under the microscope

Recent advances in Alzheimer’s disease.

Recent advances in Alzheimer’s disease. “In this review, we summarize the most recent updates in AD research on pathologic disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies, highlighting advancements in apolipoprotein E (APOE) biology, neuroimmunology, biomarker discovery, and initial experience with new disease-modifying […]

under the microscope

CRISPR as a suicide pill for cancer cells.

CRISPR as a suicide pill for cancer cells. “In bacteria, this CRISPR acts as a suicide pill, intentionally killing a cell that has been infected by a virus to prevent its spread.” Researchers reengineered that idea so once a cell […]

under the microscope

A frog gut microbe for attacking tumors.

A frog gut microbe for attacking tumors. “A single intravenous dose of Ewingella americana led to complete tumor elimination in 100% of treated animals, with no recurrence upon re-exposure to cancer cells.” It’s a preclinical mouse colorectal cancer result, but […]

under the microscope

Exhale longer, take more risks.

Exhale longer, take more risks. “Prolonged exhalation increased risky choices by enhancing reward sensitivity and elevating cardiac parasympathetic activity.” The authors show that a longer exhale shifts autonomic state toward parasympathetic dominance and that shift tracks stronger reward responses in […]

under the microscope

A dividing cell from non-living parts.

A dividing cell from non-living parts. “It’s a big step forward to this holy grail of making a living thing out of dead components.” Researchers packed lab-made biomolecules into a membrane, then watched the synthetic cell grow, copy DNA, and […]

under the microscope

Guy in garage lab testing a new Alzheimer’s drug.

Guy in garage lab testing a new Alzheimer’s drug. “I designed and synthesized PAC-832 in a chemistry lab I built in my garage.” Douglas Yao walks through PAC-832, “the world’s first selective GalR1 antagonist,” plus why targeting galanin signaling might […]

under the microscope

What if humans could regrow tissue?

What if humans could regrow tissue? “[The genes are] already there — you just need to learn how to get them to behave the way you want.” Texas A&M researchers used a two-step sequence of growth factors to regrow mice […]