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Category: biotech/medical – Page 28

Exercise-induced vesicles boost neuron growth when transplanted into sedentary mice

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign report that extracellular vesicles released into the bloodstream during aerobic exercise can, on their own, drive a robust increase in adult hippocampal neurogenesis when transferred into sedentary mice, even without changes in hippocampal vascular coverage.

Aerobic physical activity preserves cognitive function across the lifespan and repeatedly links to structural and cellular plasticity in the hippocampus. Evidence from plasma transfer experiments indicates that bloodborne factors from exercising animals can transfer pro-neurogenic and pro-cognitive effects to sedentary or aged recipients, partly through reduced inflammation.

Many circulating molecules have been implicated in this exercise–brain connection, including , insulin-like growth factor 1, platelet factor 4, selenoprotein P, irisin, cathepsin B, L-lactate, and interleukin-6. Each contributes to specific aspects of neurogenesis or neuronal survival.

Software optimizes brain simulations, enabling them to complete complex cognitive tasks

A new software enables brain simulations which both imitate the processes in the brain in detail and can solve challenging cognitive tasks. The program was developed by a research team at the Cluster of Excellence “Machine Learning: New Perspectives for Science” at the University of Tübingen. The software thus forms the basis for a new generation of brain simulations which allow deeper insights into the functioning and performance of the brain. The Tübingen researchers’ paper has been published in the journal Nature Methods.

For decades, researchers have been trying to create computer models of the brain in order to increase understanding of the organ and the processes that take place there. Using , they have simulated the behavior and interaction of nerve cells and their compounds.

However, previous models had significant weaknesses: They were either based on oversimplified neuron models and therefore strayed significantly from biological reality, or they depicted the biophysical processes within cells in detail, but were incapable of carrying out similar tasks to the brain.

Dogs 10,000 years ago roamed with bands of humans and came in all shapes and sizes

From village dogs to toy poodles to mastiffs, dogs come in an astonishing array of shapes, colors and sizes. Today there are estimated to be about 700 million dogs living with or around humans.

To many of us, are loyal companions, working partners, and beloved family members—and the histories of our species are deeply woven together. But how did this incredible diversity come to be—and how far back does this relationship with humans go?

Two new studies published today in Science provide some answers. One, led by Allowen Evin from the University of Montpelier, draws on ancient skeletal remains. The other, led by Shao-Jie Zhang from the Kunming Institute of Zoology, draws on the study of DNA from ancient Eastern Eurasian dogs.

Particles that enhance mRNA delivery could reduce vaccine dosage and costs

New nanoparticles that enhance mRNA delivery could reduce vaccine dosage, costs, and possibly even side effects. “Our goal has been to try to make nanoparticles that can give you a safe and effective vaccine response but at a much lower dose,” Daniel Anderson says.

A new lipid nanoparticle could make mRNA vaccines more effective and potentially lower the cost per dose. New research suggests an mRNA influenza vaccine delivered with the new particle could generate the same immune response as mRNA delivered by standard nanoparticles, but at around 1/100 the dose.

Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Prostate Cancer: Where Are we?

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) reflect a new promising approach in prostate cancer, even more so after the practice-changing results in other malignancies, either hematologic or solid. ADCs consist of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) targeted at specific antigens overly expressed on cancer cells compared to normal cells. A cytotoxic payload is attached to the mAb using a stable linker. In prostate cancer, PSMA, STEAP1, TROP2, CD46 and B7-H3 are antigens currently being studied as targets for ADCs. In this paper, we discuss the composition of ADCs and focus on their application and challenges as treatment options in prostate cancer.

Keywords: Antibody-drug conjugate; Monoclonal antibody; PSMA; Precision oncology; Prostate cancer.

Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Crosstalk between acetylation modification and autophagy in cancer: roles, mechanisms, and therapeutic potential

Cancer therapy targeting acetylation and autophagy.

💡 Liu, Y., Yan, Z., Fu, Z. et al. Cell Death Discov. 11, 522 (2025).

💡 Liu, Y., Yan, Z., Fu, Z. et al. Crosstalk between acetylation modification and autophagy in cancer: roles: mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2024;46:816–28.

Scientists Trace Lupus to One of The World’s Most Common Viruses

One of the world’s most common viral infections could underlie virtually every case of lupus, according to a recent study providing the strongest evidence yet for a link.

The research, led by scientists at Stanford University, has found that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) could be the trigger behind the ‘cruel mystery’

EBV is the pathogen that causes ‘kissing disease’ (or mononucleosis), and according to the new findings, it can directly infect and reprogram specific immune cells, potentially driving the onset of the chronic autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus – better known as simply lupus.

Association of Platelet Aggregation With Markers of Alzheimer Disease Pathology in Middle-Aged Participants of the Framingham Heart Study

Background and ObjectivesVascular dysfunction contributes to Alzheimer disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRDs), but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Previous studies link midlife hemostasis and platelet aggregation measures to late-life…

Degradation and Failure Phenomena at the Dentin Bonding Interface

Damage in the bonding interface is a significant factor that leads to premature failure of dental bonded restorations. The imperfectly bonded dentin-adhesive interface is susceptible to hydrolytic degradation and bacterial and enzyme attack, severely jeopardizing restorations’ longevity. Developing caries around previously made restorations, also called “recurrent or secondary caries,” is a significant health problem. The replacement of restorations is the most prevailing treatment in dental clinics, leading to the so-called “tooth death spiral”. In other words, every time a restoration is replaced, more tooth tissue is removed, increasing the size of the restorations until the tooth is eventually lost. This process leads to high financial costs and detriment to patients’ quality of life.

NAD+ Rescues Mouse Tauopathy by Fixing Alternative Splicing

A new study reveals a surprising mechanism that might be behind the beneficial effects of NAD+ in preclinical models of Alzheimer’s [1].

Which way to splice it?

Not every part of a DNA sequence gets translated into a protein. Each sequence consists of exons, which are included in the final RNA transcript, and introns, which are thrown away.

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