Lifeboat Foundation: Safeguarding Humanity
Toggle light / dark theme

Blog

Category: health – Page 64

Enzyme Key to Brain Function and Synapse Health Discovered

Summary: A new study reveals that the absence of the TRMT10A enzyme disrupts tRNA levels, leading to impaired protein synthesis and brain function. Researchers found that mice lacking the Trmt10a gene had decreased levels of key tRNAs, which affected neuronal synapses and cognitive abilities.

The findings suggest that while tRNA reduction occurs in multiple tissues, the brain is particularly vulnerable to its effects. This research could pave the way for new therapies targeting tRNA modification to treat intellectual disabilities.

Growing Yeast on the Moon to Study Radiation Risks to Human Explorers

This is actually an addition to Genevieve’s post on CubeSat.

Humans are returning to the Moon for the first time in decades, and we intend to stay. NASA’s Artemis missions are preparing for a sustained human presence on and around the Moon, with the ultimate goal of sending humans to Mars. These deep-space destinations present health risks to astronauts that are qualitatively and quantitatively different from those associated with stays on the International Space Station (ISS). One of the most significant risks for astronauts venturing outside the protection of Earth’s magnetic field is ionizing radiation: Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR), Solar Particle Events (SPE), and the “albedo” radiation produced by the interaction of space radiation with the lunar surface. Exposure to ionizing radiation can result in an increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological impairment.

Logan Collins

Hi folks, I’d like to invite you to a webinar I will be giving on my research, hosted by the Foresight Institute! It takes place this Friday at 12:00pm CST. You can sign up on the linked page. The donation is optional, so if you don’t want to donate, you can just put $0.00. I hope to see you there!

Biotech and Health Extension sponsored by 100 Plus Capital

Viruses inside vaults: a powerful new gene therapy delivery system

Bio: Logan Thrasher Collins is a synthetic biologist, author, and futurist. He is currently a PhD candidate in biomedical engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. Logan began engaging in scientific research during his sophomore year of high school when he created a new synthetic biology approach for combatting antibiotic resistant infections. Since then, he has led research projects on developing x-ray microscopy techniques for connectomics, using molecular dynamics simulations to study SARS-CoV-2, and inventing novel gene therapy delivery systems. Logan has spoken at TEDxMileHigh and has published peer-reviewed scientific papers on his research. He has also published science fiction and sci-fi poetry and as well as a peer-reviewed philosophy journal article. Logan passionately advocates for applying interdisciplinary solutions to global challenges and leverages both the arts and sciences to help build a bright future.

Scientists Create Microscopic Robots to Treat Brain Aneurysms Safely

Scientists have developed microscopic robots capable of treating brain aneurysms with unprecedented precision, offering a potential alternative to invasive brain surgeries. An international team, including researchers from the University of Edinburgh, engineered these nanorobots to safely and accurately deliver life-saving medications to the brain. This advancement comes in the context of a global health challenge, […].

AF hospital adds ‘virus-zapping’ robot to inventory

This was created by a company called Xenex a decade ago In San Antonio Texas, where I used to live.

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. (AFNS) — Standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall, U.S. Air Force Hospital Langley’s newest staff member doesn’t initially have a commanding presence; however, after five minutes, its impact has the potential to save countless lives around the world.

The 633rd Medical Group received a germ-zapping robot, nicknamed “Saul,” which harnesses the power of technology to kill off viruses — including the Ebola virus. Airmen were given a demonstration of the robots functions and capabilities from Geri Genant, the Xenex Healthcare Services implementation manager.

Shortly after the president issued an executive order addressing the critical issue of Ebola, the 633rd MDG responded with cutting-edge technology to protect the health of the service members, their families and the community.

Groundbreaking Study Unveils Novel Treatment for Blocking SARS-CoV-2 Entry into Cells

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on global public health and the economy. Although vaccines and antivirals have provided effective protection and treatment, the development of new small molecule-based antiviral candidates is imperative to improve clinical outcomes against SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we identified UNI418, a dual PIKfyve and PIP5K1C inhibitor, as a new chemical agent that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells. UNI418 inhibited the proteolytic activation of cathepsins, which is regulated by PIKfyve, resulting in the inhibition of cathepsin L-dependent proteolytic cleavage of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein into its mature form, a critical step for viral endosomal escape. We also demonstrated that UNI418 prevented ACE2-mediated endocytosis of the virus via PIP5K1C inhibition. Our results identified PIKfyve and PIP5K1C as potential antiviral targets and UNI418 as a putative therapeutic compound against SARS-CoV-2.

Despite the ongoing threat posed by new viruses following the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which led to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, new antiviral drugs continue to be developed to effectively block viral entry into the human body.

Professor Kyungjae Myung and his research team in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, affiliated with the IBS Center for Genomic Integrity, has discovered UNI418, a compound that effectively prevents the penetration of the coronavirus. This compound works by regulating dielectric homeostasis, thereby inhibiting the virus’s entry into human cells.

Microplastics in the Olfactory Bulb of the Human Brain

Question Can microplastics reach the olfactory bulb in the human brain?

Findings This case series analyzed the olfactory bulbs of 15 deceased individuals via micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and detected the presence of microplastics in the olfactory bulbs of 8 individuals. The predominant shapes were particles and fibers, with polypropylene being the most common polymer.

Meaning The presence of microplastics in the human olfactory bulb suggests the olfactory pathway as a potential entry route for microplastics into the brain, highlighting the need for further research on their neurotoxic effects and implications for human health.