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In search of inflammatory Achilles heel

Researchers at Kyoto University found that neutrophils instruct macrophages to form a bacteria-permissive microenvironment, which could have implications for cancer treatment. The study suggests that A9, an enzyme expressed in neutrophils, may play a key role in this process.

SourceKyoto University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

‘Swarmalators’ better envision synchronized microbots

Researchers at Cornell University developed a new model called swarmalators, which can simulate swarming behaviors and synchronized timing in microrobots. The model mimics diverse emergent phenomena, such as aggregation, dispersion, and vortices, and can be used for precision medicine and drone applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2023

Gameto licenses Wyss Institute tech to grow human ovaries in the lab

Scientists at the Wyss Institute and Gameto develop a living, fully human ovarian organoid that supports egg cell maturation and secretes sex hormones. This technology enables the study of human ovarian biology without tissue from patients and could lead to new treatments for infertility and ovarian cancer.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2023

“Spleen-on-a-chip” yields insight into sickle cell disease

Researchers developed a microfluidic device to model the spleen's filtration function in patients with sickle cell disease. The study found that low oxygen levels can cause the spleen's filters to become clogged, while boosting oxygen levels can unclog them, potentially explaining how blood transfusions help patients.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2023

Inner ear has a need for speed

Researchers have discovered a unique, fast synapse in the inner ear that processes signals faster than any other in the human body. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for vertigo and balance disorders affecting millions of Americans over 40.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 18, 2023

Cells use mechanical principles to integrate within existing tissues, new study shows

A new study reveals how new cells join a tissue by reading mechanical information from neighboring tissue. They use cellular fingers called filopodia to touch neighboring cells, opening up the cell layer. This process must happen with accurate precision for proper development and tissue formation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2023

Beyond the average cell

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis and Purdue University used single-cell data to develop a new framework for understanding the relationship between cell growth, DNA replication, and division in bacteria. They found that individual cells can exquisitely coordinate these processes, despite the 'noisiness' of each process.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2023

Stem cell model allows researchers to explore the earliest stages of sex determination in mice and humans

A new stem cell model allows researchers to study the earliest stages of sex determination in mice and humans, providing insights into Disorders of Sex Development (DSD). The model enables the creation of a 'mini testis' in a dish, which could lead to better understanding of DSD, infertility, and fertility restoration.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2023

Study discovers triple immunotherapy combination as possible treatment for pancreatic cancer

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a novel triple immunotherapy combination targeting checkpoints in T cells and myeloid suppressor cells, improving anti-tumor responses and survival rates in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. The study found that neutralizing specific immunosuppressive mechanisms dramatical...

Artificial intelligence tool developed to help make real-time diagnoses during surgery

A new AI tool developed by Brigham and Women's Hospital improves the accuracy of time-critical pathology diagnostics during surgery. The tool, which leverages deep-learning technology, translates frozen tissue samples into high-quality images, increasing diagnostic accuracy and reducing the need for lengthy laboratory tests.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeObservational study·DateDec 23, 2022

SLAS Technology's December issue looks at a 3D printed model for improving vasodilation research

A new method for creating freestanding hydrogel lumens that can accurately replicate blood vessels and facilitate vasodilation research. This approach allows researchers to study vasodilation in a more efficient and effective manner, overcoming limitations of existing methods.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS TECHNOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

Aging | Glutaminase inhibitors rejuvenate human skin via clearance of senescent cells: a study using a mouse/human chimeric model

Researchers found that glutaminase inhibitor BPTES selectively eliminates senescent dermal fibroblasts, improving skin aging phenotype by increasing collagen density and cell proliferation. The study suggests BPTES as a potential therapeutic agent for skin aging, offering new treatment options.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022

A closer look at the dynamics of the p-Laplacian Allen–Cahn equation

A team of researchers from Korea investigated the dynamics of the p-Laplacian AC equation, finding that solutions maintain three criteria: phase separation, boundedness, and energy decay properties. They also identified an advantage of p-AC equation over classical Laplacian in adjusting interface sharpness.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalApplied Mathematics and Computation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

The theory of micro-hairs

Researchers have developed a continuum theory of micro-hairs, allowing for the study of collective movements and fluid flows. The theory reveals that even random movement is unstable and leads to synchronisation, while perfect unison is also unstable, resulting in specific patterns of movement.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 9, 2022

Oncotarget | The serine protease matriptase inhibits migration and proliferation in multiple myeloma cells

Researchers found that overexpressing matriptase reduced myeloma cell proliferation and inhibited migration. Matriptase also blocked Src kinase activation, supporting its potential as a tumor suppressor in multiple myeloma. The study provides new insights into the role of matriptase in hematological malignancies.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2022

UCalgary study points to potential new treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases

Researchers at UCalgary have discovered a potential new treatment for fibrosis, a condition that causes thickening of the gut wall and life-threatening blockage in people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The study suggests that drugs targeting specific sensors may prevent inflammation-associated gut blockage.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

New 3D model shows how cadmium exposure may affect heart development

Researchers developed a 3D organoid model that mimics human heart development, revealing how low levels of cadmium can block cardiomyocyte formation and induce heart abnormalities. The study supports decades of toxicology research on environmental exposures contributing to human diseases.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2022

Node-centric expression models (NCEMs): Graph-neural networks reveal communication between cells

Researchers developed a new method to represent cell communication using graph neural networks, which uncovers the effects of tissue niche composition on gene expression. The node-centric expression models (NCEMs) identify cell-cell dependencies and molecular processes underlying cell communication.

Stem cell study reveals how neurons from PTSD patients react to stress

A new stem cell study provides insight into how neurons from individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) respond to stress hormones. The research found that these cells are hypersensitive to the stress hormone hydrocortisone, which could help explain why some people develop PTSD after trauma exposure.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2022

Human brain cells in a dish learn to play Pong

Researchers created living brain cells in a dish that can perform goal-directed tasks and adapt to changes, opening doors for new understanding of brain function. The study also raises possibilities for alternative animal testing and biomimetic research.

SourceCortical Labs·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022

Mount Sinai study uncovers mechanisms of reactive oxygen species in stem cell function and inflammation prevention

The study found that a combination of NOX1, loss of function, and TNF leads to an abnormal increase in microfold cells, driving increased recruitment of immune cells. Reversing the defect with reactive oxygen species restored healthy gut balance. Further studies on reactive oxygen species-stem cell modulation therapy are proposed.

‘Placenta-on-a-chip’ mimics malaria-infected nutrient exchange between mother-fetus

Researchers developed a novel 3D microfluidic device to study complicated processes within the placenta, including placental malaria. The model demonstrates that CSA-binding infected erythrocytes add resistance to the simulated placental barrier for glucose perfusion and decrease glucose transfer across this barrier.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 26, 2022