- new'Dancing molecules' heal cartilage damage
New therapy uses synthetic nanofibers to mimic the natural signaling of a protein that is crucial for cartilage formation and maintenance. Researchers found that intensifying the motion of molecules within the nanofibers led to more components needed for regeneration. After just four hours, the treatment activated the gene expression necessary to generate cartilage. Therapy could be used to treat osteoarthritis, which affects nearly 530 million people worldwide.
- 3 hours ago 27 Jul 24, 5:02am -
- newBuilding bridges between cells for brain health
The brain contains many cell types, from the prominent neurons to the lesser-known microglia. The latter are integral to the brain's immune system and play a crucial role as the brain's cleanup crew. A recent study highlights that microglia establish connections with neurons through tunneling nanotubes. The researchers observed that microglia utilize these tubes to facilitate the clearance of toxic proteins from neurons and to promote neuronal health.
- 11 hours ago 26 Jul 24, 9:03pm -
- newHave a seat, doctor: Study suggests eye-level connection makes a difference in hospitals
When doctors sit at hospitalized patients' bedsides, it can have a more positive impact than if they stand, a review of data suggests -- but a new study seeks to find out for sure.
- 11 hours ago 26 Jul 24, 9:03pm -
- new'Prelude' to neuromuscular disease SMA may offer chances for better treatment
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe neurological disease for which there is presently no cure, although current therapies can alleviate symptoms. In the search for better treatment options, scientists are now drawing attention to previously unnoticed abnormalities in embryonic development. They base their argument on studies of so-called organoids: Laboratory-grown tissue cultures that can reconstruct disease processes.
- 11 hours ago 26 Jul 24, 9:03pm -
- New drug shows promise in clearing HIV from brain
An experimental drug originally developed to treat cancer may help clear HIV from infected cells in the brain, according to a new study. By targeting infected cells in the brain, drug may clear virus from hidden areas that have been a major challenge in HIV treatment.
- 1 day ago 26 Jul 24, 5:09am -
- New research in fatty liver disease aims to help with early intervention
A new study brings researchers closer to better understanding the pathology of the fatty liver disease MASH, which stands for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. MASH is a consequence of poor diet and obesity and results in severe damage to the liver. In MASH, the liver becomes filled with active and rapidly multiplying T cells, which are a type of immune cell. In today's study researchers examine what these T cells look like and how they work in people with liver cirrhosis (a late…
- 1 day ago 26 Jul 24, 1:18am -
- Physical training improves quality of life in advanced breast cancer
Targeted physical training can improve the quality of life of patients with metastatic breast cancer and alleviate fatigue. This is shown by an international randomized multicenter study. In the course of the training program, which included two sessions per week over nine months, disease- and therapy-related symptoms were markedly reduced, which was associated with a improved quality of life compared to the control group.
- 1 day ago 26 Jul 24, 1:17am -
- Size doesn't matter for mammals with more complex brains
Mammals that have evolved more developed brains tend to have a smaller size difference between males and females of that species, according to new research.
- 1 day ago 26 Jul 24, 1:17am -
- Sodium channels in breast cancer cells a promising target for future treatments, study reveals
A new study adds to evidence which suggests treating breast cancer patients with sodium channel blockers could be a promising future treatment to prevent the spread of cancer during the gap between diagnosis and surgery.
- 1 day ago 26 Jul 24, 1:17am -
- Artificial blood vessels could improve heart bypass outcomes
3D-printed blood vessels, which closely mimic the properties of human veins, could transform the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Strong, flexible, gel-like tubes -- created using a novel 3D printing technology -- could improve outcomes for heart bypass patients by replacing the human and synthetic veins currently used in surgery to re-route blood flow, experts say.
- 1 day ago 26 Jul 24, 1:17am -
- Scientists identify key protein behind spread of shingles virus
Scientists have discovered a new evasion strategy used by the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles, that may allow it to affect tissues far from the original site of infection.
- 1 day ago 26 Jul 24, 1:17am -
- Method enables fast, accurate estimates of cardiovascular state to inform blood pressure management
A new mathematical method, validated with experimental animal data, provides a fast, reliable and minimally invasive way of determining how to treat critical blood pressure changes during surgery or intensive care.
- 1 day ago 26 Jul 24, 1:17am -
- Space-trekking muscle tests drugs for microgravity-induced muscle impairment
A gentle rumble ran under a researcher's feet as a rocket carrying her research -- live, human muscle cells grown on scaffolds fixed on tiny chips -- lifted off, climbed, and disappeared into the sky to the International Space Station National Laboratory. These chips would help her better understand muscle impairment, often seen in astronauts and older adults, and test drugs to counter the condition.
- 1 day ago 26 Jul 24, 1:17am -
- In clinical trial, fecal matter transplant helped half of patients with gastrointestinal cancers overcome resistance to immunotherapy treatment
Findings from a small, proof-of-concept clinical trial have suggested that fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) can boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy in a range of gastrointestinal cancers. In the study, six of 13 patients who had previously shown resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors benefited from receiving FMTs from donors who had previously responded to treatment. The investigators also identified specific strains of bacteria associated with better or worse responses to FMT and im…
- 1 day ago 26 Jul 24, 1:17am -
- Study suggests preoperative iron infusions work better than blood transfusions for some anemic patients
In a rigorous medical records study covering tens of thousands of patients, researchers conclude that some patients with preoperative anemia have better outcomes if they get iron infusions before surgery rather than standard red blood cell transfusions.
- 1 day ago 26 Jul 24, 1:17am -