Lifesaving gene therapy for kids is world’s priciest drug at $4.25M
It's unclear if government and private insurance plans can cover the costs. Enlarge / A mother with her twin 6-year-old boys who have metachromatic leukodystrophy, a genetic disease that leaves them unable to move. Photo taken on.....»»
"Degree of Kevin Bacon" gene provides possible basis for central players in group connectedness
A team of biologists and geneticists at the University of Toronto at Mississauga has found a possible genetic basis for a central player in group connectedness. In their study, published in the journal Nature Communications, the group conducted genet.....»»
Vortex fluidic device can speed artificial liposome production to aid drug functionality
The expansion of clean chemistry applications for the vortex fluidic device (VFD)—invented by Flinders University's Professor Colin Raston—continues with the successful rapid and simplified production of artificial liposomes that could help trans.....»»
Novel triple drug combination effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Scientists at the Ineos Oxford Institute (IOI) have found a new potential combination therapy to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by targeting two key bacterial enzymes involved in resistance. The study, "The Triple Combination of Meropenem, Avi.....»»
Chemist explores the real-world science of Star Wars
A professor at the University of Warwick is exploring the chemistry of the galaxy far, far away this Star Wars Day, May the 4th......»»
Microsoft, Google widen passkey support for its users
Since 2013, the first Thursday in May is marked as World Password Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the need for using strong, unique passwords to secure out digital lives. Despite decades of often-repeated statements proclaiming the de.....»»
Apple said to be stealing tech from expensive suppliers to give to cheaper ones
A new report claims that a supplier may develop new technology or new processes, only for Apple to — perfectly legally — take that work to a cheaper company, sometimes leaving the original one to go bankrupt.Apple has suppliers all over the world.....»»
Research shows bumblebee nests are overheating due to climate change, threatening future populations
As a result of the climate crisis, global warming is driving up temperatures around the world—and bumblebees, like humans, are struggling to cope with homes that can't beat the heat......»»
Coastal hurricanes around the world are intensifying faster, new study finds
Hurricanes are among the world's most destructive natural hazards. Their ability to cause damage is shaped by their environment; conditions like warm ocean waters, guiding winds, and atmospheric moisture can all dictate storm strength......»»
Targeting friends to induce social contagion can benefit the world, says new research
A new study co-authored by Yale sociologist Nicholas A. Christakis demonstrates that tapping into the dynamics of friendship significantly improves the possibility that a community will adopt public health and other interventions aimed at improved hu.....»»
Studies assess feasibility of aquaculture wastewater treatment methods
Aquaculture production operations that help feed the world's growing population also generate polluted wastewater that harms the environment. Four studies published by Purdue University scientists since last May document the feasibility of previously.....»»
Researcher creates optical magnetometer prototype that detects errors in MRI scans
Hvidovre Hospital has the world's first prototype of a sensor capable of detecting errors in MRI scans using laser light and gas. The new sensor, developed by a young researcher at the University of Copenhagen and Hvidovre Hospital, can thereby do wh.....»»
For the ancient Maya, cracked mirrors were a path to the world beyond
Some people fear that breaking a mirror can lead to seven years of misfortune. The history of this superstition may go back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who ascribed mysterious powers to reflected images......»»
Millions of young people will head to the polls over the next year—but many are disillusioned about mainstream politics
A record number of people will go to polls in 2024 to vote in national elections around the world. People who came of age during the last electoral cycle will have an opportunity to cast their votes for the first time......»»
Kids study in overheated slum as Philippines shuts schools
Fourth-grader Ella Araza sat on a tiny plastic box in her Manila slum home, trying to finish her homework before the afternoon sun sent temperatures soaring to unbearable levels......»»
Scientists" new approach in fight against counterfeit alcohol spirits
In the shadowy world of counterfeit alcoholic spirit production, where profits soar and brands are exploited, the true extent of this illegal market remains shrouded......»»
Bioreactor processes and cryotechnologies improve active ingredient tests using human cell cultures
Many new drug candidates end up failing because they cause serious side effects in clinical trials even though lab tests involving cell cultures have been successful. This is a common occurrence if the cells used come from animal tissue, for example......»»
Great white sharks off South Africa"s coast are protected by law, but not in practice—this needs to change
In less than eight years, white sharks in South Africa have all but disappeared from their historical hotspots in False Bay and Gansbaai, on the Western Cape coast. These areas were once known as the "white shark capital of the world" and were home t.....»»
Apple Watch AFib feature gets new FDA seal of approval
The Apple Watch AFib feature – which detects abnormal heartbeat patterns indicative of atrial fibrillation – has received a new tick of approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Doctors have already credited the health feature with.....»»
Antimicrobial peptide from cows shows potential for treating hypervirulent bacteria
University of Central Florida College of Medicine researcher Renee Fleeman is on a mission to kill drug-resistant bacteria, and her latest study has identified a therapy that can penetrate the slime that such infections use to protect themselves from.....»»
CDC, FDA, USDA answer big questions about the growing bird flu outbreak
Representatives with multiple agencies including the CDC, the United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration on May 1 discussed the latest news about bird flu in the U.S......»»