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Scientists characterize new genetic variants that cause nonsyndromic neurodevelopmental disorder

Northwestern Medicine scientists have characterized several variants of the gene GRIK2 that cause nonsyndromic neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD), according to a study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics.

23 Sep 2021

DNA sensor can detect infectious viruses in minutes

A new sensor can detect not only whether a virus is present, but whether it's infectious – an important distinction for containing viral spread.

23 Sep 2021

Engineers optimize nuclear magnetic resonance tools through molecular dynamics simulations

Gadolinium-based contrast agents, the gold standard in magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) to determine the health of a patient, can be improved, according to Rice University engineers who are refining models they first used to enhance oil and gas recovery.

21 Sep 2021

New slow-release system mimics nature to provide long-lasting local anesthesia

Site 1 sodium channel blockers such as tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin are small-molecule drugs with powerful local anesthetic properties.

14 Sep 2021

First pharmacological treatment option for patients with a severe form of epilepsy

Epilepsy comes in a variety of forms. Those affected by a genetically de- termined variety have severe epileptic seizures as early as the first year of life.

1 Sep 2021

Walking can power an implantable stimulator device to speed up tendon healing

Researchers at CÚRAM, the SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices based at NUI Galway, have shown how the simple act of walking can power an implantable stimulator device to speed up treatment of musculoskeletal diseases.

31 Aug 2021

Finding the genetic cause of childhood epilepsy helps improve treatment and care

Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological diseases, affecting more than 50 million people worldwide. Although it is believed that a large proportion of childhood-onset epilepsies are caused by genetic changes, it remains unknown precisely how many of these patients suffer from a genetic disorder and how often the treatment can be targeted to their specific genetic alteration.

31 Aug 2021

Migraine-inducing peptides may protect against diabetes by influencing insulin production

People who get migraines are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, while some people who develop diabetes become less prone to migraines.

26 Aug 2021

Researchers identify a cluster of small molecules that contribute to coffee's mouthfeel

Coffee drinkers intuitively recognize the pleasure of swallowing a smooth, rich brew versus a watery one.

24 Aug 2021

Study uses computational modeling of coronavirus spike proteins to examine dynamics responsible for immunogenicity and immune escape

A new study published on the bioRxiv* preprint server focused on the development of dynamic computational models for a large subset of S proteins of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2.

23 Aug 2021

New analytical method visualizes cell functions in vasculature-on-a-chip

A microphysiological system (MPS), also known as an organ-on-a-chip, is a 3D organ construct using human cells that help reveal how organs respond to drugs and environmental stimuli.

20 Aug 2021

Using self-assembled drugs to achieve a breakthrough in cancer therapy

One of the most challenging aspects of cancer treatment is the huge variety of different tumors that can occur with each one potentially requiring a different solution because unfortunately, one drug does not fit all.

17 Aug 2021

Nitrogen-doped fluorescent carbon dots for detecting iodide ion, curcumin in biological and food samples

The ability to reliably and accurately detect levels of iodide ion and curcumin is crucial in the fields of food and life sciences.

16 Aug 2021

A multi-scale cryo-correlative platform to image SARS-CoV-2 in Vero cells

A new study describes the cytopathic episodes triggered by SARS-CoV-2 with virus replication processes in frozen-hydrated cells.

9 Aug 2021

Researchers use prime editing to correct cystic fibrosis in cultured human stem cells

Researchers from the group of Hans Clevers (Hubrecht Institute) corrected mutations that cause cystic fibrosis in cultured human stem cells.

9 Aug 2021

Activation of NLRP3 inflammasome by the N protein of SARS-CoV-2 to induce hyperinflammation

A new study has revealed the mechanism by which the SARS-CoV-2 N protein activates NLRP3 inflammasomes to induce hyperinflammation.

5 Aug 2021

Study offers molecular views on how olfactory receptors work

All senses must reckon with the richness of the world, but nothing matches the challenge faced by the olfactory system that underlies our sense of smell.

4 Aug 2021

Study looks at potent phytocompounds from Himalayan herbs to treat COVID-19

Considering the antiviral activity of medicinal herbs, a new study published in the journal Current Pharmacology Reports focuses on the identification of potent phytochemicals from Himalayan herbs, namely, Rheum emodi, Thymus serpyllum, and Artemisia annua, for the treatment of COVID-19.

1 Aug 2021

New study shines light on how plant cells perceive and respond to mechanical forces

Minuscule tunnels through the cell membrane help cells to perceive and respond to mechanical forces, such as pressure or touch. A new study in the journal Science is among the first to directly investigate what one type of these mechanosensitive ion channels is doing in the tip-growing cells in moss and pollen tubes of flowering plants, and how.

29 Jul 2021

Covid renews interest in radiation, but docs caution against pilgrimages to radon-filled mines

Twice a year, Brian Tichenor makes the 1,200-mile drive each way from his home in Kansas to a defunct uranium mine in Montana, where he takes an elevator 85 feet below the surface to sit amid radioactive radon gas to ease the pain from his chronic eye condition.