Cashew shell compound helps repair MS nerve damage in rats

Scientists have identified a chemical compound that may unlock new treatments for autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS). In tests on cell cultures and rats, the team found that anacardic acid, which occurs in the shell of cashew nuts, seemed… Continue reading Cashew shell compound helps repair MS nerve damage in rats

New blood thinner prevents clots with less risk of excess bleeding

We need our blood to walk a very fine line between flowing freely and clotting, and treatments for blood clots in the body naturally come with a risk of excessive bleeding from an injury. But now, researchers at EPFL have developed a synthetic blood th… Continue reading New blood thinner prevents clots with less risk of excess bleeding

New Harvard vaccine technique coats red blood cells in nanoparticles

Researchers at Harvard have developed a new platform for producing vaccines – and the secret ingredient is blood. The technique involves loading red blood cells with antigens that they can then use to generate a specific immune response, and tests in m… Continue reading New Harvard vaccine technique coats red blood cells in nanoparticles

Novel nanocrystal treatments could protect cells from radiation damage

Ideally, the body is protected from damaging radiation before it reaches us, by shielding materials or clothing. But now, researchers in South Korea have developed a new type of drug that could prevent some of the tissue damage radiation causes, which … Continue reading Novel nanocrystal treatments could protect cells from radiation damage

New drug helps reduce brain damage from a stroke in mice

Strokes can leave lifelong lingering issues, as neurons are damaged and die. But now, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute have identified a new drug that could help prevent damage even after a stroke, with tests in mice showing … Continue reading New drug helps reduce brain damage from a stroke in mice

Bacterial attack system hijacked and controlled with light

Some bacteria are known to inject toxins into host cells using a syringe-like appendage. Past research has found that we might be able to hijack that as a new drug delivery system, and now scientists from the Max Planck Institute have developed a way t… Continue reading Bacterial attack system hijacked and controlled with light

“Peptide pills” breakthrough could open new avenue for oral drugs

Peptides do important work, and could be a largely untapped type of drug. The problem is they can’t be taken orally, because stomach acids destroy them before they can get into the bloodstream. Now, researchers at EPFL have developed a new method of te… Continue reading “Peptide pills” breakthrough could open new avenue for oral drugs

Experimental cancer drug appears more effective, less toxic than others

A new study has shown that an experimental class of cancer drugs has wider potential than previously thought. BET inhibitors are currently being tested against blood cancers, but now researchers have found a new version of this drug that, in mouse test… Continue reading Experimental cancer drug appears more effective, less toxic than others

FDA pulls common heartburn drug from US market after carcinogen concerns

After a year of investigation the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has completely withdrawn all ranitidine products from the American market. Studies have revealed levels of a carcinogenic compound can increase in the product over time, particular… Continue reading FDA pulls common heartburn drug from US market after carcinogen concerns

Solving a molecular mystery may have opened new class of cancer drugs

Researchers at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have solved a molecular mystery that might lead to new treatments for cancer. The team has uncovered just how a strange molecule works to kill cancer by inducing a little-known type of cell death, a… Continue reading Solving a molecular mystery may have opened new class of cancer drugs