Self-replicating protocells created in lab may be life’s “missing link”

Exactly how life first emerged from non-living matter is one of the most enduring mysteries of science. In a new study, Japanese scientists have created self-replicating protocells in the lab, which they say could represent the “missing link” between c… Continue reading Self-replicating protocells created in lab may be life’s “missing link”

Fossilized cartilage reveals dinosaur cells in incredible detail

Paleontologists have isolated cartilage cells from an exceptionally well-preserved dinosaur fossil in China. The cells’ nuclei still contain traces of biomolecules and other organic structures, and the scientists are even able to tell which stage of th… Continue reading Fossilized cartilage reveals dinosaur cells in incredible detail

Artificial cells created that imitate basic functions of living cells

It may sound like the start of a Frankenstein story, but scientists from New York University (NYU) and the University of Chicago have developed artificial cells made of non-biological matter that mimic the basic functions of living ones.Continue Readin… Continue reading Artificial cells created that imitate basic functions of living cells

Ultrasound guides supercharged immune cells to only attack cancer

CAR T cell therapy is a promising new potential treatment for cancer, but it can trigger dangerous side effects in healthy tissue. Now, researchers at the University of California San Diego have found a way to focus the treatment more precisely, by eng… Continue reading Ultrasound guides supercharged immune cells to only attack cancer

Blood pressure “barometer” cells discovered in the kidney

Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have discovered a population of natural barometers that monitor and maintain our blood pressure. The cellular sensors have long been presumed to be located in a certain type of cell in the ki… Continue reading Blood pressure “barometer” cells discovered in the kidney

Picky protein behind inflammation offers new target for MS treatments

With no cure and treatments that focus primarily on managing symptoms and slowing progression of the disease, there is a dire need for new therapies to tackle multiple sclerosis (MS). Scientists have just made a promising discovery through experiments … Continue reading Picky protein behind inflammation offers new target for MS treatments

Protective protein prevents cancer cells spreading into the bloodstream

Cancer becomes far more dangerous when it spreads through the body. Now, researchers at Johns Hopkins University have identified a protein that stops cells getting into the bloodstream – and found that metastasizing cancer cells ignore it. This may rev… Continue reading Protective protein prevents cancer cells spreading into the bloodstream

Microbiome metabolites may boost cancer immunotherapy effectiveness

It’s hard to overstate the incredible influence our gut microbiome has on our health. Now, researchers have found that certain metabolites from intestinal bacteria could boost the cancer-killing effect of immunotherapy.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical… Continue reading Microbiome metabolites may boost cancer immunotherapy effectiveness

“Hybrid” brain cells found to recognize familiar faces faster

Functionally, human faces basically all look the same – and yet, our brains are extremely fast at recognizing the faces of people important to us. Now, a new study has identified a previously unknown population of brain cells that may be hybrids of sen… Continue reading “Hybrid” brain cells found to recognize familiar faces faster

New CAR-NK cell immunotherapy safely tackles breast cancers in lab tests

Immunotherapy is a promising avenue for cancer treatment, but it has trouble against solid tumors without triggering major side effects. Now, researchers at McMaster University have developed a new form of the treatment that supercharges a different ty… Continue reading New CAR-NK cell immunotherapy safely tackles breast cancers in lab tests