The latest updates on life science advancements from around the world, using peer-reviewed sources.
Written and analyzed by Allison Cisco, an undergraduate biology student attending SUNY Binghamton.
Machine-learning technology developed to differentiate types of blood clots based on shape
Platelets (also called thrombocytes) are small sticky cell fragments that circulate through the blood stream and group together to fix damaged blood vessels. This grouping, known as a blood clot, is a biological mechanism to prevent excessive bleeding from injury. However, excessive clotting activity can block blood vessels, causing a heart attack or stroke. There…
New dietary regime found to slow progression of colorectal cancer
Colorectal (colon) cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women, and typically occurs after the age of 50. The disease often starts in the colon or rectum as precancerous polyps, which are abnormal tissue growths (usually taking the form of small flat bumps). Screening technology allows early detection of polyps, so…
Trehalose sugar molecule may be able to preserve donated blood for years
Blood supply is essential for life-saving surgeries, chronic illnesses, cancer treatment, and traumatic injuries. However, while artificial blood is being tested in the lab, some main components (such as platelets and plasma) cannot be manufactured. For this reason, blood donation, collection, and storage are crucial for patients in need. The four main components of whole…
AI technology predicts whether patients will benefit from an antidepressant
Depression (most commonly major depressive disorder, or MDD) is one of the most common mental illnesses in the world, with an estimated 264 million people around the globe suffering from at least one form of this category of mental illness. Anywhere from 10-30% of these people suffer from treatment-resistant depression, meaning that they do not…
Remdesivir worked against SARS and MERS… what about COVID-19?
Remdesivir, an antiviral drug originally developed in 2014 to treat the West African Ebola virus, has proven to be effective at treating severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus strains. However, will it work against the global panic-inducing 2019 novel Coronavirus? So far, studies say yes. As recently reported in…
Researchers develop synthetic bioplastic that protects against UV radiation
Researchers at the University of Oulu in Finland have recently developed a new synthetic bioplastic made of derivatives of dehydrated cellulose, a sugar molecule produced by plants. Bioplastics differ from traditional carbon-based plastics because they are not produced from petroleum, but rather from renewable sources (such as plant trimmings). Several types of bioplastics are also…
Naturally produced protein AKAP8 found to suppress spread of breast cancer
A protein naturally produced in the human body, known as AKAP8 (A-Kinase Anchor Protein) has been found to supress the metastasis (spread) of breast cancer. A groundbreaking study from researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas found AKAP8 to be an important regulator in metastasis of tumors. High levels of AKAP8 also forecast…
MIT chemists map the structure of an integral influenza protein channel
A team of MIT chemists has recently discovered the structure of a protein, BM2, that is integral to the structure of influenza B. This protein acts as a proton channel, a membrane protein that allows protons (also called hydrogen ions or H+) to pass into the virus. Normally, these ions would be blocked by the…
Coronavirus outbreak traced to strain of bat pneumonia
A viral strain dubbed novel coronavirus (2019-nCov), also known as the Wuhan coronavirus, has been recently making global headlines. The outbreak of this virus began in mid-December 2019, but has been escalating since mid-January 2020. Emerging viral infections can pose major threats to public health, and as a result it is crucial to study the…
Link found between stress and development of grey hair
Anecdotal evidence of stress leading to grey hair has been known for a long time. However, until now, the mechanism behind this association has been left up to speculation. A recent study has been published in Nature magazine from researchers at the Harvard University Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology; it seems to reveal…
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