3D microscope video tracks virus zipping around in real time

Scientists at Duke University have created a real-time video that captures the frantic movements of a single virus as it tries to infect a cell. The video shows a part of the process that’s normally hard to see.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, Scienc… Continue reading 3D microscope video tracks virus zipping around in real time

First human patients receive transfusions of lab-grown blood cells

For the first time ever, human patients have received transfusions of blood cells that were grown from stem cells in a lab. A clinical trial investigating the safety of the procedure is currently underway, which could revolutionize blood transfusions.C… Continue reading First human patients receive transfusions of lab-grown blood cells

Cancer vaccine using “zombie” cells shows promise in mouse tests

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so they say. Scientists have now demonstrated a new potential cancer vaccine that involves injections of dormant tumor cells to stimulate the immune system and help prevent the onset of cancer.Continue R… Continue reading Cancer vaccine using “zombie” cells shows promise in mouse tests

Modified blood cells deliver antibiotics to kill dangerous bacteria

Drugs given to the whole body can be too much of a shotgun approach, damaging cells that aren’t meant to be targeted. A new study has found that cloaking drugs inside red blood cells could help guide powerful but toxic antibiotics to target bacteria.Co… Continue reading Modified blood cells deliver antibiotics to kill dangerous bacteria

Trojan horse trick is key to Toxoplasma parasite infections in humans

Toxoplasma gondii is a common parasite in humans, but exactly how it’s so good at spreading has been murky. Now scientists at Stockholm University have uncovered a sneaky Trojan horse technique that allows it to avoid the immune system.Continue Reading… Continue reading Trojan horse trick is key to Toxoplasma parasite infections in humans

Engineered protein calms immune cells to prevent autoimmune diseases

Our immune system is the first line of defense against disease, but unfortunately it can go rogue and attack healthy tissues. Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have now engineered a protein that may help prevent these autoimmune diseases by boosti… Continue reading Engineered protein calms immune cells to prevent autoimmune diseases

Engineered protein calms immune cells to prevent autoimmune diseases

Our immune system is the first line of defense against disease, but unfortunately it can go rogue and attack healthy tissues. Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have now engineered a protein that may help prevent these autoimmune diseases by boosti… Continue reading Engineered protein calms immune cells to prevent autoimmune diseases

Engineered protein calms immune cells to prevent autoimmune diseases

Our immune system is the first line of defense against disease, but unfortunately it can go rogue and attack healthy tissues. Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have now engineered a protein that may help prevent these autoimmune diseases by boosti… Continue reading Engineered protein calms immune cells to prevent autoimmune diseases

Scientists implant human brain cells into rats and control their behavior

Researchers at Stanford University have transplanted human neurons into rat brains, seen them mature into hybridized brain circuits and then used them to influence the rodents’ behavior. The work marks an impressive step forward for neuroscience, and c… Continue reading Scientists implant human brain cells into rats and control their behavior

“Zombie cells” targeted by anti-aging therapies may not be all bad

Senescent cells are somewhat of a boogeyman lately, blamed for many of the unpleasant effects of aging. As such, they’re targeted by an increasing range of anti-aging therapies – but we might not want to wipe them all out, as a new study suggests that … Continue reading “Zombie cells” targeted by anti-aging therapies may not be all bad