Scientists at MIT have made a significant breakthrough in brain stimulation by developing magnetic nanoparticles called magnetoelectric nanodiscs (MENDs) that can be used to stimulate neurons without the need for invasive surgery. These nanoparticles, which are approximately 250 nm across, can be injected into a specific location in the brain and stimulated with an electromagnet…
Gene therapy has emerged as a transformative approach in modern medicine, offering a potential cure for a wide array of genetic disorders. By introducing, modifying, or repairing genetic material within a patient’s cells, gene therapy aims to rectify underlying genetic defects, thereby treating or preventing disease. The field has witnessed significant milestones, with several gene…
The biotech industry is witnessing a surge in the development of exosome therapy companies, which are harnessing the potential of these tiny vesicles to treat a range of diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and inflammatory diseases. With several companies advancing their candidates through clinical trials, the global exosome therapeutics market is expected to grow significantly…
Researchers have made a significant discovery in the study of chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal neurological illness affecting deer. The first detailed structure of an infectious prion responsible for CWD reveals a unique 180-degree twist, which could aid in vaccine development or explain why the disease hasn’t yet jumped to humans. This finding may…
A mysterious neurological disease known as “the laughing death” was killing women and children in Papua New Guinea in the 1950s. Autopsies revealed tiny holes in the victims’ brains, leading scientists to discover the role of infectious proteins, or prions, in the disease. Neurovirologist Michel Brahic’s new book, “The Power of Prions,” delves into the…
