Health & Medicine
Lateral flow test detects SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies
Novodiax Inc., under the guidance of Dr Jianfu Wang, has produced a novel lateral flow device called CoNAb. The device detects neutralising antibodies (NAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19). Measuring NAbs is important to help us determine whether vaccination programmes are effective by measuring the level of immunity of vaccine recipients. They are also a vital tool for […]
Quantum light for biomedical imaging
Normally, when we photograph an object, we rely on visible light from the sun that is captured directly by the camera sensor. When it comes to looking at cells and tissue samples though, it is often better to use infrared light. Inna Kviatkovsky and Dr Sven Ramelow at the Humboldt University Berlin, together with their collaborators at Max Delbruck Center […]
Thermodynamic modelling of dynamic cell phenotypes
The observed traits, or phenotypes, of living cell populations depend on complex networks of biological processes. How cells process information through those biochemical networks can be described by the mathematics of statistical thermodynamics. Through research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a multidisciplinary team has clearly shown how the physics of thermodynamics can enable an understanding of […]
Common beans: A sustainable and inexpensive super food to fight against CVD
Legumes, such as common beans, are well known for their health benefits, including their ability to lower blood cholesterol and lipid levels. However, prior to consumption, beans need to be cooked or processed. These techniques often cause changes in the bean matrix, which can potentially influence their positive physiological effects. Dr Cristina Fernández-Fraguas, Assistant Professor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and […]
Is it possible to train medical experts using Artificial Intelligence (AI) training methods?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly gaining traction in all walks of human life. Today, apps that recognise and respond to human speech and self-driving cars are no longer the stuff of science fiction but facts of life. But what if AI – more specifically, a method called deep learning that is used for training smart computers – were used to […]
Potential breakthrough in cataract treatment
Cataracts are a global economic and social burden that is increasing with our ageing population. Since surgery is currently the only treatment, preventative pharmacological interventions are needed. Antioxidants and aldose reductase inhibitors (ARIs) can tackle oxidative and osmotic stress, which are the main causes of age related and diabetic cataracts, respectively. In the veterinary market, a topical nutraceutical formulation has […]
Centhaquine: A new resuscitative agent for haemorrhagic shock
Triggered by severe blood loss, haemorrhagic shock is a type of hypovolemic shock, an often-fatal condition. Treatments are available but haven’t been updated for a long time – there is a need for a new resuscitative agent to help patients survive and recover. Luckily, Dr Anil Gulati, of Pharmazz, Inc., has developed centhaquine, aka Lyfaquin®. This drug has shown very […]
Using β3 integrin to control reactive astrocytes, and help neurons survive
The long-ignored astrocyte is of more interest than ever in neuroscience. When the central nervous system is damaged, astrocytes undergo astrogliosis, morphing into reactive astrocytes to protect neurons from further damage. But, as it turns out, this process could be doing more harm than good by not allowing damaged neurons to mend themselves. Professor Lisette Leyton of the University of […]
Fertility preservation options in gender reassignment
39% of transgender men and 21.9% of transgender women express the desire to become parents. This is complicated by gender confirmation therapies usually occurring at a young age, before consolidation of parental desire. These therapies can involve hormone treatment and gender confirming surgery which can remove the possibility of reproduction. Fertility preservation knowledge and information is limited for transgender people. […]
Can animal-free research be the future of medical science?
Professor Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga from Radboud University, the Netherlands, aims to improve biomedical and medical research, reduce the use of unnecessary animal studies and replace animal studies by using better alternatives. Throughout her career she has researched and highlighted the disadvantages of animal studies, such as the substandard quality of results produced and lack of evidence for translatability to human clinical […]