Archive for the ‘biotech/medical’ category: Page 1869
May 4, 2019
Multivascular networks and functional intravascular topologies within biocompatible hydrogels
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: biotech/medical, food, mathematics, space travel
In air-breathing vertebrates, the circulatory and pulmonary systems contain separate networks of channels that intertwine but do not intersect with each other. Recreating such structures within cell-compatible materials has been a major challenge; even a single vasculature system can be a burden to create. Grigoryan et al. show that natural and synthetic food dyes can be used as photoabsorbers that enable stereolithographic production of hydrogels containing intricate and functional vascular architectures. Using this approach, they demonstrate functional vascular topologies for studies of fluid mixers, valves, intervascular transport, nutrient delivery, and host engraftment.
Science, this issue p. 458
Solid organs transport fluids through distinct vascular networks that are biophysically and biochemically entangled, creating complex three-dimensional (3D) transport regimes that have remained difficult to produce and study. We establish intravascular and multivascular design freedoms with photopolymerizable hydrogels by using food dye additives as biocompatible yet potent photoabsorbers for projection stereolithography. We demonstrate monolithic transparent hydrogels, produced in minutes, comprising efficient intravascular 3D fluid mixers and functional bicuspid valves. We further elaborate entangled vascular networks from space-filling mathematical topologies and explore the oxygenation and flow of human red blood cells during tidal ventilation and distension of a proximate airway. In addition, we deploy structured biodegradable hydrogel carriers in a rodent model of chronic liver injury to highlight the potential translational utility of this materials innovation.
May 4, 2019
Anti-CRISPR molecules discovered that can block the gene editing technology
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: bioengineering, biotech/medical, habitats
As we dive into the brave new world of gene editing, CRISPR technologies are undoubtedly becoming increasingly precise, but alongside enhanced precision is also the necessity for developing ways to inhibit or block the process – an anti-CRISPR molecule, if you will. New work from the Broad Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital has presented a study that homes in on small molecules that may have the ability to safely block the CRISPR gene editing process.
May 3, 2019
F.D.A. Won’t Ban Sales of Textured Breast Implants Linked to Cancer
Posted by Genevieve Klien in category: biotech/medical
Many other countries have already banned the products. But the U.S. agency said the risk was still low, despite repeated requests from women and doctors that the implants be removed from the market.
May 3, 2019
Shrimp Fail Drug Test For Cocaine, Ketamine, Xanax, And Valium
Posted by Victoria Generao in categories: biotech/medical, habitats
If you take a look at the life of freshwater shrimp in the sleepy English countryside, you’ll find enough drugs to keep a funk band on tour very happy.
A new study has found notable levels of cocaine, ketamine, Valium, Xanax, t ramadol, and other pharmaceuticals in the bodies of freshwater shrimp and their habitat in Suffolk, UK. The researchers also found traces of numerous pesticides that are now banned by the EU.
Reporting in the journal Environment International, scientists from King’s College London analyzed levels of micropollutants in surface water samples and Gammarus pulex freshwater shrimp from 15 different sites across the county of Suffolk in the east of England. To their surprise, they discovered trace levels of at least 67 different contaminant compounds. The most frequently detected contaminant was cocaine, which was detected in every single shrimp from all 15 sites.
Continue reading “Shrimp Fail Drug Test For Cocaine, Ketamine, Xanax, And Valium” »
May 3, 2019
End to AIDS in sight as huge study finds drugs stop HIV transmission
Posted by Quinn Sena in categories: biotech/medical, sex
An end to the AIDS epidemic could be in sight after a landmark study found men whose HIV infection was fully suppressed by antiretroviral drugs had no chance of infecting their partner.
The success of the medicine means that if everyone with HIV were fully treated, there would be no further infections.
Among nearly 1,000 male couples across Europe where one partner with HIV was receiving treatment to suppress the virus, there were no cases of transmission of the infection to the HIV-negative partner during sex without a condom. Although 15 men were infected with HIV during the eight-year study, DNA testing proved that was through sex with someone other than their partner who was not on treatment.
Continue reading “End to AIDS in sight as huge study finds drugs stop HIV transmission” »
May 3, 2019
Anti-aging study increases worm lifespans
Posted by Paul Battista in categories: biotech/medical, life extension
Given the chance, there are very few of us who wouldn’t want to slow down the aging process. Chasing that fountain of youth is a major branch of medical science at the moment, and a hardy little worm known as C. elegans is probably the most prolific test subject. Now, a team at Scripps Research has found that blocking a particular enzyme can extend the lifespan of these worms by almost half again.
May 3, 2019
A New Database for Senescent Cells
Posted by Steve Hill in categories: biotech/medical, life extension
Today, we want to spotlight a new publication that charts the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which consists of the various secreted signals given out by senescent cells during aging.
Senescent cells and the SASP
As we get older, an increasing number of our cells enter into a state known as senescence. They cease dividing and supporting the tissues and organs of which they are part and, instead, secrete a range of harmful chemical signals. This cocktail of harmful signals is known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP).
May 3, 2019
David Harry Stewart, Founder and CEO of Ageist — IdeaXme — Ira Pastor — “Live Fast, Die Old!”
Posted by Ira S. Pastor in categories: aging, biotech/medical, business, economics, entertainment, finance, futurism, genetics, geopolitics, health
Tags: ageism, ageist, aging, bioquantine, bioquark, biotech, healthspan, ideaxme, ira pastor, lifespan, longevity, reanima, regenerage