Scientists have discovered a novel pathology that occurs in several human neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington’s disease. The article describes how SAFB1 expression occurs in both spinocerebellar ataxias and Huntington’s disease and may be …
A vaccine targeting aged cells mitigates metabolic disorders in obese mice
Researchers developed a novel vaccine that removes senescent T cells from adipose tissues. They showed that vaccinated obese mice had improved glucose tolerance and insulin resistance without showing severe adverse events. These findings could help dev…
Implants: Can special coatings reduce complications after implant surgery?
New coatings on implants could help make them more compatible. Researchers at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) have developed a new method of applying anti-inflammatory substances to implants in order to inhibit undesirable inflammat…
Even in the worst COVID-19 cases, the body launches immune cells to fight back
A new study shows that even the sickest COVID-19 patients produce T cells that help fight the virus. The study offers further evidence that a COVID-19 vaccine will need to elicit T cells to work alongside antibodies.
Genomic variation causing common autoinflammatory disease may increase resilience to bubonic plague
Researchers have discovered that Mediterranean populations may be more susceptible to an autoinflammatory disease called familial Mediterranean fever because of evolutionary pressure to survive the bubonic plague epidemics.
Engineers use ‘DNA origami’ to identify vaccine design rules
Using DNA origami as a virus-like scaffold, researchers designed an HIV-like particle that provokes a strong response from human immune cells grown in the lab. They are now testing this approach as a potential vaccine candidate in live animals, and ada…
Clues to COVID-19 complications come from NET-like inflammatory response
An overactive defense response may lead to increased blood clotting, disease severity, and death from COVID-19. A phenomenon called NETosis — in which infection-fighting cells emit a web-like substance to trap invading viruses — is part of an immune …
Researchers destroy cancer cells with ultrasound treatment
An international research team has developed a noninvasive technology platform for gene delivery into breast cancer cells. The technique combines ultrasound with tumor-targeted microbubbles.
Children more resilient against coronavirus, study reveals
Most children with COVID-19 fared better than adults during the first four months of the pandemic, according to a systematic review of 131 studies worldwide.
Critical new allergy pathway
Researchers have identified the sequence of molecular events by which tiny, tick-like creatures called house dust mites trigger asthma and allergic rhinitis.