If the world already had a pan-coronavirus vaccine in March 2020, it could have served as a mitigation tool until vaccines specific to SARS-CoV-2 could be developed.
research
Boosting one gene in the brain’s helper cells slows Alzheimer’s progression in mice
High activity of the gene, Nrf2, slowed cognitive and physical decline in the mice and reduced the accumulation of sticky proteins in their brains, all key markers of the disease in humans.
Seizures and memory problems in epilepsy may have a common cause
A new study could lead to earlier diagnosis of epilepsy and possibly new ways to treat epilepsy and other disorders that share symptoms, like Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury and autism spectrum disorder.
Promising treatment for Alexander disease moves from rat model to human clinical trials
The rare neurological disorder has no cure and is typically fatal, but a study led by UW–Madison researchers is a significant step in efforts to help people with the disease.
New technique, effective in mice, could help advance the use of probiotics
Researchers in the School of Pharmacy, led by Quanyin Hu, have developed a system that can keep probiotic bacteria alive in the lower intestine long enough to help treat or prevent colitis in a mouse model of the disease.
Combining low-dose radiotherapy with immunotherapy eradicates metastatic cancer in mice
UW–Madison and University of Pittsburgh scientists report the method works even when the radiation is given in doses too low to destroy the cancer outright.
Self-powered implantable device stimulates fast bone healing, then disappears without a trace
The thin, flexible device is bioresorbable, so once the bone is knitted back together, the device’s components dissolve within the body.
Uncovering how low-protein diets might reprogram metabolism
Dudley Lamming recognizes his findings are counterintuitive. Much dietary research favors adding protein, not limiting it. But with the majority of the U.S. population being overweight and sedentary, he sees an opportunity to rethink diets.
Designer alterations to brain cells reduce anxious behavior in monkeys, hold promise for new treatments
The technique used by psychiatry Professor Ned Kalin could point to a new way to help people with severe anxiety and other treatment-resistant psychiatric illnesses.
Chemical signal puts bacteria on path to a bright future with squid host
A tiny molecule found among microscopic bacteria living in a mutually beneficial partnership with golf-ball-sized squid may give scientists a lead on how the bacteria are able to act in concert as a helpful colony instead of millions of individual freeloaders.