The dysfunction of microglia in the central nervous system is linked to range of diseases, prompting a wide-ranging search for drugs that can alter their activity. New research, however, suggests we might already one such drug at our disposal.

Source of Article

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have identified a previously unknown mechanism of cocaine’s activity in the brain, which could open new types of treatment for addiction to the drug. Intriguingly, it seems to work differently in male and female mice.

Source of Article

Much research into Alzheimer's focuses on the buildup of brain plaques as a primary cause, but the case is far from closed, particularly in the eyes of scientists at NYU who have shown how declining acidity levels in lysosomes might play key part.

Source of Article

Corticosteroid inhalers are a common treatment for asthma, but patients with severe asthma don’t respond well to it. Now scientists have identified a mechanism that seems to block the drugs, and importantly, a potential way to bypass the problem.

Source of Article

In a world-first, a pioneering perfusion machine has facilitated the implant of a damaged liver after three days in storage, with the recipient reported to be in a healthy state one year after the procedure.

Source of Article

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have taken cutting-edge sensors used to measure temperature changes within cells to gain fascinating new insights into Alzheimer's disease, and shown how preventing overheating could slow its progression.

Source of Article

Last year, scientists at Northwestern University announced a transient pacemaker that dissolves when no longer needed. They've now improved the device, and incorporated it into a linked suite of wearable sensors.

Source of Article

Algorithms have helped uncover a new antibiotic that shows promise against some nasty bacteria, using a novel mode of attack that should be hard for them to develop resistance to. Most importantly it could unlock a whole new arsenal of antibiotics.

Source of Article

Scientists have demonstrated a novel approach to tackling arterial plaque that relies on laser, ultrasound and exploding microbubbles to destroy it with greater safety and efficiency, while hinting at unique long-term advantages.

Source of Article

A 25-year search for another source of a promising anti-cancer chemical produced by a rare coral species has now started to bear fruit, with the discovery other readily available corals produce the chemical in abundance.

Source of Article