Category Biology/Biotechnology

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...

The images above show, from left to right, functioning stem cells, stem cells no longer functioning due to Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria syndrome (HGPS), and stem cells previously not functioning due to HGPS that were rebooted by the embryonic stem cell gene Nanog. Credit: Stelios Andreadis.

The discovery may lead to treatments for atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s and other age-related disorders. The fountain of youth may reside in an embryonic stem cell gene named Nanog. In a series of experiments at the University at Buffalo, the gene kicked into action dormant cellular processes that are key to preventing weak bones, clogged arteries and other telltale signs of growing old...

This image shows an ordered string or ribbon of Toxoplasma parasites with their nuclei shown in blue and the parasite rhoptries that secrete the effectors shown in green. Credit: Barbara Fox and colleagues

Scientists identified the specific proteins secreted by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii that cause the immune system in mice to attack established ovarian tumors. A promising strategy in the fight against cancer is to use the body’s own immune system to remove tumor cells, but due to a phenomenon called immune tolerance, the immune system has a difficult time identifying which cells to attack. In the new study, scientists built upon previous discoveries that a safe, non-reproducing vaccine strain of T...

This is an X-ray crystal structure image of one of the new signature antibodies. The blue ribbons show antibody 16.a.26 Fab regions. The grey ribbons represent HA of influenza strain 1968 Hong Kong. The green spheres are glycans. Credit: NIAID VRC

Scientists have identified 3 types of vaccine-induced antibodies that can neutralize diverse strains of influenza virus that infect humans. It will help guide development of a universal influenza vaccine, according to investigators at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), both part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and collaborators who conducted the research.

The seasonal influenza vaccine must be updated each year because flu viruses mutate...