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New insight into the possible origins of life

Researchers have for the first time been able to create an RNA molecule that replicates, diversifies and develops complexity, following Darwinian evolution. This has provided the first empirical evidence that simple biological molecules can lead to the emergence of complex lifelike systems.

Mar 18th, 2022

Lung tissue from the lab

An international research team has found a simple method for growing lung tissue in the lab. These organoids could be used in diagnosis, drug development, and fundamental research.

Mar 18th, 2022

Gene regulation at its brightest

Scientists have developed a virus-based approach for measuring variations in gene regulatory elements, called transcription factors, as conditions change in live organisms.

Mar 18th, 2022

Engineering an 'invisible cloak' for bacteria to deliver drugs to tumors

Researchers genetically engineer a microbial encapsulation system for therapeutic bacteria that can hide them from immune systems, enabling them to reach tumors more effectively and kill cancer cells in mice.

Mar 17th, 2022

Inhalable aerogel triggers immunity to COVID-19 in mice, may block transmission

An inhalable aerogel loaded with DNA that encodes for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein successfully induces an immune response against COVID-19 in the lungs of mice. The scientists said its aerogel could be used to create an inhalable vaccine that blocks SARS-CoV-2 transmission by preventing the virus from establishing an infection in the lungs.

Mar 16th, 2022

Stem cell-derived retinal patch is shown to survive post-implantation

Results finding that after two years, not only can the implant survive, but also it does not elicit clinically detectable inflammation or signs of immune rejection, even without long-term immunosuppression.

Mar 16th, 2022

Novel 'Trojan horse' drug delivery system using protein-based microdroplets

Scientists have developed a novel method of delivering drugs into human cells using large biological molecules, by first encasing them in a protein-based microdroplet.

Mar 16th, 2022

The immune system is very complicated, but now, it's on a chip

Lymphoid follicles formed in a microfluidic Organ Chip replicate human immune functions and vaccine responses in vitro.

Mar 15th, 2022

Using mRNA delivery to improve muscle strength

Mutations that lead to muscle atrophy can be repaired with the gene editor CRISPR-Cas9. Scientists have now introduced the tool into human muscle stem cells for the first time using mRNA, thus discovering a method suitable for therapeutic applications.

Mar 14th, 2022

Scientists make leap forward for genetic sequencing (w/video)

Research to lead to improved personalized medicine and understanding of evolution.

Mar 12th, 2022

An 'oracle' for predicting the evolution of gene regulation

Researchers created a mathematical framework to examine the genome and detect signatures of natural selection, deciphering the evolutionary past and future of non-coding DNA.

Mar 9th, 2022

A speed limit could be a breakthrough for stem cell therapy

Replacing sick or damaged cells with healthy cells: this is a major goal of regenerative medicine. One of the most promising approaches is cellular reprogramming, whereby one cell type in our body converts to another cell type. Researchers have discovered new ways to improve the cellular reprogramming efficiency, unlocking potential for cellular repair therapies.

Mar 7th, 2022

Researchers harness AI and robotics to formulate therapeutic proteins for treating spinal cord injuries

By employing artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to formulate therapeutic proteins, researchers have successfully stabilized an enzyme able to degrade scar tissue resulting from spinal cord injuries and promote tissue regeneration. The study offers new hope for patients coping with spinal cord injuries.