centuryold

Researchers at the McGill University Health Centre have found that the old tuberculosis vaccine, BCG, also protects against influenza A, indicating potential for broader virus defense, including COVID-19. This breakthrough could significantly influence future vaccine development.As Canada’s flu season collides with record strep A cases and ongoing COVID-19 concerns, a new study is shedding light on our understanding of respiratory immune responses. Scholars from the Research Institute of the McGill University Health…

A single injection of the 102-year-old tuberculosis vaccine, BCG, has proven effective at triggering an immune response in mice and shrank their liver cancer tumors, according to research by UC Davis Health. The findings suggest that BCG might be an alternative way of treating this notoriously hard-to-treat cancer.As the most common type of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite treatment options that include surgery, radio- and chemotherapy,…

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that the cytoplasmic droplet in sperm is crucial for storing proteins vital for fertility, controlled by a protein trafficking system influenced by the SYPL1 gene. This breakthrough could have significant implications for fertility research and control.Researchers at Michigan State University have unraveled the enigma of a lesser-understood sperm structure known as the cytoplasmic droplet (CD). The CD, characterized by an enlarged cytoplasm—a viscous, gelatinous…

A new technique using liquid metals as catalysts promises to revolutionize the chemical industry by enabling low-temperature, energy-efficient chemical reactions, potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy use. Above is liquid gallium in a Petri dish. Credit: University of Sydney/Philip RitchieThe chemical industry is presented with an “unparalleled possibility” to alter the future of chemical processes.Liquid metals could be the long-awaited solution to “greening” the chemical industry, according to…

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for depression, likely working by increasing aperiodic activity in the brain. Recent research provides insights into its mechanism, paving the way for improved mental health treatments and a better understanding of brain activity.Scientists from UC San Diego may have solved the century-old mystery of why this controversial treatment works.Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), formerly known as electroshock therapy, involves triggering a short seizure in the brain using…

 India aims to reform its century-old telecommunications law by introducing a new bill as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to make the sector investor friendly. The government is exploring abolishing the concept of licensing with “authorization,” said a person familiar with the matter, who requested not to be identified as the bill is before lawmakers. This is expected to give the government flexibility to cope with advances made in technology.The proposed draft is also considering a major overhaul of spectrum…

Chemists have resurrected the Barbier method using mechanochemistry, replacing hazardous solvents with a solvent-free approach. This advancement promises safer and more sustainable manufacturing, particularly in pharmaceuticals.Organic synthesis is the art of creating molecules, where chemists craft molecules essential for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and high-tech gadget materials, including those in smartphones. Think of it as playing with LEGO at a microscopic level – chemists connect simple building blocks to…

By Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) November 22, 2023A team of scientists has developed a novel algorithm to solve active matter theory equations, enhancing our understanding of living materials. This work, pivotal in biological and computational sciences, paves the way for new discoveries in cellular morphology and the creation of artificial biological machines.An open-source advanced supercomputer algorithm predicts the patterning and dynamics of living materials, allowing for the…

Researchers have discovered that the shape of a person’s brain significantly impacts thought, feeling, and behavior, overturning the prevailing emphasis on complex neuronal connectivity. Utilizing MRI scans and the principle of eigenmodes, they found that brain function is closely linked to its geometric properties, much like how the shape of a musical instrument determines its sound, offering new avenues for exploring brain function and disease.The shape of our brain rather than the interactions between various regions,…

Cruising down West Colfax Avenue in Denver, it’s easy to speed past an inconspicuous red-brick building with a vintage neon sign marking the spot as “Lake Steam Baths Sauna.” But the Russian and Turkish bathhouse, operating since 1927, caters to a bevy of regular clients and curious newcomers. With remodeling plans underway, the new owners of the clothing-optional spa hope to attract even more patrons. Owner Tyler Weston described himself as a longtime patron before purchasing the spa at 3540 W. Colfax Ave. for $2 million…