Zeal of Zika
The notorious Zika virus is known to preferentially infect the macrophages or the immune cells in our body and cause infection. Researchers have now reported how the virus is able to bypass our bodyguard cells. The virus shuts down a number of genes that are responsible for the function and identity of macrophages. Once the genes are silenced, macrophages won’t be able to produce more immune cells and start an antiviral defense.
Nanoparticle for targeted drug delivery
Published in Advanced Materials
Imagine a pill smaller than the width of a human hair. Scientists have now developed a nanocarrier made of natural polymers that are sensitive to bacterial enzymes and can deliver drugs when they reach a septic environment. They loaded the nanocarrier with an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory agent and found that the nanocarrier was triggered by the bacterial enzymes and released the drugs, thus preventing further spread of infection.
Reprogramming cells
Scientists have now developed a technique to treat skin ulcers, open wounds, and even burn scars. They identified a few factors (proteins and RNA) that influence the formation of the basic skin cells called basal keratinocytes. When mice with skin ulcer were treated with these factors, the ulcers turned into healthy skin in 18 days. At six months, the newly generated cells behaved like normal skin cells. However additional testing and optimisation is needed before human trials, say researchers.
Graphene to guard ancient sculptures
Published in Advanced Functional Materials
Around 2000 BC, when metallurgy was slowly developing, ancient Egyptians and Chinese flattened gold, silver, and copper into thin metal films and coated their sculptures to protect them from corrosion. Now a new study has shown how we can use graphene and palladium to do the same job and preserve artifacts for thousands of years. Ultra thin palladium leaves were coated with graphene and then it was coated on a 3D printed structure. Optical imaging studies showed that it can serve as an ideal protective coating, and can be used from jewellery to ship hulls.
iPhone app for BP monitoring
Published in Scientific reports
Do you own an iPhone X? You may soon be able to check your BP using it. A new app has been developed that can measure BP. You will have to press your fingertip on the screen and the app will measure the pressure of the underlying artery. The researchers say that this could pave way for a cuff-less and calibration-free BP monitoring.