Tightening a molecular “zipper” could help prevent hereditary blindness

Scientists in Europe have discovered a molecular “zipper” mechanism that can lead to cell death in the genetic disease retinitis pigmentosa. The good news is that injecting certain proteins could slow down or prevent vision impairment from the disease…. Continue reading Tightening a molecular “zipper” could help prevent hereditary blindness→

New plant-based, antimicrobial, spray-on coating keeps food fresh

Plastic wraps and containers may be great at preserving food, but they generate huge amounts of waste that can end up in the environment. Researchers at Harvard and Rutgers have developed a new plant-based, antimicrobial coating that can be sprayed ont… Continue reading New plant-based, antimicrobial, spray-on coating keeps food fresh→

Light-activated “photoimmunotherapy” kills brain cancer, reduces relapse

Scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research in London have developed a new light-activated “photoimmunotherapy” that could help treat brain cancer. The key is a compound that glows under light to guide surgeons to the tumor, while near-infrared ligh… Continue reading Light-activated “photoimmunotherapy” kills brain cancer, reduces relapse→

Modular optical computer chip allows stackable swappable functions

Engineers at MIT have developed a modular computer chip with components that can communicate using flashes of light. This could allow for electronics that can easily be upgraded with new sensors or processors, rather than replacing the whole chip.Conti… Continue reading Modular optical computer chip allows stackable swappable functions→

mRNA treatment repairs mouse hearts to “near normal” after heart attack

Researchers at the University of Houston have demonstrated a new technique for helping heart cells regenerate after a heart attack, using mRNA to return the cells to a stem-cell-like state. Tests in mice showed drastic improvements to heart function a … Continue reading mRNA treatment repairs mouse hearts to “near normal” after heart attack→

Chemical analysis may close the case on life on Venus

Whether or not there’s life on Venus is the subject of much debate among scientists, but a new study may close the case. Researchers at Cambridge have analyzed the Venusian atmosphere and found no sign of the chemical fingerprints microbes would be exp… Continue reading Chemical analysis may close the case on life on Venus→

Immunotherapy booster produces 10,000 times more cancer-fighting cells

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found that adding a booster protein can significantly improve the outcome of cancer immunotherapy. Tests in mice showed the protein produced 10,000 times more immune cells, with all mice surviving … Continue reading Immunotherapy booster produces 10,000 times more cancer-fighting cells→

Bizarre blue blobs in space may be born from galactic “belly flops”

Astronomers have discovered bizarre “blue blobs” in space. These blobs are clusters of young, blue stars that are isolated from any parent galaxy, suggesting they formed from a galactic “belly flop.”Continue ReadingCategory: Space, ScienceTags: Stars, … Continue reading Bizarre blue blobs in space may be born from galactic “belly flops”→

1 in 500 men may carry extra chromosome, raising risk of some diseases

A comprehensive genetic analysis of over 200,000 men has found that around one in 500 have an extra sex chromosome, with most of them unaware. That’s a much higher proportion than previously thought, and it seems to increase their risk of diseases like… Continue reading 1 in 500 men may carry extra chromosome, raising risk of some diseases→

1 in 500 men may carry extra chromosome, raising risk of some diseases

A comprehensive genetic analysis of over 200,000 men has found that around one in 500 have an extra sex chromosome, with most of them unaware. That’s a much higher proportion than previously thought, and it seems to increase their risk of diseases like… Continue reading 1 in 500 men may carry extra chromosome, raising risk of some diseases→