https://phys.org/nanotech-news/bio-medicine en-us The latest science news on nanobiology, nano medicine, nanotechnology, nanoscience, and nanotech. Many cellular functions in the human body are controlled by biological droplets called liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) droplets. These droplets, made of soft biological materials, exist inside living cells but are not enclosed by membranes like most cell structures. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-scientists-method-synthetic-dna-droplet.html Bio & Medicine Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:00:10 EDT news646578001 A toothpaste-based transistor is the latest innovation from the research team at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT-Italian Institute of Technology) in Milan, which pushes the boundaries of edible electronics. This innovative nano-device is expected to become a key component of future smart pills, designed to monitor health conditions from within the body and then safely dissolve after completing their function. The research findings have been published in the journal Advanced Science. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-edible-toothpaste-based-transistor.html Bio & Medicine Nanomaterials Thu, 26 Sep 2024 10:36:46 EDT news646565801 A team of chemical biologists at the University of Washington, working with colleagues at Oxford Nanopore Technologies, has developed a protein sequencing process that involves pulling proteins through nanopores in a lipid membrane. Their paper is published in the journal Nature. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-biologists-sequence-proteins-nanopores.html Bio & Medicine Thu, 26 Sep 2024 10:32:26 EDT news646565540 With strong bactericidal properties, graphene has the potential to become a game changer in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. So far there have been no efficient ways to control these properties—and thus no way to make use of graphene's potential in health care. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-graphene-spike-mat-ordinary-fridge.html Bio & Medicine Nanomaterials Tue, 24 Sep 2024 12:50:12 EDT news646401006 It's almost time to dust off the Halloween decorations and adorn the house with all manner of spooky things, including the classic polyester spider webs. Scientists reporting in ACS Nano have made their own version of fake spider silk, but this one consists of proteins and heals wounds instead of haunting hallways. The artificial silk was strong enough to be woven into bandages that helped treat joint injuries and skin lesions in mice. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-artificial-spider-silk-generation-medical.html Bio & Medicine Tue, 24 Sep 2024 11:50:03 EDT news646397402 Diabetes, a widespread condition affecting approximately 13% of American adults, is often accompanied by complications such as impaired wound healing. If left unchecked, this can lead to severe outcomes, including the need for amputation. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-harnessing-exosomes-hydrogels-advanced-diabetic.html Bio & Medicine Fri, 20 Sep 2024 12:18:58 EDT news646053534 When we need to recharge, we might take a vacation or relax at the spa. But what if we could recharge at the cellular level, fighting against aging and disease with the microscopic building blocks that make up the human body? https://phys.org/news/2024-09-recharging-mitochondria-nanoflowers-simulate-energy.html Bio & Medicine Fri, 20 Sep 2024 12:17:04 EDT news646053421 RNA interference (RNAi) technology has gradually become a cutting-edge technology for treating diseases such as genetic disorders and cancer due to its huge potential in gene expression regulation. However, the efficient delivery and safety of short interfering RNA (siRNA) remain key challenges for its clinical application. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-cholesterol-exosome-rna-drug-delivery.html Bio & Medicine Fri, 20 Sep 2024 11:30:03 EDT news646050601 In a study published in Nature Nanotechnology, researchers discovered that cuproptosis may serve as a new target for radiosensitization in re-irradiation. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-copper-based-nanocapsules-shown-radiotherapy.html Bio & Medicine Nanomaterials Fri, 20 Sep 2024 11:17:22 EDT news646049838 Like moths to a flame, microbes can also be moved by light. Using this knowledge, researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University's Research Institute for Light-induced Acceleration System (RILACS) have demonstrated a method to detect the presence of viruses quickly and using only a small sample. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-immunoassay-coronavirus-spike-proteins-minutes.html Bio & Medicine Nanomaterials Thu, 19 Sep 2024 10:02:02 EDT news645958921 The importance of testing for diseases was thrust into the limelight during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us have undergone a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) or ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) test within the past four years. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-janus-particles-rapidly-accurately-covid.html Bio & Medicine Thu, 19 Sep 2024 09:24:57 EDT news645956693 Depression is a significant challenge to diagnose and treat. Among the factors influencing depression onset and severity, there is growing evidence for chemical imbalances that generate oxidative stress throughout the body. To address this problem, researchers reporting in the journal Langmuir have developed antioxidant carbon dot nanozymes (synthetic enzyme-like substances) that reduced oxidative stress, rebalanced gut microbes and alleviated stress-induced depression in rats. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-antioxidant-carbon-dot-nanozymes-alleviate.html Bio & Medicine Wed, 18 Sep 2024 17:08:06 EDT news645898081 In the world of nanotechnology, the development of dynamic systems that respond to molecular signals is becoming increasingly important. The DNA origami technique, whereby DNA is programmed so as to produce functional nanostructures, plays a key role in these endeavors. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-dna-origami-fluorescent-probes-precisely.html Bio & Medicine Nanophysics Wed, 18 Sep 2024 12:17:03 EDT news645880621 Researchers at the University of Toronto and its hospital partners have developed a method for co-delivering therapeutic RNA and potent drugs directly into cells, potentially leading to a more effective treatment of diseases. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-method-rna-drugs-cells.html Bio & Medicine Nanomaterials Mon, 16 Sep 2024 16:24:04 EDT news645722642 Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body's own immune system to help fight cancer. This is by stimulating the immune response to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. The treatment involves using substances that boost the immune system, teaching immune cells to target cancer, or using engineered cells to specifically target and kill cancer cells. