Biotech/medical – Lifeboat News: The Blog

Feb 10
2025

New Blood Test Can Diagnose Multiple Cancers, Even at Early Stages

When cancer is detected earlier, it can improve outcomes for patients. Liquid biopsies are one way to improve cancer detection; these tests can analyze DNA in blood samples, which can reveal the presence of tumors because of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Usually, genetic sequencing is used to assess this DNA, but that usually only identifies some types of cancers. Scientists have now created a new blood test called TriOx, which can analyze ctDNA in multiple ways and detect six types of cancer. The work has been reported in Nature Communications.

Usually, the analysis of ctDNA only focuses on one feature of the genome such as small variations in the DNA sequence that can reveal cancer, but TriOx uses an advanced tool called whole-genome TAPS (TET-Assisted Pyridine Borane Sequencing), which was combined with machine learning. This technique can analyze genetic as well as epigenetic features of DNA, like methylation.

Feb 10
2025

Researchers Discover Simple Solution To Break Down “Forever” Chemicals

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are industrial chemicals used in the manufacturing of thousands of products, including cosmetics, carpeting, non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, food packaging, and waterproof clothing.

They’re everywhere — the environment, our food, and even in our bodies. Peer-reviewed studies have shown that exposure to PFAS may lead to decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, and increased risk of some cancers. And they take hundreds or even thousands of years to break down.

For roughly the past 10 years, researchers have been looking for ways to remove PFAS from the environment or at least degrade them into harmless, inorganic compounds.

Feb 10
2025

Groundbreaking New Research Reveals How Working Out Could Prevent Dementia

A study confirms the positive effects of exercise on insulinInsulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, crucial for regulating blood glucose levels. It helps cells in the body absorb glucose from the bloodstream and convert it into energy or store it for future use. Insulin production and action are essential for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. In people with diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or cannot effectively use the insulin it does produce (Type 2 diabetes), leading to elevated levels of glucose in the blood. This can cause various health complications over time, including heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve dysfunction. Insulin therapy, where insulin is administered through injections or an insulin pump, is a common treatment for managing diabetes, particularly Type 1. The discovery of insulin in 1921 by Frederick Banting and Charles Best was a landmark in medical science, transforming diabetes from a fatal disease to a manageable condition. tabindex=0 insulin signaling proteins in the brain.

Feb 9
2025

Balding cure: We may finally have a simple way to reverse hair loss

More than half of men and millions of women are affected by hair loss. It causes low self-esteem in some and anxiety in others. Thankfully, scientists around the world are getting to the roots of the problem with pioneering new treatments.

Feb 9
2025

World’s first genetically modified horse produced in Argentina

Argentine scientists created the world’s first genetically edited horse using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Next projects include gene editing in pigs and cows.

Feb 9
2025

An efficient artificial neural network-based optimization techniques for the early prediction of coronary heart disease: comprehensive analysis

Mondal, S., Maity, R. & Nag, A. Sci Rep 15, 4,827 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-85765-x.

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Feb 9
2025

Synthetic transmembrane DNA receptors enable engineered sensing and actuation

Synthetically replicating transmembrane protein signal transduction is a gaol of synthetic biology. Here, the authors show how the dimerization of synthetic transmembrane DNA receptors can be used to engineer sensing and actuation cascades in response to external molecular signals.

Feb 9
2025

R-loops acted on by RNase H1 influence DNA replication timing and genome stability in Leishmania

All genomes are replicated in a temporal order, though the determinants of such timing are poorly characterized. Here, the authors show that the unusual chromosome size-dependent DNA replication timing in Leishmania is influenced by RNA-DNA hybrids that are recognised by the endonuclease RNase H1.

Feb 9
2025

“Living” Biomaterial Aims To Advance Regenerative Medicine

Penn State researchers have created LivGels, a self-healing hydrogel that mimics extracellular matrix (ECM) properties, including strain-stiffening and mechanical adaptability.