biocooperative material for tissue regeneration

From Blood to Healing: Breakthrough Enables Personalized 3D-Printed Implants

Introduction: A Groundbreaking Advancement in Regenerative Medicine

Scientists have unveiled a new blood-derived 'biocooperative' material proven to restore bone integrity, laying the foundation for innovative personalized treatments for injuries and ailments.

Development of Biocooperative Material at the University of Nottingham

Researchers from the University of Nottingham's Schools of Pharmacy and Chemical Engineering have harnessed peptide molecules to create living materials that support tissue regeneration, as reported in Advanced Materials.

Understanding the Healing Process: The Role of Blood in Tissue Repair

The majority of human tissues possess an exceptional capacity to heal small ruptures or fractures, facilitated by a complex process. In its early stages, liquid blood transforms into a solid Regenerative Hematoma (RH), creating a dynamic microenvironment rich in cells, and factors critical for tissue regeneration.

Self-Assembling Technique for Personalized Healing

The researchers designed a self-assembling technique where synthetic peptides are combined with a patient's whole blood, producing a material that leverages key molecules, cells, and healing mechanisms. This innovation allowed them to create regenerative materials that not only replicate the natural Regenerative Hematoma (RH) but also improve its structural and functional properties.

Key Benefits and Applications of the New Regenerative Materials

These materials can be readily assembled, customized, and even 3D printed, all while preserving critical functions of the natural RH, including normal platelet activity, growth factor production, and cell recruitment essential for healing. Using this approach, the team demonstrated successful bone repair in animal models utilizing the animal's own blood.

Statement from Professor Alvaro Mata on the Biocooperative Approach

Professor Alvaro Mata, a leading expert in Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials at the University of Nottingham's School of Pharmacy and Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, stated, "Scientists have long sought synthetic methods to replicate the natural regenerative environment, a challenge due to its intrinsic complexity. In this study, we adopted an approach that collaborates with biology rather than attempting to replicate it."

The Future of Regenerative Medicine: Leveraging Natural Healing Mechanisms

This 'Biocooperative' strategy presents new possibilities for creating regenerative materials by leveraging and amplifying the mechanisms inherent in the natural healing process. Essentially, our approach uses these evolved regenerative mechanisms as fabrication steps to design advanced materials.

Implications for Clinical Practice and the Future of Regenerative Implants

Dr. Cosimo Ligorio, from the University of Nottingham's Faculty of Engineering and co-author of the research, stated, "It's thrilling to see how easily and safely we can convert blood into highly regenerative implants. Blood is nearly costless and can be collected from patients in considerable quantities."

Developing a User-Friendly Toolkit for Clinical Integration

"Our goal is to develop a user-friendly toolkit that can be seamlessly integrated into clinical practice, enabling the swift and safe conversion of patient blood into highly regenerative, customizable implants."

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Exercise as Brain Therapy: Muscle Activity That Promotes Neuron Health

There's no question that physical activity contributes significantly to health, fortifying muscles and improving the function of bones, blood, vessels, and the immune system.

Muscle Activity and Neuron Growth

MIT engineers have discovered that exercise benefits extend to individual neurons, observing that muscle contractions release a complex array of biochemical signals known as myokines.

Neurons exposed to these muscle-generated signals grew four times farther than those without myokine exposure, indicating a substantial biochemical effect of exercise on nerve growth at the cellular level.

The researchers were intrigued to find that neurons respond not only to the biochemical signals generated by exercise but also to its physical effects. Repeatedly pulling neurons, in a manner mimicking muscle expansion and contraction, led to growth on par with myokine exposure.

Muscle-Generated Signals and Their Impact

Previous studies hinted at a biochemical connection between muscle activity and nerve growth, but this research is the first to demonstrate that physical effects play an equally significant role, the researchers report. Published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, the findings illuminate how muscles and nerves interact during exercise and may aid in developing exercise-based therapies to repair damaged or deteriorating nerves.

Potential for Exercise-Based Therapies

"Understanding this muscle-nerve crosstalk opens new avenues for treating conditions such as nerve injuries, where nerve-muscle communication is disrupted," say Ritu, Raman, the Eugene Bell Career Development Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT.

Muscle Stimulation as a Pathway for Nerve Regeneration

"Muscle Stimulation could serve as a pathway to encourage nerve regeneration, helping to regain mobility for those impacted by traumatic injuries or neurodegenerative conditions."

