MedTech News
.................... by Andrew Celentano

Building predictive models to characterize tumor progression
Matthew Jones is using experimental technology and computation to decode the molecular processes that underlie the way tumors evolve to resist treatment by pinpointing how and when aggressive mutations arise.

Detecting Alzheimer’s with DNA aptamers—new tool for an easy blood test
Leveraging the potential of NfL as a biomarker, researchers from Japan have developed the world’s first aptamer (tiny, single-stranded synthetic DNA molecules) that can bind NfL with high affinity and specificity

Clotting protein presents a potential target in pancreatic cancer
Researchers at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that depleting a clotting protein made by the liver could slow down pancreatic cancer.

Boron agents reach previously untreatable tumors
Boron agents termed GluBs, developed by Science Tokyo researchers, have overcome a key limitation in cancer therapy by entering tumor cells through a pathway that standard drugs cannot use.

Fish scales could be a solution for regenerating the human cornea
Now, researchers from the Tissue Engineering Group of the Department of Histology at the University of Granada’s Faculty of Medicine and the ibs.GRANADA Institute for Biomedical Research have created highly biocompatible, resistant, and transparent corneal implants from scales of various types of fish commonly found on the market, such as carp. The findings are published in the journal Materials & Design.

Nanohydrogels steer cancer drugs to tumors, aiming to spare healthy tissue
Cancer cells consume oxygen and nutrients at a higher rate than healthy tissue,. This drug delivery system senses those physical changes and guides medicine to the disease. The drug is released only when it encounters those tumor-specific conditions.

Brain immune cells may help build Alzheimer’s plaques
A new study led by researchers from VIB and KU Leuven shows that immune cells called microglia can actively promote the formation of plaques in Alzheimer’s disease.

Study identifies gene linked to chemotherapy resistance in prostate cancer
A gene called FOXJ1 may drive resistance to taxane chemotherapy during treatment for advanced prostate cancer, according to a new study led by investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.