Health & Medicine
X-ray ptychography: Seeing chromosome abnormalities in a new light
Chromosome abnormalities have profound health consequences including trisomy and cancer. Karyotyping (the visualisation of the complete set of chromosomes by shape and size) is an initial step towards identification of chromosome aberrations and disease. Other chromosome imaging methods such as fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) rely on sample preparation or fluorescent markers, which may or may not alter the sample. […]
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Tongue-assisted robotics to the rescue for stroke survivors
A multidisciplinary team led by Dr Boris I Prilutsky, Dr Maysam Ghovanloo, and Dr Andrew J Butler explore the potential benefits of robot-assisted therapy over other rehabilitation methods for stroke patients with partial or complete paralysis. There is an unmet need to improve voluntary control among stroke patients by inducing self-initiated voluntary movements of the affected limbs using their tongue […]
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New frontiers in personalised biomonitoring through fingertip sweat analysis
Robust analytical methods are the first fundamental step for the understanding of physiological mechanisms in health and disease. Dr Christopher Gerner and his colleagues from the University of Vienna, Austria, have developed a straightforward assay for finger sweat analysis to assist clinicians in personalised monitoring of metabolic pathways. The team have devised the metabo-tip sampling assay, which promises to be a […]
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Taming Staphylococcus aureus in the eczema skin microbiome
Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a skin condition that affects millions of people globally. The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus – a common and normally harmless member of the skin microbiome that can turn nasty in certain circumstances – has been linked to this condition. A team at the University of Michigan, USA, led by Drs Gabriel Núñez and Seitaro […]
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Chemical synthesis to tackle tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) – the world’s most deadly bacterial infectious disease – kills around 1.5 million people every year, and its treatment remains challenging. Dr Jeffrey Buter at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands, has been researching the chemical biology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the parasite that causes TB. Buter believes that understanding the structure–activity relationship of the components, in particular […]
Neuropathological changes in Alzheimer’s disease linked to four key proteins
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterised by progressive and irreversible loss of memory and thinking skills. Using sensitive cutting-edge techniques, Professor Rafael Luján and his collaborators at Castilla-La Mancha University, Spain, have found changes in the number, distribution, and density of four key proteins in AD. Notably, these proteins affect the ability of nerve cells to process and transmit signals. Not […]
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Predicting the origin of mutations from tumour and germline data
Genetic sequencing is an affordable screening process that helps people understand the risks of developing a specific form of cancer in their lifetime. They can learn about the impending risks and make conscious lifestyle choices, take a few radical decisions if required, and even work out ways to stop the hereditary transfer of such genes to their offspring. Dr Israel […]
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Managing paediatric aneurysms using three-dimensional stereolithographic modelling and surgical simulation
This article focuses on the current research work by Dr Michael Levy, Chief of Paediatric neurosurgery at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and Professor at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. By investing in futuristic surgical simulation techniques like preoperative, 3D virtual and stereolithographic modelling, Dr Levy is paving the way for improved surgical practice outcomes for all […]
A novel method shaping the future of oral hygiene
The two leading causes of poor oral health – caries and periodontal disease – affect more than 3.5 billion people. Oral prophylaxis helps to reduce the risk of gum and tooth disease. Minimally invasive and pain-free, Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a systematic, predictable, and scientifically proven treatment for professional prophylaxis. GBT involves the combination of warm water, air, and […]
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The role of gut microflora in mucosal immunity
The microbiome is of recent interest in mucosal immunity. Dr Gary Huffnagle and colleagues at the University of Michigan have identified a variety of intestinal microflora members which can metabolically communicate with host cells and regulate mucosal immunity. Accumulating evidence suggests that various metabolites produced by hosts and microbiome members and their crosstalk are more important than previously thought. Understanding […]
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