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Microglial cells may hold key to Alzheimer's plaque removal

Immune cells in the brain called microglia can partially break down large amyloid plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's disease by latching on to them, forming a sort of external stomach and releasing digestive enzymes into the space, according to a preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators.

23 Dec 2024

Solving a decades-long puzzle in leishmaniasis drug development

A breakthrough in understanding how a single-cell parasite makes ergosterol (its version of cholesterol) could lead to more effective drugs for human leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease that afflicts about 1 million people and kills about 30,000 people around the world every year.

20 Dec 2024

Unexpected discovery opens doors for improved siRNA therapies

In everyday life, when things turn out the opposite of what you expect, it's usually cause for frustration. In science, it's often the starting point for discovery.

20 Dec 2024

Cellular RNA enhances MAVS signalosome activation in antiviral immunity

Scientists have uncovered a new role for a cell's own RNA in fending off attacks by RNA viruses. Some of the cell's RNA molecules, researchers found, help regulate antiviral signaling. These signals are part of the intricate coordination of immune responses against virus invasion.

19 Dec 2024

New insights into glioblastoma resistance to temozolomide

In spite of intensive research, glioblastoma remains one of the most lethal types of brain cancer. Temozolomide (TMZ) is used as the front-line medicine in its treatment.

19 Dec 2024

Understanding metformin's mechanism in reducing blood sugar

Millions of people take metformin, a Type 2 diabetes medication that lowers blood sugar. The "wonder drug" has also been shown to slow cancer growth, improve COVID outcomes and reduce inflammation. But until now, scientists have been unable to determine how, exactly, the drug works.

18 Dec 2024

New drug approach shows promise in treating metabolic liver diseases

A MedUni Vienna study has identified a new approach to the drug treatment of metabolic liver diseases. In an experimental study, pharmacological inhibition of an enzyme that plays a central role in fat metabolism promoted liver health reduced liver fat, inflammation and fibrotic remodeling (connective tissue scarring).

18 Dec 2024

A new era of targeted therapy with antibody–drug conjugates

TBC

From Sino Biological Inc. 16 Dec 2024

Flavonoid kaempferol could offer natural relief for food allergies

Allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies have been increasing in frequency over the last few years.

16 Dec 2024

Targeting brain enzyme may offer new treatment for obesity

Endocannabinoids in the brain play a key role in food intake and energy use. Modulating the action of these molecules could help fight obesity, say researchers at Université de Montréal's affiliated hospital research center.

16 Dec 2024

Gut microbiome during acute infection predicts risk of long COVID

The study identifies gut microbiome signatures during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection as predictors of long COVID, enhancing understanding of symptom variability.

16 Dec 2024

Targeted gene therapy shuts down cancer cells' energy centers

Researchers are shining a light on cancer cells' energy centers – literally – to damage these power sources and trigger widespread cancer cell death.

14 Dec 2024

Potential new mRNA-based therapy for pre-eclampsia

Lipid nanoparticles targeting VEGF mRNA show promise in treating pre-eclampsia, restoring maternal blood pressure and enhancing fetal health in murine models.

13 Dec 2024

Skin as an immune hero: Fighting infections with self-made antibodies

Researchers uncover how the skin autonomously produces antibodies through specialized immune structures, maintaining microbial balance and preventing infections.

12 Dec 2024

Lipid imbalances hold the key to chronic inflammation in colon cancer

Scientists uncover how disrupted lipid metabolism fuels chronic inflammation in colorectal cancer, offering insights into new therapeutic strategies targeting pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid imbalances.

12 Dec 2024

New class of antivirals shows promise against multiple viruses

The arrival of Paxlovid in December 2021 marked another turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic - an effective antiviral that has since successfully treated millions.

11 Dec 2024

Mayo Clinic researchers advocate for comprehensive TPMT genotyping across ancestries

Mayo Clinic researchers found that a gene variant, the TPMT∗8 allele, is associated with reduced metabolism of the thiopurine class of drugs. TPMT∗8 is relatively common in individuals of African or African American descent. A novel study in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, published by Elsevier, details the researchers' goal to provide pharmacogenomic testing that can be used clinically to predict drug response that is beneficial to all patients, regardless of their ancestral background.

11 Dec 2024

Metabolic imaging detects ovarian cancer subtypes and predicts chemotherapy response

Study demonstrates how metabolic imaging differentiates high and low oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) subtypes of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). By assessing metabolic activity, it also identifies early and variable responses to chemotherapy, improving precision in treatment strategies.

10 Dec 2024

Bovine H5N1 influenza shows potential for human adaptation through key mutations

Recent study reveals H5N1 mutations enhancing human receptor binding, highlighting pandemic risks and the need for vigilant surveillance of influenza strains.

9 Dec 2024