Researchers from the Institute of Materials Science in Juazeiro, Brazil have reported on the antibacterial properties of usnic acid, a strong lichen metabolite, encapsulated in electrospun fibers. The team’s work was published in Recent Patents on Nanotechnology. Usnic acid has been used in commercial products, such as creams, toothpastes and sunscreen, due to their antiviral, animicrobial […]
Research & Development
Researchers show drug, catheter combo speeds up labor delivery
Using the drug misoprostol in combination with a Foley balloon catheter to induce labor can lead to a speedier delivery, with women delivering several hours earlier than either method alone, according to research from the University of Pennsylvania. The team’s work was published in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Nearly 1 million women who deliver in the U.S. […]
Lab-grown bone shows 100% success rate in small, early study
Israel’s Bonus Biogroup (TLV:BONS) said today that it successfully injected its lab-grown, semi-liquid bone graft into the jaws of 11 people in an early stage clinical trial evaluating bone loss repair. The company is presenting its results at the International Conference on Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Spain today. The material is grown in a lab from […]
Modification to delivery polymer sidesteps allergic response
Researchers from Duke University have reconfigured the popular drug-delivery polymer, polyethylene glycol, to sidestep dangerous immune responses that have previously halted clinical trials at Duke. The team’s work was published in Nature Biomedical Engineering. Polyethylene glycol, PEG, is a polymer that is found in toothpaste and cosmetics, but is often used in pharmaceuticals. It can be […]
Virus-inspired drug delivery system travels cell to cell
Researchers from the University of Utah and the University of Washington have developed self-assembling nanocages that are packaged within cell membranes and exported to travel from cell to cell, delivering therapeutics. The team’s work was published in Nature. The drug delivery system is inspired by a mechanism used by viruses to spread their infectious materials among […]
Siemens Healthineers inks deal with N.Y. provider Northwell Health
Siemens Healthineers (NYSE:SI) said today it inked a 4-year research deal with N.Y. state healthcare provider Northwell Health. The 2 parties aim to develop research projects evaluating clinical effectiveness and outcomes using data analytics-based population health evidence. As part of the 4-year partnership deal, Siemens Healthineers will also provide full-time employees who will work jointly with […]
Researchers develop method for storing vaccines at room temp
Researchers at Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne‘s Supramolecular Nanomaterials and Interfaces Laboratory have developed methods for 3 additives to help store vaccines at room temperature. The team’s work was published in Nature Communications. The need to keep vaccines within a temperature range of 2-8°C contributes to low immunization-coverage rates, because shipping the medicines in an unbroken temperature-controlled […]
Loaded nanocarriers deliver drugs and imaging molecules to tumors
Researchers from the University of Washington developed synthetic nanocarriers to encase chemotherapy drugs and deliver them directly to the tumor site, avoiding healthy tissue. The team’s work was published in the journal Small. The nanocarrier is a hybrid of synthetic materials designed to allow the system to carry drugs and fluorescent particles to stain the tumor for […]
Cambridge Consultants develop miniature robot for cataract surgery
Tech development group Cambridge Consultants are developing the Axsis, a new, micro-sized robotic surgical unit designed for cataract surgery. Measuring a meager 1.8 millimeters in diameter, the Axsis features 2 robotic arms which use tendon-like cables for precise movement, with each cable measuring just 110 microns in diameter, approximately the same as a human hair. […]
Smart patch monitors blood, releases blood thinners to prevent clots
Researchers from the North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed a patch designed to monitor a patient’s blood and release blood-thinning drugs to prevent dangerous blood clots, or thrombosis. The team’s work was published in Advanced Materials. When blood clots disrupt the flow of blood throughout the body, […]
Tests to begin for HIV therapy injections, long-acting implants
Drugs from companies such as GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK), Gilead Sciences (NSDQ:GILD) and Merck (NYSE:MRK) are reportedly being considered for large-scale trials evaluating injectable HIV prevention therapies. Eventually, researchers hope to produce matchstick-sized implants that could provide year-long protection to vulnerable populations. Foster City, Calif.-based Gilead has a once-daily pill, Truvada, which prevents HIV infection during sex. Pre-exposure prophylaxis, also known […]