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Cell surface marker CD47 may allow early diagnosis of severe COVID-19

A new study reports the potential of the cell surface marker, CD47, as a biomarker for hyperinflammation, a characteristic feature of severe COVID-19.

4 Mar 2021

Novel host-viral-microbiome interactions during COVID-19 may determine outcome

A new preprint on the medRxiv* server discusses how the underlying disease mechanisms are regulated such that the local or mucosal immune response is distinct from the systemic response.

4 Mar 2021

Researchers detect vaccine-induced SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in breast milk

A new paper released on the medRxiv* preprint server describes, for the first time, the detection of antibodies to the virus in human breast milk following the vaccination of lactating mothers. This could guide patients, their healthcare providers, and public health policymakers alike as to the deployment of the vaccines in pregnant and lactating mothers.

4 Mar 2021

Researchers discover a safe, effective, reversible male contraceptive agent

In a new paper published by Nature Communications, The Lundquist Institute (TLI) Investigator Wei Yan, MD, PhD, and his research colleagues spell out an innovative strategy that has led to the discovery of a natural compound as a safe, effective and reversible male contraceptive agent in pre-clinical animal models

4 Mar 2021

Newly identified biomarker could predict response to immune checkpoint inhibitors

A team of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers has identified a new biomarker that could predict response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) shortly after patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) initiate therapy.

3 Mar 2021

Researchers explore mutational signatures associated with exposure to microplastic pollutants

According to the World Health Organization, plastic products and their chemical derivatives present in the environment present public health concerns on a global scale and more exploration on the potential impact to human health is needed.

3 Mar 2021

Cigarette smoke toxicity impacts protective biofilm in the lungs, study finds

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Researchers (BGU) have found for the first time that cigarette smoke toxicity impacts the protective biofilm in the lungs, particularly concerning when paired with COVID-19 respiratory issues.

3 Mar 2021

Scientists search for new ways to fight against fungal infections

Systemic fungal infections are much rarer than other illnesses, but they are potentially deadly, with limited options for treatment.

3 Mar 2021

People diagnosed with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency more likely to stop smoking, study shows

New research shows that people diagnosed with a genetic condition, called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), are far more likely to stop smoking and therefore prevent the development of lung disease.

3 Mar 2021

Pfizer SARS-CoV-2 vaccine effective from day 11 post 1st vaccination

New research from a team of scientists in Australia finds that the second ‘booster’ dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine did not increase vaccine efficacy against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The results suggest one dose of the vaccine was sufficient in providing a robust immune response 11 days after inoculation.

3 Mar 2021

Using two different viruses to tackle tumors

An international research group led by the University of Basel has developed a promising strategy for therapeutic cancer vaccines.

3 Mar 2021

PICI awards $3 million to support early career cancer researchers

From improving immunotherapy response in childhood cancer patients, to better understanding how cancer's spread to the liver affects the body's immune system, to helping T cells stay energized to fight cancer, The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI)'s 2021 class of early career researchers award recipients are pursuing ideas that have the potential to change the face of oncology.

3 Mar 2021

New substance suppresses the growth of harmful bacteria that cause periodontitis

Targeted, efficient and with few side effects: A new method for combating periodontitis could render the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics superfluous.

3 Mar 2021

Accelerated accumulation of abdominal fat during menopause linked to heart disease risk

Women who experience an accelerated accumulation of abdominal fat during menopause are at greater risk of heart disease, even if their weight stays steady, according to a University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health-led analysis published today in the journal Menopause.

3 Mar 2021

Gold nanocomposite contact lenses for correcting color blindness

Imagine seeing the world in muted shades -- gray sky, gray grass. Some people with color blindness see everything this way, though most can't see specific colors.

3 Mar 2021

Research shows a causal relationship between neonatal antibody production and maternal microbiota

A healthy system of gut bacteria, or microbiota, is crucial to health: Gut bacteria not only aid with digestion, but also play an important role in the body's immune response. Infants, however, are not born with full-fledged gut microbiota, which makes it difficult for them to fight off intestinal infections.

3 Mar 2021