Study Team and Contributions

The new study is led by senior author Ritu Raman, with contributions from Angel Bu, Ferdows Afghah, Nicolas Castro, Maheera Bawa, Sonika Kohli, Karina Shah, and Brandon Rios from MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Vincent Butty from MIT's Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research.

Muscle Communication: Insights from Previous Research

In 2023, Raman and her team demonstrated that mobility could be restored in mice with traumatic muscle injuries by implanting muscle tissue at the injury site and stimulating it repeatedly with light to simulate exercise.

Over time, the researchers observed that the exercised graft enabled the mice to recover motor function, achieving activity levels similar to those of healthy mice.

The researchers discovered that regular exercise induced the grafted muscle to produce biochemical signals, which are recognized for promoting nerve and blood vessel development.

Muscle-Nerve Communication: New Perspectives

"It's intriguing because we typically assume nerves control muscles, but we rarely consider the possibility of muscles communicating back to nerves," says Raman.

"We began to consider that stimulating the muscle might be promoting nerve growth. However, responses suggested that while this could be true, there are hundreds of other cell types in the body, making it difficult to prove whether nerve growth is directly due to the muscle or if other factors, like the immune system, are involved," says Raman.

Investigating the Impact of Exercise on Nerve Growth

In their latest research, the team aimed to investigate whether exercise has a direct impact on nerve growth by focusing exclusively on muscle and nerve tissues. They cultured mouse muscle cells into elongated fibers, which then fused to create a small sheet of mature muscle tissue roughly the size of a quarter.

Engineering Muscle Cells for Exercise Simulation

The researchers genetically modified the muscle to respond to light by contracting. With this alteration, they were able to flash light repeatedly, causing the muscle to contract in a way that replicated the effects of exercise.

Video

Scientists at MIT found that motor neurons showed a marked increase in growth over five days when subjected to exercise-related biochemical and mechanical signals. The green ball illustrates the clusters of neurons growing outward as axons. Credit: Angel Bu.

Raman developed a novel gel mat specifically designed to grow and stimulate muscle tissue. Its specialized properties ensure the muscle tissue remains anchored, even as it undergoes repeated stimulation for exercise.

Collection of Myokine Solution

The team proceeded to collect samples of the surrounding solution in which the muscle tissue was exercised, hypothesizing that the solution would contain myokines, growth factors, RNA, and various other proteins.

Raman characterizes myokines as a biochemical blend of substances secreted by muscles, with certain components possibly benefiting nerve growth, while others may have no connection to nerves. "While muscles are always releasing myokines, exercise amplifies  this secretion," she says.

Exercise-Induced Myokines and Their Impact on Neurons

The team moved the myokine solution to a separate dish containing motor neurons, which are responsible for controlling muscles involved in voluntary movement, specifically those located in the spinal cord. The neurons were cultured from stem cells derived from mice.

Enhanced Neuron Growth Due to Myokines

Similar to the muscle tissue, the neurons were cultured on a comparable gel mat. Upon exposure to the myokine mixture, the researchers noted that the neurons grew four times faster than those not treated with the biochemical solution.

Raman observes that the neurons grow significantly faster and farther, with the impact being almost immediate.

Genetic Analysis of Neuronal Changes

To examine the impact of exercise-induced myokines on neuronal changes, the team conducted a genetic analysis by extracting RNA from the neurons to assess any alterations in the expression of specific neuronal genes.

Raman explains that the genes up-regulated in the exercise-stimulated neurons were associated not only with growth, but also with neuronal maturation, communication with muscles and other nerves, and axon development. "Exercise appears to affect both growth and the functionality of neurons," she notes.

Physical Effects of Exercise on Neurons

The results point to the fact that the biochemical responses to exercise can enhance neuron growth. The next logical question for the team was: Could the physical impacts of exercise also provide such benefits?

Mechanical Stimulation of Neurons

Raman notes that because neurons are physically attached to muscles, they naturally stretch and move with them. "We were curious to see if, even without the biochemical signals from the muscle, replicating the mechanical effects of exercise by stretching the neurons could lead to growth," she explains.

To explore this question, the researchers cultured a separate batch of motor neurons on a gel mat integrated with tiny magnets. By using an external magnet, they were able to induce movement, causing both the mat and the neurons to oscillate.

