Lifeboat Foundation: Safeguarding Humanity
Toggle light / dark theme

Blog

Category: biotech/medical – Page 635

Pioneering technique reveals new layer of human gene regulation

A technique can determine for the first time how frequently, and exactly where, a molecular event called “backtracking” occurs throughout the genetic material (genome) of any species, a new study shows.

Published online February 9 in Molecular Cell, the study results support the theory that backtracking represents a widespread form of gene regulation, which influences thousands of , including many involved in basic life processes like and development in the womb.

Led by researchers from NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the work revolves around genes, the stretches of DNA molecular “letters” arranged in a certain order (sequence) to encode the blueprints for most organisms. In both humans and bacteria, the first step in a gene’s expression, transcription, proceeds as a protein “machine” called RNA polymerase II ticks down the DNA chain, reading genetic instructions in one direction.

Heart organoids simulate pregestational diabetes-induced congenital heart disease

An advanced human heart organoid system can be used to model embryonic heart development under pregestational diabetes-like conditions, researchers report in the journal Stem Cell Reports.

The organoids recapitulate hallmarks of pregestational diabetes-induced congenital heart disease found in mice and humans. The findings also showed that (ER) stress and lipid imbalance are critical factors contributing to these disorders, which could be ameliorated with exposure to omega-3s.

“The new stem cell-based organoid technology employed will enable physiologically relevant studies in humans, allowing us to bypass animal models and obtain more information about relevant disease mechanisms, accelerating drug discovery and medical translation,” says senior study author Aitor Aguirre of Michigan State University.

Is There a Place for Digital Pathology in Cancer Diagnosis?

Histopathology describes the process of examining pieces of tissue using a microscope. Light microscopic (LM) examination of tissue helps diagnose several types of cancer by allowing pathologists to view cellular changes within a biopsy sample.

The workload of pathologists has increased in recent years due to policies that encourage screening for early cancer diagnoses. In addition, longer life expectancies and scientific advances have led to an increased number of cancer survivors, further increasing the need for pathology evaluations. Thus, strategies to efficiently utilize the limited pathology resources have become essential to maintaining standards of care and the health and safety of patients.

Digital pathology (DP) has emerged as an alternative method for analyzing tissue samples by stitching together digital images from histopathology slides. Automated slide scanners can rapidly generate these high-resolution images with minimal human interaction. In addition to the speed, DP does not require a microscope, offering remote viewing possibilities. Pathologists and other healthcare professionals can easily share images.

Daedalus, which is building precision-manufacturing factories powered by AI, raises $21M

A fledgling startup founded by one of OpenAI’s first engineering hires is looking to “redefine manufacturing,” with AI-powered factories for creating bespoke precision parts.

Daedalus, as the company is called, is based in the southwestern German city of Karlsruhe, where its solo factory is currently housed. Here, Daedalus takes orders from industries such as medical devices, aerospace, defense, and semiconductors, each requiring unique components for their products. For example, a pharmaceutical company might require a customized metal casing for a valve used in the production of a particular medicine.

As it looks to ramp up operations with a view toward opening additional factories in its domestic market, Daedalus today announced it has raised $21 million in a Series A round of funding led by Nokia-funded NGP Capital, with participation from existing investors Khosla Ventures and Addition.

Urokinase therapy improves diabetic foot ulcers healing and decreases CV events in diabetes patients

Urokinase therapy improves diabetic foot ulcer healing and decreases CV events in diabetes patients suggests a new study published in the BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care.

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a disabling complication of diabetes mellitus. Here, we attempted to assess whether long-term intrafemoral artery infusion of low-dose urokinase therapy improved Diabetic foot ulcers and decreased cardiovascular events in patients with Diabetic foot ulcers were randomized to continuous intrafemoral thrombolysis or conventional therapy groups. The continuous intrafemoral thrombolysis group received continuous intrafemoral urokinase injection for 7 days, and conventional therapy just received wound debridement and dressing change. Then, a follow-up of average 6.5 years was performed. Results: Compared with conventional therapy, at the first 1 month of intervention stage, the ulcers achieved a significant improvement in continuous intrafemoral thrombolysis group including a complete closure (72.4% vs 17.5%), an improved ulcer (27.6% vs 25.8%), unchanged or impaired ulcer (0% vs 56.7%). During the 6.