Reviewed Chinese Academy of SciencesJan 7 2025 Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells in the human body, primarily recognized for their essential roles in fighting infections and regulating inflammation. However, their involvement in cancer progression has long been a subject of intrigue and confusion. These immune cells exhibit a paradoxical behavior within tumors, where...
Decades of research push cytomegalovirus vaccine closer to reality
By Dr. Chinta SidharthanReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Jan 6 2025 With decades of research culminating in innovative vaccine candidates, scientists are closer than ever to combating a virus that causes birth defects and transplant complications worldwide. Research: A vaccine against cytomegalovirus: how close are we? Image Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock In a recent review published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation,...
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY NEWS
Tinkering with the “clockwork” mechanisms of life Posted Today Living organisms monitor time—and react to it—in many different ways, from detecting light and sound in microseconds to responding physiologically in pre-programmed ways via their daily sleep cycle, monthly menstrual cycle, or changes in the seasons. The research team led by Prof. Alexis Vallée-BélisleThe has discovered how...
Scientists decode chemical transmitter for clues to new cancer therapies
Posted Yesterday Scientists at the Yale Cancer Biology Institute have redefined the role of a unique chemical receptor that could provide avenues for new targeted cancer therapies. Biotechnology research in a lab – illustrative photo. Image credit: CDC via Unsplash Gamma-aminobutyric acid (or GABA) is a naturally occurring chemical that acts as a ‘neurotransmitter’, delivering electrical messages...
Adding electrical brain stimulation to ACL reconstruction recovery therapy
by Edith Cowan University Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Electrical brain stimulation could be the key to getting athletes back on track following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, new research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has shown. ACL reconstruction is a common intervention for people with ACL injury, with more than 75% of ACL injuries progressing to...
Astrocytes’ hidden potential: Cross-species study reveals new insights into spinal cord injury repair
by Chen Na, Chinese Academy of Sciences Analysis revealed that astrocytes transdifferentiated into oligodendrocytes following SCI. A, B. Monocle, RNA velocity analyses of astrocytes, OPCs, maturing oligodendrocytes, and myelination oligodendrocyte population. C. Immunofluorescence images showing co-localization of SOX9, SOX10 and GFAP. D, E. lineage tracing demonstrated ALDH1L1-traced cells expressing MAG in the spinal cord before and...
Pertussis cases surging in the United States
by Physician’s Briefing Staff Rates of pertussis in the United States are surging, with more than 32,000 cases reported as of mid-December—about six times more than at this time last year and more than have been reported since 2014, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reported cases have been climbing...
New AI tool uses routine blood tests to predict immunotherapy response for many cancers
by Ian Demsky, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Schematic of the study design and analysis. a, Cohort collection. Top: a real-world cohort (MSK-I) from MSKCC was used for model development. Middle: two real-world cohorts from MSKCC (MSK-II) and MSHS were used. Bottom: 10 global phase 3 clinical trials were used. ITT, intention-to-treat. b, Feature selection analysis....
Childhood smoking increases a person’s risk of developing COPD
Smoke exposure negatively impacts critical lung development in childhood and adolescencePeer-Reviewed Publication COPD Foundation Miami (January 7, 2025) – Childhood smoking before age 15 increases a person’s risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study. The study is published in the November 2024 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the...
Can you steam away prostate cancer?
Clinical trial offered by Keck Medicine of USC uses steam rather than surgery or radiation to potentially destroy cancer cells for certain prostate cancer patientsBusiness Announcement University of Southern California – Health Sciences image: Andre Abreu, MD, a Keck Medicine of USC urologist, performs a procedure using steam to destroy prostate cancer as part of...