Traversing the blood-brain barrier is a challenge for drug developers. Now, after testing the method in locusts, a team of engineers shows how an aerosol nasal spray containing Gold nanoparticles may offer non-invasive and rapid way to deliver drugs to the brain. Researchers from the University of Washington in St. Louis (WUSTL), MO describes the...
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New approach makes cells resistant to HIV
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have found a way to tether HIV-fighting antibodies to immune cells, creating a cell population resistant to the virus. Their experiments under lab conditions show that these resistant cells can quickly replace diseased cells, potentially curing the disease in a person with HIV. The study is published in...
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Potential new treatment to treat and stop progression of cystic fibrosis
Summary: Researchers have discovered a potential new drug to treat and stop the progression of cystic fibrosis. Thymosin alpha 1 (T alpha 1) is a novel therapeutic single molecule-based therapy that not only corrects genetic and tissue defects, but also significantly reduces inflammation seen in cystic fibrosis patients. There are multiple treatments for cystic fibrosis,...
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Stanford lab grows cornea cells for transplant
A Standford research team has created a new potential way to fix damaged corneas- on of the major causes of vision problems and blindness. Millions of new eye cells are being grown in a Palo Alto lab, enlisting one of medicine’s most important and promising new tools: refurbishing diseased and damaged tissue with healthy new...
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Experimental drug turns ‘bad’ white fat into ‘good’ brown-like fat
Summary: An experimental drug causes loss of weight and fat in mice, a new study has found. Known as GC-1, the drug reportedly speeds up metabolism, or burning off, of fat cells. Known as GC-1, the drug reportedly accelerates metabolism or burning off fat cells. GC-1 increases the metabolic rate essentially converting white fat that...
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Potential of stem cell therapy to repair lung damage
A new study in animal models has revealed that stem cell therapy can reduce lung inflammation in Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis. Lung damage caused by COPD and cystic fibrosis, leads to impaired lung function and eventually respiratory failure. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy is currently being tested as a promising therapeutic approach...
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Clarification of how stem cells get activated to produce new hair
Summary: Stem cells residing in hair follicles are held in an inactive state for long periods of time. A new study shows that these quiescent periods are essential for maintaining the cells’ rejuvenating activity over time and clarifies the mechanisms that bring the cells in and out of quiescence. Adult stem cells serve as reservoir...
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Synthetic sugar against autoimmune diseases
Summary: Researchers are working on an innovative approach to treating a rare autoimmune disease of the peripheral nervous system, using a kind of molecular sponge made of sugar to remove pathogenic antibodies from the bloodstream. Developed to treat anti-MAG neuropathy, the approach also has potential applications in the treatment of other autoimmune diseases. AMG neuropathy:...
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Stem cells shown to restore erection capability in men with erectile dysfunction
Summary: New clinical trial results show that stem cells can restore sufficient erectile function to allow previously impotent men to have spontaneous intercourse. This is the first-time stem cell therapy has produced patients who have recovered sufficient erectile function to enable intercourse. This is an early trial, which was primarily addressing safety and dosage (a...
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Potential of stem cell therapy to repair lung damage
A new study has found that stem cell therapy can reduce lung inflammation in an animal model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis. Although, still at a pre-clinical stage, these findings have important potential implications for the future treatment of patients. The findings were presented in Estoril, Portugal today (25 March, 2017)...