10 September 2024
Read the latest research on human biology. Learn about comparative biology and human genetics.
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Girls may start puberty early due to chemical exposure
Girls exposed to certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may be more likely to start puberty early, according to new research. EDCs mimic, block or interfere with hormones in the body's endocrine system.
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Urate transporter structures reveal the mechanism behind important drug target for gout
Ten structures of URAT1 obtained by scientists provide a deep understanding of the mechanism of urate transport to guide gout therapeutic design.
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Effective new gene therapy to treat multiple sulfatase deficiency
Researchers tested a preclinical model for an experimental gene therapy designed to treat multiple sulfatase deficiency (MSD), a disorder that affects the brain, lungs, skin, and skeleton with no currently approved treatments. The findings demonstrated several improvements in outcomes, paving the way for future translation into clinical trials.
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New gene therapy offers promise for treating glaucoma -- as well as AMD
Scientists developed a highly promising gene therapy to treat glaucoma -- a debilitating eye condition that can lead to complete vision loss, and which affects around 80 million people worldwide. The team previously showed their therapy offered promise in treating dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
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Diagnostic tool identifies puzzling inflammatory diseases in kids
RNA is expelled from cells via cell death or active release, and can then find its way into blood plasma. Medical researchers have now developed machine learning models that use these cell-free molecular RNA dregs to diagnose pediatric inflammatory conditions that are difficult to differentiate. The diagnostic tool can accurately determine if a patient has Kawasaki disease (KD), Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a viral infection or a bacterial infection, while simultaneously monitoring the patient's organ health.
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Researchers identify factor that drives prostate cancer-causing genes
Researchers have uncovered a key reason why a typically normal protein goes awry and fuels cancer. They found the protein NSD2 alters the function of the androgen receptor, an important regulator of normal prostate development. When androgen receptor binds with NSD2, it causes rapid cell division and growth leading to prostate cancer. The study may suggest a new way to therapeutically target prostate cancer.
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New molecular engineering technique allows for complex organoids
A new molecular engineering technique can precisely influence the development of organoids. Microbeads made of specifically folded DNA are used to release growth factors or other signal molecules inside the tissue structures. This gives rise to considerably more complex organoids that imitate the respective tissues much better and have a more realistic cell mix than before.
