The gene that triggers lupus has been identified
A DNA mutation causes the TLR7 protein to malfunction, triggering errors in the immune system and the lupus disease.
A biomarker to discover liver tumours
Fragments of RNA lost in the blood by cancer cells appear to reveal the presence of liver cancer at an early stage when it can still be treated effectively
LED lights from rice waste
Researchers at Hiroshima University in Japan have developed a technique to sustainably use the large amounts of silicon contained in manufacturing waste.
Are the symptoms of autism already evident during pregnancy?
Two U.S. studies reveal that the insula and amygdala in the brain are enlarged in the early months of gestation in autistic children.
A Super-microscope instead of biopsies
Innovative equipment developed by Columbia University. Oncology surgeons will be able to obtain a real-time map of tumour tissues without taking samples.
When humans infect animals
‘Spillback’ is when human pathogens mutate and affect other species, and almost a hundred cases have been recorded in the last twenty years.
Super-insulin from sea snails
Conus snails produce extremely fast-acting insulin, which they use to paralyse their prey. If suitably modified this molecule may be useful for diabetics.
Music and audio beats against anxiety
A study by Ryerson University shows that sounds with a pre-set frequency and volume, combined with music chosen by AI, tangibly enhance the calming effect.
The brain lives on for 30 seconds after death
An unexpected discovery made by an international team, examining the results of an EEG on an elderly patient, who died while the test was in progress.
A new gene therapy for Mediterranean anaemia
A new gene therapy for Mediterranean anaemia. Genetic engineering techniques are employed to repair diseased blood stem cells.
A 'bio-hybrid' fish helps study the heart
The little artificial fish contains two layers of human heart cells, which contract to create a sophisticated model of how the heart also moves.
A genetic migraine map has been developed
An international consortium has analysed data from 873,000 people and identified 123 DNA areas linked to the headaches. Possible more effective drugs.
Researchers identify possible ‘drivers’ of muscular dystrophy.
Sphingolipids are molecules that appear to play a major role in the disease. If studies are confirmed it may pave the way for new and more effective drugs.
“This is how we reactivated the spinal cord”
These are the words of Silvestro Micera, head of the bioengineering section of a project, which has allowed three paraplegics to begin to walk again.
Magnesium helps immunotherapy for tumours
Encouraging results of a study from Basel. Magnesium activates a protein on the outer wall of T lymphocytes, essential for boosting defences.
A marker to measure depression
A blood test can determine the activity of a key molecule in depressive disorders and the effect of treatment, without having to wait weeks or months.
More ‘tailored’ vaccines for dog allergies
Japanese researchers have managed to pinpoint spots on certain molecules produced by dogs that are the strongest allergens. Possible new vaccines.
Type 1 diabetes: new stem cell treatments
Positive results for a technique tested on 26 patients by a team of international researchers. The cells differentiate in six months and produce insulin.