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Researchers have used a machine learning model to identify three compounds that could combat aging. They say their approach could be an effective way of identifying new drugs, especially for complex diseases.

Cell division is necessary for our body to grow and for tissues to renew themselves. Cellular senescence describes the phenomenon where cells permanently stop dividing but remain in the body, causing tissue damage and aging across body organs and systems.

Ordinarily, senescent cells are cleared from the body by our immune system. But, as we age, our immune system is less effective at clearing out these cells and their number increases. An increase in senescent cells has been associated with diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and the hallmarks of aging such as worsening eyesight and reduced mobility. Given the potentially deleterious effects on the body, there has been a push to develop effective senolytics, compounds that clear out senescent cells.

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This research designed polymersomes with inhomogeneous membranes capable of programmed drug release with accurate control by modifying the molecular architecture and photo-cross-linking degree of the polymer. The process involved introduced crystalline PCL moiety as part of the membrane’s molecular structure via the synthesis of three polymersomes with different hydrophobic chains, PEO43-b-P(CL45-stat-CTCL25), PEO43-b-P(CL108-stat-CTCL16), and PEO43-b-PCTCL4-b-PCL79. As a result of the amorphous PCTCL moieties in the membranes, high permeability with finely tunable drug release rate was achieved. A series of mesoscopic dynamics (MesoDyn) simulations and doxorubicin release tests affirmed that the membrane permeability is indeed related to the membrane phase separation of the polymersome. In conclusion, membrane phase separation technique used for the modification of polymersomes improved programmed drug release rate; thus, promising great significance in the field of drug delivery.

In the field of biomedicine, small molecules relied on membranes such as polymersomes as carriers for drug delivery. Thus, the effectiveness and efficiency of drug delivery become key focus points when considering treatment development for a range of diseases, including cancer. Despite being heavily researched and among the promising choice as drug delivery vessels, conventional polymersome membranes lack efficiency due to its homogeneity, making it harder for the drug to be released. This led to recent research centering their attentions in modifying and customizing polymersome membranes to allow programmed release of small molecular drugs to meet the demands of biomedical practices. As a continuation of past efforts, this research intends to overcome the challenge of high permeability of the PCTCL-based polymersomes caused by their amorphous nature, rendering it efficient to deliver small molecules for broader applications.

Continue reading “Well-controlled Permeability of the Polymersomes for Efficient Drug Delivery” »

Researchers from North Carolina State University have identified a microRNA (miRNA) that could promote hair regeneration. This miRNA – miR-218-5p – plays an important role in regulating the pathway involved in follicle regeneration, and could be a candidate for future drug development.

Hair growth depends on the health of dermal papillae (DP) cells, which regulate the hair follicle growth cycle. Current treatments for hair loss can be costly and ineffective, ranging from invasive surgery to chemical treatments that don’t produce the desired result. Recent hair loss research indicates that hair follicles don’t disappear where balding occurs, they just shrink. If DP cells could be replenished at those sites, the thinking goes, then the follicles might recover.

A research team led by Ke Cheng, Randall B. Terry, Jr. Distinguished Professor in Regenerative Medicine at NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine and professor in the NC State/UNC Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, cultured DP cells both alone (2D) and in a 3D spheroid environment. A spheroid is a three-dimensional cellular structure that effectively recreates a cell’s natural microenvironment.

Some people choose cryopreservation after death, hoping future technology will revive them for eternal life.

It’s not every day that police storm through the doors of a scientific session and eject half the audience.

But that is what occurred on Friday at the Boston Convention and Exhbition Center during a round of scientific presentations featuring Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, a specialist in “rejuvenation” technology at a secretive, wealthy, anti-aging startup called Altos Labs.

A major limitation in aging research is the lack of reliable biomarkers to assess phenotypic changes with age or monitor response to antiaging interventions. This study investigates the role of intracellular ferrous iron (Fe₂⁺) as a potential biomarker of senescence. Iron is known to accumulate in various tissues with age and recent studies have demonstrated that its level increases dramatically in senescent cells. The current techniques used to measure the accumulation of iron are cumbersome and only measure total iron not specific isotopes such as the redox reactive Fe₂⁺. It is still to be determined whether the damaging form of iron (Fe₂⁺) is specifically elevated in senescent cells. In this study, we assessed the potential use of a newly discovered Fe₂⁺ reactive probe (SiRhoNox-1) for selective labeling of senescent cells in vitro. For this we have generated various senescent cell models and subjected them to SiRhoNox-1 labeling. Our results indicate that SiRhoNox-1 selectivity labels live senescent cells and was more specific and faster than current staining such as SA-βGal or a derived fluorescent probe C₁₂ FDG. Together these findings suggest that SiRhoNox-1 may serve as a convenient tool to detect senescent cells based on their ferrous iron level.

Keywords: SiRhoNox-1; aging; biomarker; iron; senescence.

Scientists from a collection of Chinese research institutions collaborated on a study of organ regeneration in mammals, finding deer antler blastema progenitor cells are a possible source of conserved regeneration cells in higher vertebrates. Published in the journal Science, the researchers suggest the findings have applications in clinical bone repair. With the activation of key characteristic genes, it could potentially be used in regenerative medicine for skeletal, long bone or limb regeneration.

Limb and organ regeneration is a long coveted technology in medical science. Humans have some limited regenerative abilities, mostly in our livers. If a portion of the liver is removed, the remaining liver will begin to grow until it reaches its original functional size. Lungs, kidneys, and pancreas can do this also, though not as thoroughly or efficiently.

Continue reading “Regenerating bone with deer antler stem cells” »

Population aging is the top global demographic trend; the pandemic can teach us how to prepare for it.

Total world population passed the 8 billion milestone on November 15, 2022. The progression from 7 to 8 billion people took a mere 12 years, conjuring up long-standing fears associated with rapid population growth, including food shortages, rampant unemployment, the depletion of natural resources, and unchecked environmental degradation.

But the most formidable demographic challenge facing the world is no longer rapid population growth, but population aging. Thoughtful preparedness—combining behavioral changes, investment in human capital and infrastructure, policy and institutional reforms, and technological innovations—can enable countries to meet the challenge and take advantage of the opportunities presented by demographic change.