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Feb 2, 2024

DNA Targeting Drug Shows Efficacy for Colorectal Cancer

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, genetics

Colorectal cancer (also called bowel cancer) typically develops in the large bowel (colon) or rectum. Recent studies have shown significant rises in the number of colorectal cancer cases, particularly those in young adults. As we discussed earlier, the recently released estimated cancer statistics for 2024 predict colorectal cancer as the leading cause of mortality in men under 50 and the second-leading cause of mortality in women. Additionally, experts predict over 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancers this year.

To combat these troubling figures, ongoing research focused on the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancers remains a high priority and urgent need. This includes data recently published in Science Advances which demonstrates pre-clinical efficacy for a new treatment approach.

The study involves genetic material known as microbial or mislocalized DNA. This type of DNA arrises from cells that become damaged, thus no longer providing the correct genetic instructions. Damaged DNA can elicit various reactions in the body, including activating the immune response. Damaged DNA can therefore influence how the body responds to diseases, including colorectal cancer.

Feb 2, 2024

New tandem solar panel achieves world record conversion efficiency, 25%

Posted by in categories: solar power, sustainability

A pivotal achievement has been reached in the realm of energy transition with the development of a cutting-edge tandem solar panel. Interestingly, the solar panel has demonstrated an impressive conversion efficiency rate of 25 percent.

The 25 percent efficiency is a significant improvement above the average 24 percent efficiency found in commercial modules. This makes it the world’s most efficient perovskite silicon tandem solar module in an industrial configuration, as per the release.

This remarkable achievement marks a crucial milestone in the global transition towards sustainable energy sources.

Feb 2, 2024

How could this new type of room-temperature qubit usher in the next phase of quantum computing?

Posted by in categories: computing, quantum physics

The qubit attained quantum coherence for 100 nanoseconds, which an expert described as an “important milestone” in quantum computing research.

Feb 2, 2024

NASA Confirms New ‘Super-Earth’ Planet Discovery

Posted by in category: space

The planet, TOI-715 b, sits within the habitable zone of a star just 137 light-years from Earth.

Feb 2, 2024

Breakthrough could see robots with ‘fingertips’ as sensitive as humans

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, cyborgs, food, robotics/AI

Researchers have overcome a major challenge in biomimetic robotics by developing a sensor that, assisted by AI, can slide over braille text, accurately reading it at twice human speed. The tech could be incorporated into robot hands and prosthetics, providing fingertip sensitivity comparable to humans.

Human fingertips are incredibly sensitive. They can communicate details of an object as small as about half the width of a human hair, discern subtle differences in surface textures, and apply the right amount of force to grip an egg or a 20-lb (9 kg) bag of dog food without slipping.

Continue reading “Breakthrough could see robots with ‘fingertips’ as sensitive as humans” »

Feb 2, 2024

World’s 1st fault-tolerant quantum computer launching this year ahead of a 10,000-qubit machine in 2026

Posted by in categories: computing, quantum physics

QuEra has dramatically reduced the error rate in qubits — with its first commercially available machine using this technology launching with 256 physical qubits and 10 logical qubits.

Feb 2, 2024

YouTube: Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube

Posted by in category: media & arts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v\u003dON8vxUInQYA\u0026si\u003d7bam3JUgkIjDhzvz

Feb 2, 2024

Researchers discover epigenetic status determines metastasis

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, genetics

Scientists from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University have investigated in mice how spreading tumor cells behave at the site of metastasis. Some tumor cells immediately start to form metastases. Others leave the blood vessel and may then enter a long period of dormancy. What determines which path the cancer cells take is their epigenetic status. This was also confirmed in experiments with human tumor cells. The results of the study could pave the way for novel diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

The work appears in Nature Cancer.

What makes cancer so dangerous? Cancer cells that leave the primary tumor to reach distant sites of the body where they may grow into daughter tumors, called metastases. While most primary tumors can be effectively treated, metastases are the real danger. Oncologists estimate that more than 90% of all cancer deaths in are due to metastases.

Feb 2, 2024

Benefits of Nanotechnology for Cancer

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, nanotechnology

Nanotechnology offers specific benefits that will enable the future of cancer care. Find out here what these are.

Feb 2, 2024

Gene Editing Technology Approved in US for Sickle Cell Disease

Posted by in categories: bioengineering, biotech/medical, genetics, health

A gene editing tool using a system known as CRISPR-Cas9 has recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for sickle cell disease. The drug is known as Casgevy and the media has hailed this treatment as a ‘cure’ for sickle cell anemia patients. While it is still unclear if the drug completely cures these patients, clinical trials show exciting efficacy.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder affecting thousands of US citizens. Many of these patients are African American and Hispanic. In sickle cell disease, hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen throughout the body, is mutated. As a result, blood cells change shape in the form of a sickle, giving the disease its name. Unfortunately, the mutated cells cause disruption of blood flow and prevent other blood cells from delivering oxygen to the body. This disease is extremely rare and can lower the quality of life in patients. Previously, there were limited treatments options including transfusions and medications for pain management. However, Casgevy provides a new option to help treat the patient and relieve pain for over a year after a single treatment.

One-time treatment using Casgevy improved life quality for sickle cell patients. A single-arm trial was conducted at multiple health centers in adults and adolescents. These patients were screened for two vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) which are described as severely painful events due to a lack of oxygen delivery from sickle cell blood cells blocking blood flow. The primary measure of success in the trial was the number of VOCs after treatment. In total, 44 patients received Casgevy and 33 were able to follow up and be evaluated. Of the 33 patients that made it through the trial, 29 of them did not experience any VOCs for 12 months. This is a 93.5% success rate based on the number of patients that were analyzed. All 44 patients were able to successfully undergo treatment without any graft rejection. In addition, researchers concluded that this treatment was not only effective, but safe with few side effects.

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