Articles by Zvi Cramer

Zhang et al utilized sequencing databases to identify hundreds of mutations in DNA sequences outside of coding genes, paving the way for novel therapeutic avenues to treat cancer. Image Credit: Zhang et al, doi: 10.1038/s41588-018-0091-2.

Researchers Identify Hundreds of Mutations outside of Coding Genes that Influence Tumor Gene Expression

Apr 6, 2018 by Zvi Cramer

Scientists have for the first time linked mutations located outside of coding genes to changes in tumor gene expression, aiding the development of future...

Ashwanikumar et al have developed a drug delivery system using cell-penetrating self-assembling peptide nanomaterials (CSPNs); these drilled-shaped nanomaterials traverse cellular membranes to deliver drugs and can be fine-tuned into different shapes to optimize delivery. Image credit: Ashwanikumar et al, doi: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.02.041.

Scientists Develop Drug-Delivering ‘Nanodrills’ that Penetrate Cell Membranes

Mar 30, 2018 by Zvi Cramer

Researchers have created new drill-shaped nanomaterials that infiltrate cellular membrane and deliver drugs inside the cell, providing a versatile means...

Light-controlled neuron activation using optogenetics allows modulation of specific circuits but is invasive and requires genetic engineering. Researchers from the University of Chicago have developed a silicon-based nanowire that allows light modulation of neurons without genetic engineering, paving the way for optical control of neural activity to other neurological models. Image credit: Gerry Shaw / CC BY-SA 3.0.

Scientists Develop Nanowiring for Optical Control of Neuron Activation

Feb 23, 2018 by Zvi Cramer

Researchers have designed silicon nanowires that allow modulation neuronal activity using light, allowing manipulation of specific neural circuits without...

Researchers have demonstrated that cells of naked mole rats (Heterocephalus glaber) undergo cellular senescence similarly to mouse cells but have distinct features that may explain the species’ low cancer and aging rates, such as being more resistant to DNA damage and undergoing metabolic reprogramming. Image credit: Benny Mazur / CC BY 2.0.

Resistance to DNA Damage and Downregulation of Metabolic Processes May Contribute to Low Cancer Rates in Naked Mole Rats

Feb 13, 2018 by Zvi Cramer

Scientists have revealed that senescent naked mole rat cells downregulate key metabolic processes and are more resistant to DNA damage than their mouse...

Research from the Rockefeller University suggests that variability between strains of the same bacterial species could influence patient immune response. Image credit: Mogana Das Murtey / Patchamuthu Ramasamy / CC BY-SA 3.

Genetic Variation between Pathogen Strains Contributes to Diverse Patient Immune Responses

Jan 15, 2018 by Zvi Cramer

Individuals have wide-ranging physiological responses to the same species of pathogen. Researchers have demonstrated that different strains of a given...

For the first time, researchers have used mutations detected in circulating tumor DNA drawn from patient blood to predict responses to immunotherapy, supporting the usage of this non-invasive diagnostic approach in the clinic. Image credit: National Human Genome Research Institute.

DNA Shed into Blood by Tumors Can Predict Cancer Patients’ Response to Immunotherapy, Says Study

Oct 6, 2017 by Zvi Cramer

Scientists have shown that mutations present in circulating tumor DNA isolated from the blood predicts the likelihood a patient will respond to checkpoint...

Researchers from the University of Michigan have uncovered that the cause of turbulence in non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma is due to heat-induced sound waves from the instrument’s electrodes. Image credit: Texas A&M University.

Heat-Induced Sound Waves Drive Turbulence in Plasma Therapy, Study Says

Sep 12, 2017 by Zvi Cramer

Non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma jets are a promising mode of treating a variety of afflictions. However, unpredictable turbulence in the plasma...

Migraines take a toll on around 1 billion people. This work by Baksa et al. indicates that individuals with certain gene variants in the CLOCK gene, which is involved in circadian rhythms, are at a higher risk of migraines when they are exposed to financial hardship. Image credit: Sasha Wolff / CC BY 2.0.

Study: Circadian Rhythm Gene Variants Increase Risk of Migraines from Financial Hardship

Sep 5, 2017 by Zvi Cramer

Researchers have shown that financial stress may cause more migraines in individuals with variants in the circadian rhythm gene CLOCK, suggesting that...

According to Paardekooper et al, ethylene release is an early and integral component of in vivo lipid peroxidation with important clinical implications as a breath biomarker of bacterial infection. Image credit: James Heilman / CC BY-SA 4.0.

Study: Inflammatory Response to Bacterial Infection Rapidly Changes Composition of Exhaled Breath

Aug 28, 2017 by Zvi Cramer

In a recent study, scientists have revealed that ethylene can be detected in the breath of healthy volunteers shortly after bacterial infection, indicating...