Paolo Rossi Castelli
Is sleep really only good for the brain?
New studies reveal that even living beings with no nervous system need to sleep. Other parts of the body are affected like immune and digestive systems.
A 'liquid' vest to measure breath
Researchers have created a high-tech fabric that can detect slightest vibration. It will be useful for athletes, singers, and patients in rehabilitation.
‘Friendly’ viruses to defeat the most dangerous bacteria
A recent study has reproposed the idea of using ‘phages’- viruses that are harmless to humans but often lethal for bacteria – instead of antibiotics.
A vaccine ingredient (in short supply) from Chile
The bark of the Quillaja Saponaria tree contains saponins used as ‘adjuvants’ in the Covid vaccines by Novavax. However, excess demand may cause problems.
Will DNA mapping be the future for all newborns?
This UK pilot project involves 200,000 children. Its aim is early-stage diagnosis of rare genetic disease. There are some controversial issues to resolve.
In the wake of COVID, a Hepatitis C vaccine is on the horizon
An American team has discovered how the hepatitis virus enters the liver: it resembles the approach used by COVID-19. Now a vaccine is possible.
A surprising fact: fires ‘fertilise’ oceans
An international team studied the effects of Australia’s bushfires. Ash released into the air by burning trees becomes food for phytoplankton on the sea.
New DNA-based Covid vaccines
An Indian pharmaceutical company has been given the go-ahead to market a COVID DNA vaccine, which may pave the way for an entirely new category of vaccines
Arthrosis, cells from the nose to treat knees
A successful experiment at Basel hospital on two young patients with a serious form of arthrosis. Cells from the nasal septum were implanted in the knee.
Immunotherapy: testing to see if it works in advance
Some patients gain no benefit from cancer therapies, for reasons as yet unknown. US researchers have identified a marker to avoid unnecessary treatments.
Personalised oncological treatment with a special ‘sandwich’
A new device allows simulation of the effect of oncological treatment for various types of cancers and selection of the most effective for each patient.
Can intestinal bacteria help in the fight against tumours?
The substances produced by some types of microorganisms present in the intestine (microbiota) might improve the effect of oncological immunotherapy.
A means of ending Covid with defective copies of the virus?
When duplicated, viruses also create flawed copies of their genetic code. Once modified, these copies might actually be used as a treatment against Covid.
How an altered gene triggers Motor Neurone Disease (ALS)
A team of researchers has shed light on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, an illness which gradually paralyses muscles and currently has no effective cure.
A new strategy for tumours: “suffocation”
The HIF-1α gene helps melanoma and other forms of cancer to develop when there is very little oxygen. If deactivated, the tumour cells cannot survive.
Genetic “bullets” against cystic fibrosis
An experimental treatment is being analysed. Small molecules called oligonucleotides appear capable of repairing some of the damage caused by the illness.
New drug blocks the HIV virus in advance
Tests in the United States with a monoclonal antibody that ‘inhibits’ the protein used by the virus to enter cells.
Hope for blindness from a seaweed protein
Its name is opsin. When put into the eye of a patient with retinitis pigmentosa, it enabled recovery of the sight of the shape of some articles.