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-nano-sized-cell-particles-boost.html Bio & Medicine Mon, 16 Sep 2024 10:14:02 EDT news645700436 A research group from Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) developed a novel method for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) therapy by transplanting mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which improved the therapeutic efficacy and realized real-time treatment visualization. The study was published in Science Advances. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-trimetallic-based-nanocarriers-method-visualized.html Bio & Medicine Mon, 16 Sep 2024 09:47:03 EDT news645698821 A team of researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), led by Program Head of Chemistry Ali Trabolsi, have developed nanoscale covalent organic frameworks (nCOFs), crystalline organic polymers that have been modified with peptides to treat the most aggressive form of breast cancer, known as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). https://phys.org/news/2024-09-covalent-frameworks-precise-cancer-treatment.html Bio & Medicine Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:01:03 EDT news645454861 What do firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, water-repellent textiles and pesticides all have in common? They all contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS—human-made chemicals that don't break down naturally. It's no wonder, then, that PFAS are now contaminating soil and water and can also be detected in the bodies of humans and animals. The dangers are well known: these forever chemicals can damage the liver, trigger hormonal disorders and cause cancer, to mention just a few of their effects. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-method-chemicals-nanoparticles-ultrasound.html Bio & Medicine Nanomaterials Fri, 13 Sep 2024 09:29:23 EDT news645438559 Scientists have found a new way to see how butterflies develop their colors. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-hyperspectral-microscopy-reveals-nanostructures-butterflies.html Bio & Medicine Wed, 11 Sep 2024 13:03:59 EDT news645278630 A new diagnostic test system jointly developed at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) and UCLA Samueli School of Engineering fuses a powerful, sensitive transistor with a cheap, paper-based diagnostic test. When combined with machine learning, the system becomes a new kind of biosensor that could ultimately transform at-home testing and diagnostics. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-diagnostic-combines-technologies-machine-paradigm.html Bio & Medicine Tue, 10 Sep 2024 15:23:04 EDT news645200582 Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a nanomedicine that increases the penetration and accumulation of chemotherapy drugs in tumor tissues and effectively kills cancer cells in mice. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-experimental-nanomedicine-chemo-drugs-tumors.html Bio & Medicine Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:44:04 EDT news645183841 Recently, a collaborative research team led by Prof. Wang Hui and Prof. Qian Junchao from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences designed a catalytically active, photoresponsive, Fe-doped carbon nanoparticle (FDCN) for second near-infrared (NIR-II) window, photothermal-enhanced chemodynamic therapy. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-iron-doped-carbon-based-nanoparticles.html Bio & Medicine Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:35:03 EDT news645183301 Developing antiviral therapeutics and vaccines requires close study of the viruses that cause disease. But how can these small germs be isolated from complex biological samples like saliva? https://phys.org/news/2024-09-viruses-saliva-therapeutic.html Bio & Medicine Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:55:03 EDT news645112501 From safeguarding our food supply to preventing hospital infections, the battle against antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a growing challenge. Some bacteria can form biofilms, thick aggregates of millions of individual cells surrounded by protective mucus-like substances that easily adhere to surfaces. Forming such biofilms is a critical bacterial strategy to resist treatment. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-silver-nanoparticles-method-antibiotic-resistant.html Bio & Medicine Nanomaterials Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:44:03 EDT news645111841 Mass spectrometry is a powerful technique that allows scientists to break down and identify the building blocks of just about anything by measuring the mass of the tiny particles of which something is comprised. It has a major limitation, however—about 99% of the sample being measured is typically lost before analysis even begins. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-mass-spectrometry-technology-tiny-sample.html Bio & Medicine Mon, 09 Sep 2024 11:47:04 EDT news645101222 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. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-molecular-technique-complex-organoids.html Bio & Medicine Mon, 09 Sep 2024 09:21:04 EDT news645092461 Dr. Min-young Lee and Dr. Sung-gyu Park of the Advanced Bio and Healthcare Materials Research Division at KIMS have developed a technology that can detect cancer mutant genes in blood with the world's highest sensitivity of 0.000000001% based on plasmonic nanomaterials for optical signal amplification. The team tested blood samples from lung cancer patients (stages 1-4) and healthy individuals for EGFR mutations and achieved a diagnostic accuracy of 96%. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-nanomaterial-technology-cancer-genes-ultra.html Bio & Medicine Fri, 06 Sep 2024 11:34:24 EDT news644841258 Researchers have created nanoscale robots which could be used to manage bleeds in the brain caused by aneurysms. The development could enable precise, relatively low-risk treatment of brain aneurysms, which cause around 500,000 deaths globally each year. The medical condition—a blood-filled bulge on a brain artery that can rupture and cause fatal bleeds—can also lead to stroke and disability. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-tiny-magnetic-robots-brain.html Bio & Medicine Fri, 06 Sep 2024 09:26:04 EDT news644833561 Imagine a sensor so sensitive it can detect early cancer in a single drop of blood, enabling diagnosis and treatment before the first symptoms—possibly before a tumor even forms. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-space-based-advance-early-cancer.html Bio & Medicine Nanophysics Thu, 05 Sep 2024 16:26:49 EDT news644772398 Water contamination by the chemicals used in today's technology is a rapidly growing problem globally. A recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control found that 98% of people tested had detectable levels of PFAS, a family of particularly long-lasting compounds, also known as forever chemicals, in their bloodstream. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-nature-based-filtration-material-chemicals.html Bio & Medicine Nanomaterials Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:34:48 EDT news644769285