Category Biology/Biotechnology

Trans-synaptic nanocolumn. A new model of the molecular architecture at points of neuron-to-neuron contact in the brain, based on measuring the location of individual protein molecules at the sites where cell contact is made. Credit: Screen shot from video by Blanpied’s lab.

Cutting-edge technique images synaptic transmission for the 1st time. New research by scientists at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UM SOM) has for the first time elucidated details about the architecture of this process. Synapses are very complicated molecular machines and are also tiny: only a few millionths of an inch across...

Resveratrol, given to Alzheimer’s patients, appears to restore the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, reducing the ability of harmful immune molecules secreted by immune cells to infiltrate from the body into brain tissues. The reduction in neuronal inflammation slowed the cognitive decline of patients, compared to a matching group of placebo-treated patients with the disorder. The laboratory data provide a more complete picture of results from a clinical trial studying resveratrol in Alzheimer’s disease that was first reported in 2015. The new findings will be presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2016 in Toronto on July 27th.

The Alzheimer’s disease brain is damaged by inflammation, thought to be due to a reaction to the buildup of abnormal proteins, inclu...

Eye doctors use a variety of tests to catch signs of glaucoma. Early detection and prompt treatment can prevent vision loss, but the condition is chronic and must be monitored for life. Credit: Steven E. Smith

Treatment would use cells from patient’s skin. An infusion of stem cells could help restore proper drainage for fluid-clogged eyes at risk for glaucoma. That’s the upshot of a study led by a Veterans Affairs and University of Iowa team. Researchers led by Dr. Markus Kuehn injected stem cells into the eyes of mice with glaucoma. The influx of cells regenerated the tiny, delicate trabecular meshwork, which serves as a drain for the eyes to avoid fluid buildup. When fluid accumulates in the eye, the increase in pressure could lead to glaucoma...

Researchers at MIT are developing an adhesive patch that can stick to a tumor site, either before or after surgery. The patch delivers a triple-combination of drug, gene, and photo (light-based) therapy via specially designed nanospheres and nanorods, shown here attacking a tumor cell. Credit: Ella Maru

In mice, device destroyed colorectal tumors and prevented remission after surgery. About 1 in 20 people will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime, making it the third-most prevalent form of the disease in the U.S. In Europe, it is the second-most common form of cancer. The most widely used first line of treatment is surgery, but this can result in incomplete removal of the tumor. Cancer cells can be left behind, potentially leading to recurrence and increased risk of metastasis...