Breakthrough optogenetic therapy partially restores blind man’s vision

In a major breakthrough for regenerative medicine, scientists have partially restored vision in a blind man using an emerging technique called optogenetics. The approach involved injecting the patient’s eye with genes that code for light-sensitive prot… Continue reading Breakthrough optogenetic therapy partially restores blind man’s vision

First-of-a-kind fecal transplants assist in treatment of melanomas

As part of our ever-expanding toolbox in the fight against cancer, scientists are investigating how altering the gut microbiome through fecal transplants can help swing things in our favor. Where this may prove extremely valuable is in patients who hav… Continue reading First-of-a-kind fecal transplants assist in treatment of melanomas

Point-of-care prototype blood test reveals brain injuries in minutes

Generally, the way doctors detect traumatic brain injuries is through a CT scan, but recently we’ve seen how a protein called GFAP could play an important role in more prompt diagnoses. A blood test that uses this biomarker to reveal the severity of br… Continue reading Point-of-care prototype blood test reveals brain injuries in minutes

Backup livers grown in lymph nodes of pigs with liver disease

The liver performs many vital functions in the body, so its cells are quick to regenerate. Now, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered just how persistent those cells can be. In tests in pigs with severe liver damage, functional ne… Continue reading Backup livers grown in lymph nodes of pigs with liver disease

Smartphone sensors can detect if you’ve had one too many

We’ve already heard about various smartphone-linked devices that determine if the user is intoxicated. According to a new study, though, even a phone on its own can be used to measure a person’s drunkenness.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: Univer… Continue reading Smartphone sensors can detect if you’ve had one too many

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

Mini human livers grown from stem cells successfully implanted in rats

Imagine needing a liver transplant, and instead of waiting for a donor, a new one could be grown from your own skin cells. Scientists have now taken quite a big step towards that future, by successfully transplanting miniature human livers grown from i… Continue reading Mini human livers grown from stem cells successfully implanted in rats

Copying a cancer trick prevents organ transplant rejection in rats

Cancer is a crafty foe, employing an array of tricky techniques to hide from the immune system while it grows. But now, scientists have managed to copy one of those strategies and use it for good, making new microparticles that permanently prevent tran… Continue reading Copying a cancer trick prevents organ transplant rejection in rats

Unique bladder-brewery condition causes woman to pee alcohol

Doctors at the University of Pittsburgh are reporting a bizarre case of a woman who urinates alcohol. The medical mystery confounded scientists when the woman showed none of the other regular signs of excessive alcohol consumption, leading them to conc… Continue reading Unique bladder-brewery condition causes woman to pee alcohol