By applying this mechanical stimulation for 30 minutes daily, the researchers effectively 'exercised' the neurons.

Surprising Results: Physical Exercise Promotes Neuron Growth

They were surprised to find that this physical exercise promoted neuron growth as significantly as the myokine-induced stimulation, with the neurons growing far more than those that received no exercise.

"This is a promising result, as it suggests that both the biochemical and physical effects of exercise play equally significant roles," says Raman.

Future Research Directions

Now that the group has established that muscle exercise can promote cellular nerve growth, their upcoming research will focus on how targeted stimulation of muscles may help heal damaged nerves and restore mobility in individuals living with neurodegenerative diseases such ALS.

According to Raman, this marks just the beginning of their journey toward understanding and utilizing exercise as a therapeutic tool.

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The Keto Diet and Autoimmune Health: A New Path to Anti-Inflammatory Treatment?

Introduction: The Keto Diet's Potential in Treating Autoimmune Disorders

The ketogenic diet has long been thought by scientists to potentially ease immune hyperactivity, showing promise for diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Recent data now suggest that this theory my be well-founded.

Key Findings from UC Scan Francisco Researchers

Diet's Impact on Gut Microbes and MS Symptoms in Mice

Researchers at UC San Francisco have found that the diet prompts the gut and its microbes to generate two factors that alleviated MS symptoms in mice. If applicable to humans, this study could open new avenues for treating MS and other autoimmune disorder through supplements.

The Ketogenic Diet Explained

The ketogenic diet greatly limits foods high in carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, fruits, and sugars, while permitting unrestricted fat intake. In the absence of carbohydrates, the body metabolizes fat, generating ketone bodies that serve as an energy source for cells and have the capacity to modulate immune function.

β-Hydroxybutyrate (βHB) and Its Role in Immune Function

βHB and Milder MS Symptoms in Mice

In studies using a mouse model of MS, researchers observed that mice with higher levels of the ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB) exhibited milder disease symptoms.

Mechanism: Lactobacillus Murinus and Indole Lactic Acid (ILA)

The increased levels of βHB also stimulated the gut bacterium Lactobacillus murinus to produce a metabolite known as Indole Lactic Acid (ILA), which inhibited the activation of T helper 17 immune cells, implicated in MS and other autoimmune conditions.

Researcher Insights: Peter Turnbaugh's Findings

"What was most exciting was that we were able to protect these mice from inflammatory disease merely by putting them on a diet enriched with these compounds," said Peter Turnbaugh, Ph.D., of the Benioff Center for Microbiome Medicine.

Exploring βHB's Impact on the Gut Microbiome

Investigating the Effects of βHB on Mice with MS

Turnbaugh had previously shown that βHB, when secreted by the gut, helps counter immune activation. This insight inspired Margaret Alexander, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in his lab, to explore whether the compound could reduce MS symptoms in mice.

Supplementing Mice with βHB to Improve Symptoms

In their latest study published in Cell Reports, the research team examined the effects of a ketone body-rich diet on mice that lacked the ability to produce βHB in their intestines. They found that these mice experienced more severe inflammation. However, when their diets were supplemented with βHB, the mice showed improvement.

Microbial Communities and Immune Response

Exploring the Gut Microbiome in MS Mice

In their study, the team explored how βHB influences the gut microbiome by isolating bacteria from the guts of three groups of mice on different diets: keto, high-fat, or βHB-supplemented high-fat. They screened the metabolic byproducts of the distinct microbial communities in an immune assay, revealing that the positive effects were attributed to Lactabacillus murinus, a species within the Lactabacillus genus.

Validation through Genome Sequencing and Mass Spectrometry

Genome sequencing and mass spectrometry further validated that the L. murinus identified by the team produced indole lactic acid, a compound known to influence the immune system. Ultimately, the researchers treated the MS mice with either ILA or L. murinus, resulting in an improvement in their symptoms.

Future Implications and Next Steps

Testing the Keto Diet Approach in Humans

Turnbaugh emphasized that the supplement-based approach must still undergo testing in individuals with autoimmune disorders before it can be considered for broader application.

"The crucial question is how effectively this will translate to real-world patients," he explained.

Promising Prospects for Autoimmune Treatment

"That said, I think these findings offer promising prospects for an easier, more tolerable alternative to the restrictive diet currently recommended." he concluded.

