biomarkers Archives

Computational biology: How mathematical modelling can help cure cancer

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Susan Mertins uses computational modelling to build virtual cells and machine learning to develop new approaches to treating cancer.

Understanding how living cells work is difficult due to the number of varied and complex processes occurring in them. This complexity can be elucidated by breaking these processes down into simpler components and focusing on a particular mechanism. One approach to this study is to use mathematical equations – the basis of computational modelling. Dr Susan Mertins, the founder and […]

Viral encephalitis and virus-mediated memory disorders

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Prof Klein researches viral infections that target neurons.

Viral encephalitis is a debilitating consequence of viral infections: invasion of the brain by viruses causes an inflammation that, even months or years after recovery from the viral infection, can impair cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Prof Robyn S. Klein from Washington University School of Medicine has developed novel animal models and approaches to study virus-mediated memory disorders, […]

Laboratory lungs: The implications of lung organoids for health and disease

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Dr Leibel has developed stem cell-derived lung organoids to learn more about lung development.

Lung disease is a major public health concern. However, research is hindered by the challenges of developing translatable human lung systems in a laboratory setting. Dr Sandra Leibel, neonatologist and Physician Scientist at UCSD and Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, USA, is studying lung development and disease mechanisms. In order to do this, she has developed stem cell-derived lung […]

Gestational diabetes: A novel detection strategy

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Gestational diabetes is a complication arising in pregnancy that can lead to serious and lifelong health concerns for the mother and child. Currently all pregnant women undergo screening for gestational diabetes, a time-consuming and demanding procedure. However, diagnosis often comes late in pregnancy, leaving limited time for intervention. Dr Jonatan Dereke and his fellow researchers at Lund University, Sweden are […]

A career in cancer

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Dr Bruce Zetter is the Charles Nowiszewski Professor of Cancer Biology at Harvard Medical School. He is known internationally as an expert on cancer biology, diagnosis and treatment. He currently works to find treatments for highly aggressive, metastatic cancers and also serves as an advocate for young scientists and for improved relationships between academia and industry. Dr Bruce Zetter started […]

Fluoxetine (Prozac) use in children: working towards a customised approach

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Science article about the behavioural effects of fluoxetine (Prozac) on children

Dr Mari Golub from the Environmental Toxicology Department at the University of California at Davis, has recently completed a five-year research project looking at the behavioural effects of fluoxetine (Prozac) on brain development. Her findings, which have so far been published in eight academic papers, supplement information on the safety of fluoxetine use in children, and show for the first […]