Dianox’s Post

Researchers from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory and the University of Split found that gut bacteria can influence the development of bladder cancer. Mice treated with antibiotics had lower chances of developing bladder tumors when exposed to a carcinogen. 12 bacterial species were identified as being able to convert the carcinogen into a compound that leads to tumor formation. This process was also observed in human gut bacteria. The findings suggest that gut microbiomes may explain differing cancer risks and could lead to personalized cancer prevention strategies. However, more studies are needed to understand the microbiome's role in carcinogen metabolism. Read more: https://lnkd.in/et_c7WUd #medical #guthealth #science #research #cancerresearch

Study uncovers unique brain plasticity in people born blind. A study led by Georgetown University neuroscientists has revealed that people born blind develop unique connectivity patterns in the primary visual cortex, akin to a fingerprint. Unlike sighted individuals, where visual cortex connectivity is consistent, blind individuals exhibit highly individualized and stable connectivity patterns over time. This discovery suggests that the brain's plasticity in the absence of visual input allows for diverse developmental pathways. These findings could inform personalized approaches for rehabilitation and sight restoration, tailored to each individual's specific brain connectivity. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d8kDWh2g #medical #brainhealth #science #research #blind

Study finds CBG reduces anxiety without intoxication. In a recent human clinical trial, researchers from Washington State University found that Cannabigerol (CBG), a lesser-known cannabinoid, significantly reduced anxiety and stress without causing intoxication. The study showed that 20 mg of hemp-derived CBG decreased anxiety and stress levels at various time points post-ingestion compared to a placebo. CBG also unexpectedly enhanced memory recall. Participants reported minimal side effects and low levels of intoxication. While promising, the researchers emphasize the need for further studies to replicate and expand upon these findings, including trials with physiological measurements and non-cannabis users. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gkc9qk4R #medical #brainhealth #science #research #medicine

New discovery sheds light on muscle contraction and development. University of California San Diego researchers have used cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to capture the first 3D visualizations of the muscle acetylcholine receptor in both fetal and adult muscles. This breakthrough provides new insights into muscle contraction and development, explaining why some animals can walk shortly after birth while humans take longer. The study revealed structural differences in receptors from the same fetal tissue, which helps understand how nerve-muscle connections and muscle contractions are formed. This discovery is crucial for developing treatments for muscle-based disorders, such as congenital myasthenic syndromes and myasthenia gravis. Source: https://lnkd.in/duxutxcF #medical #university #science #research #treatment

AI transforms toxic antibiotic into life-saving drug. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to develop a safer and more effective antibiotic, potentially addressing the growing issue of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. By leveraging a large language model (LLM), similar to those powering tools like ChatGPT, the scientists engineered a modified version of the toxic antibiotic Protegrin-1, making it safe for human use. This AI-driven approach allowed them to rapidly evaluate millions of molecular variations, resulting in the creation of bacterially selective Protegrin-1.2 (bsPG-1.2). In animal trials, bsPG-1.2 successfully reduced bacterial presence in infected mice, showing promise for future human trials. The study demonstrates the transformative potential of AI in drug development, particularly in creating new therapeutics to combat resistant bacterial strains. Source: https://lnkd.in/ec56haXb #medical #healthtech #science #medtech #ai

BiVACOR has successfully implanted its fully mechanical titanium heart in a human for the first time. This innovative total artificial heart aims to keep patients alive while they await heart transplants. Unlike traditional artificial hearts, the BiVACOR device has no friction-inducing parts, which could increase its longevity. The heart is roughly fist-sized and is powered by a small rechargeable external controller, pumping blood at a rate suitable for exercise. The initial implantation is part of an FDA-approved feasibility study at the Texas Heart Institute, marking a significant advancement in treating end-stage heart failure, with further trials planned. Source: https://lnkd.in/dmNwXvPr #medical #hearthealth #science #medtech #innovation

Scientists have discovered how the brain produces pain relief when given a placebo. Researchers from the University of North Carolina, Stanford, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the Allen Institute for Brain Science identified a neural pathway from the cortex to the cerebellum that activates pain relief based on expectation. In a study using mice, they found that this pathway was active when pain relief was anticipated, even without real medication. This discovery opens possibilities for new pain relief methods, including treatments for chronic pain that do not have harmful side effects or addictive properties. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dfY9Q3zY #medical #medicine #science #chronicpain #drugdevelopment 

Scientists at the University of Washington have developed a new gene therapy showing promise in treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The therapy involves breaking the dystrophin protein into fragments, delivering them via viral vectors, and reassembling them in muscle cells. In mouse models, this approach halted disease progression and reversed muscle wasting. Human trials could start within two years, and the therapy might be applicable to other genetic diseases involving large genes. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dZh3VP2m #medical #genetics #science #dmd #drugdevelopment

Researchers from the University of Sheffield and COMSATS University Pakistan have discovered that a naturally occurring sugar, 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR), can stimulate significant hair growth and could serve as a safe, non-invasive treatment for male pattern baldness. This discovery could lead to an affordable alternative for treating hair loss in both men and potentially those undergoing chemotherapy. Further research is needed to understand the precise mechanisms involved. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eibUhqsy #medical #treatment #science #hairloss #drugdevelopment