Newswise Feature Channel: Biotech

CRI Scientists Link Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Deaths to Beta-Blocker Use

UT Southwestern Medical Center — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 15:55:13 EST

Patients can die if they take certain previously prescribed beta-blockers during a hematopoietic cell transplant due to suppressed signals from nerves that promote bone marrow regeneration.

Genomic Analysis Reveals Hainan Tea as a Unique Variant of Camellia Sinensis

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 10:25:40 EST

A research team conducted a large-scale genetic study by collecting 500 samples from Hainan's major tea-growing regions.

The FC428 Clone: Tracking Global Transmission of Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:30:58 EST

The emergence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains resistant to ceftriaxone, the last reliable treatment, poses significant public health threats. The global spread of the FC428 clone, carrying penA allele 60.001, is of particular concern due to its association with high-level ceftriaxone resistance and frequent treatment failures.

Editing Crops with Viral Precision: A New Dawn for Agriculture

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 06:00:56 EST

Researchers have opened a transformative chapter in agricultural biotechnology by unveiling virus-induced genome editing (VIGE) techniques for Solanaceous crops, a group that includes tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. This cutting-edge approach dramatically simplifies the process of genetic modification, leveraging viral vectors to streamline genome editing without the need for labor-intensive tissue culture steps. This innovation is set to accelerate the development of crop varieties with superior traits, offering the potential for more sustainable, resilient, and nutritious food sources.

Increasing Chemotherapy Effectiveness with Oleanolic Acid from Grapes

Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO) — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 18:00:35 EST

Researchers describe a new potential role for Oleanolic Acid as a modulator of the DNA damage response following Camptothecin treatment. Administration of Oleanolic Acid in combination with Camptothecin for cancer chemotherapy may reduce the amount of drug needed and increase the effectiveness of treatment.

Ozone Therapy: A New Breath of Life for Sepsis-Induced Lung Injury

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 07:35:46 EST

A cutting-edge study has identified medical ozone therapy as a promising new treatment for sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI). By enhancing the clearance of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) through the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/scavenger receptor A1 (SR-A1) pathway, this innovative approach could significantly improve survival rates and lung function in preclinical models, offering hope for patients with limited treatment options.

Interplay and Therapeutic Implications of Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells, Tumor Microenvironment, and Gut Microbiota

World Journal of Stem Cells — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 12:00:54 EST

This article discusses the interplay between colorectal cancer (CRC) stem cells, tumor microenvironment (TME), and gut microbiota, emphasizing their dynamic roles in cancer progression and treatment resistance. It highlights the adaptabilit

Dual Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Neurodegenerative Diseases

World Journal of Stem Cells — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 12:00:45 EST

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-to-cell interaction tools that are attracting increasing interest in the literature in two opposing areas. In addition to their role in physiological development, there is growing evidence of their invo

Preliminary Study on the Preparation of Lyophilized Acellular Nerve Scaffold Complexes From Rabbit Sciatic Nerves with Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells

World Journal of Stem Cells — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 12:00:35 EST

BACKGROUNDThe gold standard of care for patients with severe peripheral nerve injury is autologous nerve grafting; however, autologous nerve grafts are usually limited for patients because of the limited number of autologous nerve sources a

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Atherosclerosis: A Bibliometric and Visual Analysis

World Journal of Stem Cells — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 12:00:30 EST

BACKGROUNDMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of self-renewal and differentiation, and extensive studies have demonstrated their therapeutic potential in atherosclerosis (AS). AIMTo conduct a bibliometric analysis of studies on the u

Exosomes Derived From microRNA-540-3p Overexpressing Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Immune Tolerance via the CD74/Nuclear Factor-kappaB Pathway in Cardiac Allograft

World Journal of Stem Cells — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 12:00:22 EST

BACKGROUNDHeart transplantation is a crucial intervention for severe heart failure, yet the challenge of organ rejection is significant. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and their exosomes have demonstrated potential in modulating

Preliminary Evidence of Renal Function Improvement in Chronic Progressive Kidney Disease Using Autologous CD34+ Cell Therapy: A Clinical Trial

World Journal of Stem Cells — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 12:00:16 EST

BACKGROUNDTo date, no specific treatment has been established to reverse progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD). AIMTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of autologous CD34+ cell transplantation in CKD patients who exhibited a progressive

Application of Autophagy in Mesenchymal Stem Cells

World Journal of Stem Cells — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 12:00:12 EST

In this editorial, we have taken an in-depth look at the article published by Wan et al. The study showed that preconditioning mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) protected them against programmed cell death, and increased their survival rate and

Innovative Hydrogel Delivery of Bone Marrow Stromal Cell-Derived Exosomes for Enhanced Bone Healing

World Journal of Stem Cells — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 12:00:11 EST

Bone regeneration is a multifaceted process involving the well-coordinated interaction of cellular functions such as the regulation of inflammation, the formation of new blood vessels, and the development of bone tissue. Bone regeneration i

Bibliometrics of Trends in Global Research on the Roles of Stem Cells in Myocardial Fibrosis Therapy

World Journal of Stem Cells — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 12:00:06 EST

BACKGROUNDMyocardial fibrosis, a condition linked to several cardiovascular diseases, is associated with a poor prognosis. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a potential treatment option and the application of stem cell therapy has been studi

Unlocking the Potential of Solanaceae: Biotechnology for Food Security

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 08:45:21 EST

A recent perspective unveils the potential of using virus-based biotechnologies to improve the performance and diversity of Solanaceae crops, which are essential to global food security. By combining advanced knowledge of Solanaceae domestication and the plant virosphere, the research proposes using engineered viruses for precise trait breeding to fast-track crop improvement, aiming to enhance food security and nutrition--particularly by revitalizing lesser-known edible species within the Solanaceae family.

The Genetic Recipe for a Perfect Cup of Tea

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 04:15:07 EST

A new study sheds light on the genetic mechanisms controlling free amino acids (FAAs) in tea, with a focus on theanine--the compound responsible for the signature umami taste. By examining 339 tea accessions, researchers have uncovered significant variations in FAA levels, offering valuable insights for improving both the taste and nutritional benefits of tea.

Vineyard Victory: Decoding the Thompson Seedless Genome for Enhanced Grape Breeding

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:45:32 EST

A pivotal study has revealed a high-quality, gap-free genome assembly of the Thompson Seedless grape, a variety that plays a crucial role in fresh consumption and winemaking. This remarkable achievement provides a comprehensive genetic blueprint, shedding light on the genetic foundations of key traits such as seedlessness, disease resistance, and color in grapes. By closing significant gaps in our understanding of grape genetics, this research opens new doors for molecular breeding, with the potential to develop disease-resistant, high-quality grape cultivars.

Switching Off Drug-Resistant Cancer

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:05:09 EST

Genetic diversity is key to survival in an everchanging environment. Cancer cells -- thanks to their abundant and eclectic mix of mutations -- unfortunately excel at surviving. Drug treatments can diminish tumors for a time but, in many cases, give rise to resistant cells. A different drug may eliminate the resistant population during follow-up treatment only to leave behind a new resistant line that continues to proliferate.

First-of-its-kind Project to Improve Muscadine Grapes

Texas A&M AgriLife — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:25:05 EST

Texas A&M AgriLife will collaborate in a first-of-its-kind project to propagate new seedless muscadine grape varieties to benefit grape growers in Texas and beyond.