Category Biology/Biotechnology

Durable, Washable Textile Coating can Repel Viruses

An illustration shows the treated textile’s ability to repel fluids.

New research could lead to safely reusable PPE. Researchers have created a textile coating that can not only repel liquids like blood and saliva but can also prevent viruses from adhering to the surface. Masks, gowns, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential for protecting healthcare workers. However, the textiles and materials used in such items can absorb and carry viruses and bacteria, inadvertently spreading the disease the wearer sought to contain.

When the coronavirus spread amongst healthcare professionals and left PPE in short supply, finding a way to provide better protection while allowing for the safe reuse of these items became paramount.

Research from the LAMP Lab at the Universit...

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Platelets Exacerbate Immune Response

Right click to download: Platelets (green)
Platelets (green) contribute to the activation of inflammasomes in human macrophages (red; nuclei: blue) and thus to an increased IL-1 production. © artistic representation (based on microscopic images): B. Franklin / L. Ribeiro/UKB

Platelets not only play a key role in blood clotting, but can also significantly intensify inflammatory processes. This is shown by a new study carried out by scientists from the University of Bonn together with colleagues from Sao Paulo (Brazil). In the medium term, the results could open up new ways to treat autoimmune diseases. They have now been published in the journal Cell Reports.

For a long time, the role of platelets appeared to be clear: in the event of an injury, they adhere to the wound and stick to each other to rapidly stop the bleeding...

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Imaging reveals Bowel Abnormalities in Patients with COVID-19

Coronal CT of the abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast in a 47-year-old man with abdominal tenderness demonstrates typical findings of mesenteric ischemia and infarction, including pneumatosis intestinalis (arrow) and non-enhancing bowel (*). Frank discontinuity of a thickened loop of small bowel in the pelvis (thin arrow) is in keeping with perforation.

Patients with COVID-19 can have bowel abnormalities, including ischemia, according to a new study published recently in the journal Radiology.

Several studies have evaluated the chest imaging findings in COVID-19, which helped improve understanding of how the disease affects the lungs. More recently, reports have documented that gastrointestinal symptoms, liver injury, and vascular findings are common in these patients...

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How does the Brain Link Events to form a Memory? Study reveals unexpected Mental Processes

How does the brain link events to form a memory? Study reveals ...
2-photon calcium imaging (5x speed) of the activity responses of neurons in hippocampal area CA1 of a mouse as it learns to associate a neutral tone (conditioned stimulus) with airpuffs (unconditioned stimulus) across a 15 second time delay.
CREDIT
Mohsin Ahmed / Losonczy Lab / Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute

The brain has a powerful ability to remember and connect events separated in time. And now, in a new study in mice, scientists have shed light on how the brain can form such enduring links.

A woman walking down the street hears a bang. Several moments later she discovers her boyfriend, who had been walking ahead of her, has been shot. A month later, the woman checks into the emergency room. The noises made by garbage trucks, she says, are causing panic attacks...

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