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Scientists have created a mathematical model for the dynamics of nanoparticles and viruses in cells

A team of scientists from Ural Federal University has developed a complex mathematical model to understand the dynamics of nanoparticles and viruses in cells. The model reveals how viruses cluster inside endosomes and interact with cellular proteins, shedding light on their behavior and replication mechanisms. This breakthrough can hel...

SourceUral Federal University·JournalCrystals·DateSep 13, 2022

The locked library: Disease causes cells to reorder their DNA incorrectly

Researchers found that cells in diseased connective tissue lose their ability to reorder DNA information correctly, leading to cell dysfunction. The study suggests that epigenetic treatments could restore healthy genome organization and may be effective treatments for conditions affecting dense tissues.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

Immune cell model paves way for new treatments targeting common infection amongst immunocompromised children

Researchers have successfully engineered human immune cells to model an infection common among immunocompromised people, paving the way for new drug testing and treatments. The immune cell type created played a key role in infection, inflammation, and regeneration, but also served as a natural host for germs.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

More than meets the eye: How patterns in nature arise and inspire everything from scientific theory to biodegradable materials

A University of Arizona-led study uses bacteria to understand how natural patterns form through mechanical interactions. The findings suggest that just four different adhesive molecules are sufficient to create any possible tiling pattern, with implications for understanding complex multicellular life and creating biodegradable materials.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022

A smashing solution for cancer therapy

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a cancer therapy model that utilizes a protein degrading system to transiently degrade and reduce the PD-1 protein, which blocks immune function. This approach has shown high therapeutic efficacy in inhibiting cancer cell growth in mice.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNAR Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2022

Moffitt researchers use mathematical modeling to explain immunotherapy responses

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center used mathematical modeling to study the impact of tumor size, immune cell populations, and interactions on cancer treatment outcomes. The models predicted optimal therapeutic approaches for different types of therapies, including cytotoxic chemotherapy and immunotherapies.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 26, 2022

Oncotarget | Predicting cancer immunotherapy response from gut microbiomes using machine learning models

A new study uses machine learning models to predict cancer patients' responses to immunotherapy based on their gut microbiome features. The research identifies common gut bacterial taxa associated with responders versus non-responders, providing a potential tool for distinguishing and predicting immunotherapy responders.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 19, 2022

The beginning of life: The early embryo is in the driver's seat

Researchers using 'blastoids' - in vitro models of the blastocyst - discovered that early embryonic signals induce placental development and prepare the uterus. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of human fertility and potentially improve IVF procedures, fertility drugs, and contraceptives.

Unveiling the mysteries of the genome structure in the human cell nucleus using a 3D computational simulation

Researchers at Nagoya University created a 3D model of the human genome structure, analyzing its dynamics and functions. The study provides new insights into chromatin distribution, cell division, and transcription regulation, shedding light on cellular processes and potential disease mechanisms.

SourceNagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 20, 2022

Good news on blocking a virus considered a global threat

Researchers developed an antibody cocktail effective against a Hendra virus variant, neutralizing its ability to mutate and evade recognition. The combination of four antibodies leaves the virus with minimal ability to further evolve, providing significant protection against this global biosecurity threat.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2022

Microgravity analog culture profoundly affects microbial infection process in 3-D human tissue models, a new study finds

A new study found that microgravity analog culture profoundly affects the microbial infection process in 3-D human tissue models. This is critical for ensuring astronaut health on extended space missions and sheds light on mysterious processes of infection on Earth.

SourceArizona State University·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

Jellyfish’s stinging cells hold clues to biodiversity

Researchers found that jellyfish's stinging cells evolved by repurposing a neuron inherited from a pre-cnidarian ancestor. This discovery provides insights into the emergence of new cell types and the evolution of biodiversity, suggesting that co-option of ancestral cell types was an important source for new cell functions.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2022

Model finds COVID-19 deaths among elderly may be due to genetic limit on cell division

A University of Washington model found that the body's ability to create cloned immune cells falls significantly with age, leading to increased susceptibility to COVID-19 in the elderly. The study suggests that genetic limits on cell division may play a role in the devastating effects of COVID-19 on older adults.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 6, 2022

Patient-derived micro-organospheres enable cutting-edge precision oncology

Researchers developed a droplet-based microfluidic technology to produce micro-organospheres from cancer patient biopsies within an hour. These miniature tumors retain the original microenvironment and can be used for testing many drug conditions, showing almost perfect correlation with actual clinical treatment outcomes.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2022

Plug-and-play organ-on-a-chip can be customized to the patient

Researchers from Columbia University have developed a plug-and-play multi-organ chip, customized to the patient, consisting of engineered human heart, bone, liver, and skin linked by vascular flow. The model allows for long-term studies and can be optimized for personalized therapy optimization in cancer and systemic diseases.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 27, 2022

Burst of rapid cell motion in 3D tumor model

A new phenomenon was discovered where increased pressure leads to a sudden burst of rapid and coordinated cellular motion, spraying outwards from the tumour. This fluid-like pushing mechanism can kill cancer cells but also enables them to survive and multiply in new environments.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

In world-first, Tel Aviv University researchers engineer human spinal cord implants for treating paralysis

Researchers from Tel Aviv University have engineered 3D human spinal cord tissues and implanted them in lab models with long-term chronic paralysis, resulting in an 80% success rate in restoring walking abilities. The team aims to conduct clinical trials in human patients within a few years to make the treatment commercially available.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateFeb 7, 2022

Rosalind Franklin University researchers identify new therapeutic for cystic fibrosis

Researchers at Rosalind Franklin University have identified a new therapeutic approach for treating cystic fibrosis. The treatment uses antisense oligonucleotides to restore CFTR function by removing stop mutations. This strategy has shown promise in treating CF patients with class I mutations and similar types of mutations.

SourceRosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

Brown researchers develop new model to investigate fibrosis treatments without use of animals

Researchers at Brown University have developed a new laboratory test model to investigate fibrosis treatments without the use of animals. The model uses human cells and replicates not only the structure of human tissue but also its mechanics, enabling scientists to study the underlying mechanisms of fibrosis and test potential treatments.

SourceBrown University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 1, 2022