Industry News
Embryos could be susceptible to COVID-19
Genes that are thought to play a role in how the SARS-CoV-2 virus infects our cells have been found to be active in embryos as early as the second week of pregnancy. [ + ]
T cell steroids help tumours suppress the immune system
UK researchers have revealed that tumours can evade the immune system by telling immune cells to produce immunosuppressive steroids. [ + ]
Gene therapy could reverse memory loss in Alzheimer's patients
The enzyme p38gamma, when activated, can modify a protein such that it prevents the development of Alzheimer's disease symptoms. [ + ]
ATSE announces 2020 award winners
The Academy of Technology and Engineering's 2020 Innovation and Excellence Awards recognised breakthroughs in fields including biotech, agriculture and engineering. [ + ]
Obscure brain region sheds light on addiction
Our brains are wired to retain information that relates to the context in which highly significant events occurred. This mechanism also underlies drug addiction. [ + ]
Chemical reactions monitored in metal containers
Scientists have developed a new method of observing chemical reactions, using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy with an unusual twist: there is no magnetic field. [ + ]
Medieval medicine for modern-day infections
Researchers suggest that medieval methods using everyday ingredients could help solve the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. [ + ]
Chloroquine does not inhibit SARS-CoV-2: study
The malaria drug chloroquine, demonstrated to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection of African green monkey kidney cells, is not able to prevent infection of human lung cells. [ + ]
Radiation sickness detected in a drop of blood
The new test uses a single drop of blood — collected from a simple finger prick — and results are ready in a few hours. [ + ]
Smart nanoparticles can target lung tumours
The nanoparticles were engineered to only release their drug content upon a specific cue which is present in the tumour area. [ + ]
Monitoring water quality from a lab in a suitcase
The suitcase lab enables screening of millions of bacteria in a single water sample, instead of running many tests in parallel to look for different pathogens. [ + ]
Learning the wiring for autism spectrum disorder
Researchers have identified brain circuitry that plays a key role in the behavioural differences that characterise autism spectrum disorder. [ + ]
Turmeric may have antiviral properties
Curcumin, a natural compound found in the spice turmeric, can prevent transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) from infecting cells in pigs. [ + ]
Illumina acquires Enancio's compression software
Illumina has a new addition to its portfolio: genomic compression-software company Enancio, based in Cesson-Sévigné, France. [ + ]
Chemical analysis from a smartphone
Researchers have designed and validated a low-cost 3D-printed device that, when connected to a smartphone, makes it possible to conduct chemical analyses. [ + ]
