Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Critical oncology trial data remains hidden

A multi-national study found that over half of clinical trials leading to FDA-approved anticancer medicines are not available for independent scrutiny. The lack of transparency hinders the use of data for further research into the safety and efficacy of medicines.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2022

CREATE CARES and NTU Singapore’s NTUitive launch the Accelerated, Manufacturing Platform for Engineered Nanomaterials (AMPLE)

The CREATE CARES and NTUitive initiative aims to accelerate the development of nanomaterials for various industries, reducing experimental workload and improving quality. The Accelerated Manufacturing Platform for Engineered Nanomaterials (AMPLE) project will utilize Industry 4.0 practices to scale up nanotechnology production.

Companies that work with universities can protect proprietary secrets

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that companies with high levels of inventor collaboration are better off when collaborating with universities, as it creates a knowledge protection effect. This strategy helps organizations hedge against rivals discovering company secrets while still benefiting from academic part...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 14, 2022

Revolutionary images of the birth of crystals

Researchers have successfully visualized crystal nucleation, a crucial stage in crystallization, using Raman microspectroscopy and optical trapping. This breakthrough enables better understanding of molecular dynamics and may lead to the development of purer and more stable crystals for pharmaceuticals and other industries.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateApr 21, 2022

National Cheng Kung University researchers present new solution for wastewater remediation

Researchers have developed an eco-friendly and reusable solution for removing toxic synthetic dyes from wastewater using nanocomposite-based hydrogels. The new material, made from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and graphene oxide, demonstrates high adsorption capacities and retains its effectiveness even after multiple cycles of use.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateApr 14, 2022

‘Patient influencers’ the new frontier in direct-to-consumer drug marketing

The partnership between pharma companies and patient influencers has raised concerns about the potential risks and benefits. While some see it as a way to improve disease awareness and treatment options, others worry about misinformation and advertising blurring the lines between opinion and ad content.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 12, 2022

Researchers at the GIST identify new medicines using interpretable deep learning predictions

A new deep learning-based model called Highlights on Target Sequences (HoTS) predicts binding between drugs and target molecules, providing interpretable results. The model can predict target proteins' binding regions and interactions with drugs without a 3D complex.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of Cheminformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 5, 2022

Why some bubbles move faster

Researchers found that polymer molecules interact with the flow around gas bubbles, causing a sudden increase in velocity. This knowledge can be used to predict oxygen input and design equipment for industries like biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalJournal of Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 3, 2022

Researchers restore brain immune system function after prenatal exposure to environmental toxin

Prenatal exposure to industrial toxin TCDD may cause long-term damage to brain circuits and potentially lead to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD. Researchers found that pharmacological manipulation can restore microglia function, suggesting a possible therapeutic avenue for these disorders.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·DateFeb 11, 2022

The Lancet: Over 1.2 million additional opioid overdose deaths expected in North America by 2029, with epidemic set to expand globally, experts warn

The opioid crisis is predicted to grow exponentially in North America, adding 1.2 million more overdose deaths by 2029. The epidemic began in the 1990s and has worsened over the past decade due to the availability of illicit opioids like heroin and fentanyl.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 2, 2022

C-Path and the European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases to expand global impact and partnership

The collaboration aims to create an interoperable global data ecosystem for rare diseases, accelerating the development of new therapies. This partnership benefits patients, regulators, advocacy stakeholders, researchers, and industry, while expanding C-Path's global capabilities in collaborating on methodologies and technologies.

SourceCritical Path Institute (C-Path)·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2022

The Lancet Global Health: Industry arguments against alcohol labelling influencing policy discussions at World Trade Organisation, study suggests

A qualitative study found that industry arguments against alcohol health warning labels were cited by World Trade Organization representatives, despite not being explicitly stated as industry demands. This highlights the need for greater transparency and curbing the alcohol industry's influence on global policy implementation.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeCase study·DateFeb 1, 2022

New journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis study shows novel strategy to improve quality checking of generic drugs

Researchers devised a novel approach to unify quality assessment of generic drugs developed through different processes. The 'population pharmaceutical quality assessment' method uses computational modeling to evaluate process information, providing a scientific tool for objective quality consistency evaluation.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 3, 2022

Year in pharma: COVID-19 and beyond

The COVID-19 pandemic drove significant advancements in pharmaceutical technology, with mRNA-based vaccines proving highly effective. Oral antiviral pills, such as Merck's molnupiravir and Pfizer's PF-0732133, showed promise in reducing hospitalization and death rates among unvaccinated individuals.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 8, 2021

Newly improved quantum algorithm performs full configuration interaction calculations without controlled time evolutions

Researchers at Osaka City University developed a new quantum algorithm that calculates potential energy curves of molecules without controlled time evolutions. This addresses issues with conventional quantum phase estimation algorithms, enabling parallel processing and efficient full-CI calculations.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 29, 2021

Chemistry breakthrough leads way to more sustainable pharmaceuticals

Scientists at the University of Bath have developed a new method for synthesizing primary amines, used in over half of all pharmaceuticals, significantly reducing energy usage and chemical waste. This breakthrough aims to speed up drug discovery by making it easier to synthesize new chemical structures for testing.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021

A salty treat: Extracting high-quality magnesium sulphate from seawater desalination brine

A team of Korean researchers has successfully extracted high-quality magnesium sulphate, without calcium impurities, from seawater desalination brine using a novel ethanol-based process. The process achieved up to 67% magnesium recovery efficiency and has potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industry.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalDesalination·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021

A sustainable revolution for drugs, agriculture and food industry of the future: Cryform project starts at the Politecnico di Torino

The CryForm project aims to replace synthetic stabilizing agents with crystalline materials, enabling innovative multiphase formulations for safer, more sustainable and affordable products. The project will develop biocompatible crystals for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food applications, contributing to the European Green Deal.

Study reveals “extensive network” of industry ties with healthcare

A study published by The BMJ found an extensive network of financial and non-financial ties between the medical product industry and all major healthcare parties and activities. Researchers are urging enhanced oversight and transparency to protect patients from commercial influence, citing the need for better conflict of interest polic...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 3, 2021

Predict phosphine reactivity with one simple metric

Researchers developed a predictive tool using %V bur (min) to categorize phosphine structures as active or inactive in many experimental datasets. This advancement will facilitate organometallic chemistry and catalysis, enabling easier computation and prediction of phosphine reactivity.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2021

Mathematical constructions of COVID virus activity could provide new insight for vaccines, treatment

Researchers developed a mathematical model to study the action of SARS-CoV-2, enabling the examination of individual virus particles and their spikes. This analysis can help fine-tune prevention and treatment by providing insights into viral load, spike distribution, and cell infection potential.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications·DateSep 23, 2021

Changes in health care spending in US

Analysis of survey data reveals shifts in health care spending in different US population groups, with significant increases in prescription drug spending between 2001 and 2018. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these trends and promote more equitable healthcare distribution.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 14, 2021

SLAS Discovery’s September special collection “Applications of biophysics in early drug discovery” now available

This special collection highlights the use of biophysical methods in identifying and characterizing molecules in early drug discovery, including graphene bioelectronic sensing technology and mass spectrometry. It also showcases a fully automated acoustic ejection mass spectrometry technology for high-throughput screening.