical detection. The new fabrication method has the pote...

SourcePusan National University·JournalSensors and Actuators B Chemical·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Bioengineered nanoparticles show promise for fibrinogen manufacture, says Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis study

Researchers developed a novel polymeric nanoparticle that selectively binds to fibrinogen in human plasma, offering a simpler and less expensive way to manufacture fibrinogen concentrate. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more efficient fibrinogen-specific affinity reagents for drug development.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

Penn Medicine researchers develop new method to increase effectiveness of nanomedicines

Researchers at Penn Medicine have discovered a new method to prevent the body's proteins from attacking treatment-carrying nanoparticles, allowing for more effective delivery of therapies. By coating nanoparticles with natural suppressors of complement activation, such as Factor I, the team has shown improved protection against immune ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

Penn Medicine researchers develop structural blueprint of nanoparticles to target white blood cells responsible for acute lung inflammation

Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed a structural blueprint for nanoparticles that can target and deliver treatment to white blood cells, such as neutrophils, that contribute to acute lung inflammation. The findings represent a significant step in understanding the condition and function of the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 27, 2021

Quantum beam-applied liquid metal nanoparticularization for cancer optotheranostics

Scientists at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology developed a novel method to create liquid metal nanoparticles using biomolecules and quantum beam radiation. The resulting nanoparticles exhibited unique structural and physicochemical traits, enabling NIR bioimaging and photothermal activation for cancer treatment.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalApplied Materials Today·DateDec 21, 2021

Sneezes, rain clouds and ink jets: NIST improves the ability of optical microscopes to measure the volume of microdroplets

Researchers at NIST developed new standards and calibrations for optical microscopes, enabling accurate measurement of microdroplet volumes smaller than 100 trillionths of a liter. They combined microscopy with gravimetry to verify results, linking their findings to fundamental constants of nature.

Series of preclinical studies supports the Army’s pan-coronavirus vaccine development strategy

Recent preclinical study results demonstrate the Spike Ferritin Nanoparticle (SpFN) COVID-19 vaccine developed by WRAIR elicits potent immune responses and offers broad protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants and other coronaviruses. The SpFN vaccine uses a ferritin platform to present multiple copies of the coronavirus spike protein, i...

SourceThe U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP)·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2021

Smart transformable nanoparticles promise advances in tumor diagnoses, treatment

Researchers have developed smart transformable nanoparticles that can alter their size and shape in response to physiological conditions, improving particle circulation, biodistribution, and targeted therapy for cancer theranostics. These particles promise enhanced tumor diagnoses and treatment by adapting to the physiology of tumors.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2021

Two is better than one: Single-atom dimer electrocatalyst for green hydrogen production

Researchers developed a nickel-cobalt metal dimer on nitrogen-doped carbon that can catalyze electrolysis under both acidic and basic conditions. The new system exhibits comparable overvoltage to commercial Pt-based catalysts and shows significant activity enhancements compared to individual single-atom catalysts.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2021

Researchers use new x-ray technique to conserve Henry VIII’s favorite warship

A multidisciplinary team of researchers used a new X-ray technique to discover zinc-containing nanoparticles lodged within the wooden hull of the Mary Rose, leading to its deterioration. The nanoparticles, likely from anaerobic bacteria, have been found in conjunction with polymer deposits that were added to preserve the ship's remains.

‘Nanozyme’ therapy prevents harmful dental plaque build-up

A study by the University of Pennsylvania and Indiana University found that a nanozyme therapy, combining ferumoxytol and hydrogen peroxide, significantly reduced the buildup of harmful dental plaque and targeted bacteria responsible for tooth decay. The treatment effectively killed Streptococcus mutans bacteria while leaving other ora...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNano Letters·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2021

The next big thing: How do scientists bring hydrogen fuel cells from laboratory to public life?

Researchers at USTC have successfully synthesized small-sized Pt intermetallic nanoparticle catalysts with ultralow Pt loading and high mass activity. These catalysts exhibited excellent electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells, potentially decreasing the cost of fuel cells.

Seek and you shall find.

The study utilizes gas-phase electrophoresis (GEMMA) to separate nanovesicles from proteins in natural samples. This allows for accurate attribution of effects to transport vesicles, crucial for understanding cellular communication and metabolism. The method has significant implications for extracellular vesicle research and its releva...

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021