Artificial intelligence identifies previously unknown features associated with cancer recurrence

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology developed by the RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP) in Japan has successfully found features in pathology images from human cancer patients, without annotation, that could be understood by human doctors. Further, the AI identified features relevant to cancer prognosis that were not previously noted by pathologists, leading to a … Read more

New tool reveals DNA structures that influence disease

Disruption of certain DNA structures – called topologically associating domains, or TADs – is linked with the development of disease, including some cancers. With its newly created algorithm that quickly locates and helps elucidate the complex functions of TADs, an international team of researchers is making it easier to study these important structures and help … Read more

What happens to gold nanoparticles in cells?

Gold nanoparticles, which are supposed to be stable in biological environments, can be degraded inside cells. This research conducted by teams from the CNRS, l’Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, and l’Université de Strasbourg will be published in PNAS on December 16 2019, and reveals the ability of cells to metabolize gold, which is nevertheless not essential for … Read more

Visual neurons don’t work the way scientists thought, study finds

A new survey of the activity of nearly 60,000 neurons in the mouse visual system reveals how far we have to go to understand how the brain computes. Published today in the international journal Nature Neuroscience, the analysis led by researchers at the Allen Institute reveals that more than 90% of neurons in the visual cortex, the part … Read more

Lung images of twins with asthma add to understanding of the disease

Two lung imaging studies from Western University, including one performed in non-identical twin patients with life-long asthma, have shown that airway defects in the lungs of asthmatic patients are like thumbprints – they have a unique pattern and maintain that pattern over time. These studies deepen our understanding of asthma and also open up opportunities for … Read more

Calls to curb infant formula’s carbon footprint

Urgent action is needed to protect breastfeeding and reduce formula’s carbon footprint – especially for “unnecessary” toddler milks, according to an expert at The Australian National University (ANU). Dr Julie Smith, who has studied the economics of infant feeding for over 20 years, has published a paper in the International Breastfeeding Journal on the global … Read more

A way to ‘fingerprint’ human cells

Researchers say a new method to analyse data from individual human cells could be a step-change for diagnosing some of the most devastating diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disease. By combining single cell analysis techniques with machine learning algorithms, a team led by researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research has developed a method … Read more

Australian and US team discover new human autoinflammatory disease

The researchers determined that the autoinflammatory disease, which they termed CRIA (cleavage-resistant RIPK1-induced autoinflammatory) syndrome, is caused by a mutation in a critical cell death component called RIPK1. The research team was led by Dr Najoua Lalaoui and Professor John Silke from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Australia, and Dr Steven … Read more

Precise action anti-cancer drugs in the cell clarified

Scientists from Utrecht University have succeeded in applying advanced microscopy to visualise the activity of the widely used drug Taxol. Taxol is often used in cancer chemotherapy. A better understanding of the precise action of the drug offers starting points for less toxic and effective therapies. Utrecht scientists publish their findings together with international colleagues … Read more

Common genetic link between autism and Tourette’s impairs brain communication

Lancaster University researchers have discovered, for the first time, how a genetic alteration that increases the risk of developing Autism and Tourette’s impacts on the brain. Their research also suggests that ketamine, or related drugs, may be a useful treatment for both of these disorders. Autism affects an estimated 2.8 million people in the UK … Read more