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Amnesia-Inducing Diatoms Discovered in Luzon's Shellfish Farms

Introduction: The Discovery of Toxic Diatoms

Luzon, the densely populated island housing over half of the Philippine population, includes many residents who regularly consume shellfish. An international research team recently confirmed the presence of two Pseudo-nitzschia diatom species there, known for producing a harmful neurotoxin linked to severe illness and memory loss.

This research has been published in Diatom Research.

What Are Diatoms and Their Risks?

Diatoms: The 'Glass House' Algae

Often described poetically as 'algae that live in glass houses,' diatoms are microscopic aquatic organisms encased in protective, milk-colored silica shells. Although most diatom species pose no harm, nearly half of the 58 identified Pseudo-nitzschia species are known to produce the potent neurotoxin domoic acid (DA).

The Dangers of Domoic Acid (DA)

Individuals who consume shellfish contaminated with domoic acid (DA) may suffer from symptoms like vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. In severe cases, DA exposure can result in permanent short-term memory loss, a condition known as amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP).

Limited Knowledge of Pseudo-nitzschia in the Philippines

Despite these risks, limited information is available on the spread of Pseudo-nitzschia in the Philippines. This knowledge gap led scientists from Ateneo de Manila University's Department of Biology and University Malaysia Sarawak to analyze the physical and genetic traits of the diatoms found in water samples from shellfish farms in Luzon's Bacoor Bay and Pagbilao Bay.

Research Findings: The Identified Toxic Diatoms

New Species Discovery: P. Brasiliana

The researchers identified the DA-producing diatoms Pseudo-nitzschia pungens and Pseudo-nitzschia brasiliana within the samples, with P. brasiliana being recorded for the first time in Luzon.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Shellfish Contamination

During periods of excessive growth, known as harmful algal blooms (HABs) or 'red tide,' DA can accumulate in significant quantities in filter-feeding shellfish like mussels and clams.

"Identifying species within a genus where half are known DA producers is essential for HAB monitoring in the Philippines," the researchers emphasize.

Importance of Monitoring and Research

The Need for Monitoring Efforts

Researchers Lorenzo A. Botavara, Janice A. Ragaza, Hong Chang Lim, and Sing Tung Teng emphasize the importance of recognizing the toxic potential of these diatoms and implementing monitoring efforts. "Such efforts must begin by confirming their presence in our waters, yet, to our knowledge, no molecular taxonomy of Pseudo-nitzschia exists in the Philippines."

Future Steps for HAB Monitoring

"Identifying species within a genus where half are known DA producers in essential for HAB monitoring in the Philippines." the researchers emphasize.

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The discovery of Pseudo-nitzschia diatoms in Luzon's shellfish farms highlights the urgent need for effective monitoring and research. We encourage local communities, researchers, and policymakers to collaborate in addressing the potential risks of amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) and ensure safe seafood consumption. Stay informed about the latest research developments and support initiatives to protect public health by advocating for regular water checks in shellfish farming areas.

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Advanced AI Model Shows Superior Prediction Capabilities for Breast Cancer Progression

Introduction

A collaborative team of AI and healthcare researchers at Ataraxis AI, working alongside experts from institutions across the U.S., has developed an AI model that claims to enhance accuracy in predicting breast cancer progression over current hospital methods.

Key Findings

The team has shared a research paper on the arXiv preprint server, detailing their model's design and its strong performance during testing.

Understanding Breast Cancer Progression

Variability in Cancer Growth Rates

Previous studies have demonstrated that cancer growth rates vary, even among cancers of the same type. For instance:

• Some breast cancers advance rapidly.
• Others progress more gradually.

This variability poses challenges for healthcare providers in devising the best treatment approach for each patient.

Current Assessment Methods

Researchers have thus introduced tests such as Oncotype DX, which assess the aggressiveness of a patient's cancer through:

• Genetic Analysis.
• Observing the cancer's progression over a short duration.

The Ataraxis AI Approach

Development of the AI Model

In this recent endeavor, the Ataraxis AI team, which publicly launched only last year, has created a machine-learning model designed to estimate the probable progression rate for individual patients.

Collaboration for Model Training

The team collaborated with multiple hospitals to train their model, gaining access to extensive tumor progression imagery and patient data.

