An illustration of the core-sheath structure and mechano-electrical conversion mechanism of the bioabsorbable electrical stimulation suture (BioES-suture). Credit: Zhouquan Sun and Chengyi Hou A team of chemical fiber and polymer material researchers in China has found that the use of internally produced, electrically charged sutures can speed up the healing process after surgery in rats....
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Neuronal wiring’s role in brain function varies across regions, study finds
Global comparison between structural and functional connectivities. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51395-6 Different brain regions are connected by—and interact through—networks of neurons. But the extent to which neuronal wiring drives shared function between these different regions is not well understood. Is this structure-function relationship the same throughout the brain? The same across functions? Yale researchers have...
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Lachnospiraceae could be key to successful fecal transplants
A medical illustration of Clostridioides difficile bacteria, formerly known as Clostridium difficile, presented in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publication entitled, Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019. Credit: CDC Fecal microbiota transplants, or FMTs, are a magic bullet for patients with recurring infections from Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), but researchers...
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Propelled by mechanistic insights, cancer immunotherapy breaks new ground
A better understanding of clinical outcomes, tumour dynamics and immune system interactions could lead to better outcomes. Produced by CAR-T-cell therapies have delivered transformative benefits for many cancer patients, but some recipients respond better than others.Credit: Thom Leach/Science Photo Library/Getty Crystal Mackall has seen the transformative impact of cellular therapies in paediatric oncology. She was...
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Eating less can lead to a longer life: massive study in mice shows why
Fat cells (artificially coloured). Restrictive diets cause fat loss and lengthen life, but the two effects are not necessarily linked.Credit: Steve Gschmeissner/Science Photo Library Cutting calorie intake can lead to a leaner body — and a longer life, an effect often chalked up to the weight loss and metabolic changes caused by consuming less food. Now, one...
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Tiny antibodies to fight the dangerous effects of opioids
UNIGE researchers have discovered molecules capable of limiting the side effects of opioids by blocking the receptor responsible for their action. Peer-Reviewed Publication Université de Genève image: NbE (red) binds the specific receptor responsible for opioid action (blue) and blocks off other small molecules (white/yellow/red). Credit: © UNIGE Opioid drugs are highly effective at relieving...
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Study: DOCK8 mutation disrupts helper T cell differentiation via glycolytic pathway regulation
DOCK8 mutation increases serum IgE levels and decreases dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) protein in T cells. Credit: MedComm (2024). DOI: 10.1002/mco2.747 A study, published in the journal MedComm and led by Dr. Panpan Jiang and collaborators at Tongji Medical College, explores the critical role of the dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) gene in the differentiation of helper T cells, which...
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New antibody that targets nerve cells could offer long-lasting pain relief
Femtosecond laser-induced pain stimulation of dorsal root ganglion neurite induces signal conduction along the nerve fiber leading to the perception of pain. CADM1 expressed on the nerve cell, when bound by high affinity antibody A, fails to conduct the pain signal, and suppresses the perception of pain. Credit: Professor Akihiko Ito from Kindai University Faculty...
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Why isometric exercises are so good for you
Exercise is great for improving heart health. But the thought of hitting the gym or going for a jog might put some people off from doing it. And, if you have a heart condition already, such dynamic exercises may not be safe to do. The good news is, you don’t necessarily need to do a...
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Adding vagus nerve stimulation to training sessions may boost how well sounds are perceived
Peer-Reviewed Publication NYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine Just as a musician can train to more sharply distinguish subtle differences in pitch, mammals can improve their ability to interpret hearing, vision, and other senses with practice. This process, which is called perceptual learning, may be enhanced by activating a major nerve that...