Enhancing Model Accuracy

They enhanced model accuracy by:

• Creating multiple models with different methodologies.
• Averaging their predictions to reduce errors.

Performance Validation

Testing on Historical Data

The team has tested their model on historical data from 3,500 patients and benchmarked its progression risk predictions against standard assessments like Oncotype DX, noting an accuracy increase of up to 30%.

Future Directions

Ongoing Research and Development

Continuing their research, the team plans to refine their model's accuracy and explore other tools to aid doctors in assessing breast cancer more precisely.

Software Release Anticipation

They anticipate releasing software for healthcare providers incorporating their AI model as early as next year.

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walking short bursts energy consumption study

Walking in Short Bursts Increases Energy Consumption by 20% to 60%: Study Insights

Introduction

Researchers at the University of Milan, specializing in pathophysiology, found that intermittent stair climbing or walking results in 20% to 60% more energy consumption compared to performing these activities continuously over the same distance. Their study, appearing in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, involved monitoring oxygen intake as volunteers walked on treadmills or climbed stairs.

Research Observations

Metabolic Steady State

• The research team observed that existing energy expenditure data typically reflects activities conducted at a metabolically steady state, which occurs only after sustained effort.
• They questioned whether energy expenditure might differ if individuals engaged in stop-and-start exercises multiple times.

Study Methodology

To explore this, they recruited 10 volunteers.

Volunteers participated in activities that included:

• Walking on a treadmill or
• Climbing a short flight of stairs

The duration of these activities varied from 10 seconds to four minutes.

They wore masks to monitor oxygen intake, which served as a method for measuring energy expenditure.

Key Findings

Increased Energy Expenditure

The researchers observed that volunteers expended more energy when they performed multiple start-and-stop activities, compared to maintaining a continuous, steady pace over the same distance.

Explanation of Energy Use

• The researchers attribute this to the body expending more energy in the initial stages of gearing up for activity and establishing a steady rhythm.
• Similar to how a car uses more fuel when accelerating from a standstill.

Experimental Results

Further experiments demonstrated that breaking exercise into multiple short bouts, as opposed to one prolonged session, led to energy consumption increases ranging from 20% to 60%.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The research group recommends engaging in multiple short bouts of exercise for better results, as opposed to sustaining a steady pace over longer durations.

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Scientists Develop Synthetic Plants Capable of Purifying Indoor Air and Producing Electricity

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

The average American spends about 90% of their life indoors, and the air quality in these environments, such as homes, schools, or workplaces, directly affects their health and wellness.

However, the majority of air purification systems are costly, bulky, and require regular maintenance or filter replacement to maintain peak performance.

Groundbreaking Research by Binghamton University

Binghamton University's Professor Seokheun 'Sean' Choi and Ph.D. researchers Maryam Rezaie are transforming their studies on bacteria-powered biobatteries-both ingestible and conventional-into a groundbreaking idea for artificial plants capable of absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and generating small amounts of electricity.

Publication of Research Findings

The researchers have published a paper outlining their results in the journal Advanced Sustainable Systems.

Insights on Indoor Air Pollution

"After experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of indoor air quality is clearer than ever," said Choi, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science.

"Numerous sources, such as building materials and carpets, can emit highly toxic substances. As we inhale and exhale, carbon dioxide accumulates. Additionally, risks arise from cooking and outdoor infiltration."

Development of the Artificial Plant

Choi and Rezaie initially created an artificial leaf 'for fun' using five biological solar cells and photosynthetic bacteria, but soon realized the broader potential of the concept. They built the first plant with five leaves and tested its ability to capture carbon dioxide and generate oxygen.

Power Generation Capabilities

While generating about 140 micro-watts power is a secondary benefit, Choi aims to enhance the technology to achieve a minimum output exceeding 1 milliwatt. He also intends to incorporate an energy storage system, such as lithium-ion batteries or super-capacitors.

Practical Applications and Future Enhancements

"I hope to use this electricity for practical applications like charging mobile phones,," he said.

Future enhancements may involve employing multiple species of bacteria to ensure long-term sustainability and creating systems to reduce maintenance needs, including water and nutrient delivery mechanisms.

The Future of Artificial Plants

"With a bit of refinement, these artificial plants could be integrated into every household," Choi states. "The advantages of this concept are readily apparent."

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