1. Organs for transplantation will be 3D printed
A group of scientists from Imperial College London and King's College London have developed a new technique for 3D printing human organs and tissues. They use low temperatures (freezing) to create structures similar in their mechanical properties to tissues of the brain, lungs and other organs. Scientists hope that this technology will also be successfully used to regenerate (repair) damaged tissue without increasing the risk of graft rejection.
Using the method, scientists from Newcastle (UK) printed the first artificial human cornea - a transparent film that covers the surface of the eye. Its damage can significantly reduce vision and even lead to blindness.
Why is this so important?
Using this method, such important medical problems as transplant rejection, lack of donor organs and tissues, and even blindness can be solved.
2. Nanomolecules for fast-acting drugs
The discovery of new molecules for drug development is a laborious and time-consuming process. Chemists at the University of Los Angeles (UCLA) have developed a new method for detecting the smallest molecules using an electron microscope, which will significantly speed up this process. The approach allows one to recognize the structure of nanomolecules in just 30 minutes - instead of the previously required several hours.
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Why is this so important?
Micromolecules (very small molecules) are found in most modern pharmaceuticals. The small size allows molecules to quickly penetrate cell membranes and reach their target. This means that the drug begins to act much faster.
For many years, X-rays have been used to analyze the structure of molecules in the development of new drugs. This technique is not as efficient and time consuming. “Using an electron microscope makes it possible to photograph a new structure in minutes. The method can be called transformational for scientists looking for bioactive molecules,”says Professor Carolyn Bertozzi of Stanford University.
3. Intestinal bacteria will solve the problem of lack of donor blood
Scientists have been looking for a method for a long time that will quickly transform groups II, III, IV into I (the “universal donor” group). It seems that the search was crowned with success. In the summer of 2018, researchers from the University of British Columbia reported that an enzyme they discovered in the human intestine could convert blood types II and III into I blood groups 30 times faster than previously used ones. As the scientists explained, this is due to the fact that the conversion of carbohydrates into mucoprotein proteins by intestinal bacteria is very similar to the process of removing carbohydrates from the surface of red blood cells (erythrocytes).
Scientists have long been looking for a method that will quickly transform blood types II, III, IV into I. Photo: GLOBAL LOOK PRESS.
Why is this so important?
The blood group is determined by carbohydrates on the surface of red blood cells, called antigens. If you transfuse an incompatible blood group, for example, blood group II, into a patient with group III, the body will start producing antibodies that attack the red blood cells with the “wrong” group.
Group I is a "universal donor" because it has no antigens on the surface of erythrocytes.
In order to prove the efficacy and safety of this method in humans, additional clinical studies are needed. But if the method works, it will solve the problem of the lack of donated blood.
4. One step closer to treating Alzheimer's disease
2018 was marked by several discoveries at once that will effectively treat Alzheimer's disease.
Removal of the BACE1 enzyme. Scientists at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute have found that gradual removal of the BACE1 enzyme completely dissolves amyloid plaques (balls of proteins that interfere with signaling between neurons) in the brains of Alzheimer's mice.
The year brought scientists closer to the mystery of the treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Photo: GLOBAL LOOK PRESS.
Interneuron Engineering. Researchers at the Gladstones Institute in San Francisco have been restoring the brains of mice with Alzheimer's disease by implanting interneurons responsible for regulating brain rhythms. It is known that the biorhythms of the brain are severely disturbed in Alzheimer's disease.
The role of the apoE4 gene, a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, was explained. Scientists at the Gladstones Institute have discovered a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. It turned out to be the apoE4 gene. Scientists have shown that correcting this gene with special micromolecules restores damaged neurons.
Why is this so important?
For decades, scientists have been trying to understand the mechanisms underlying the development of Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, in recent years, large pharmaceutical companies have been unsuccessful in developing new drugs to treat this disease. Recent advances are opening up new opportunities for scientists.
5. The victory over cancer will be won
In 2018, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to James Allison and Tasuk Honjo for a breakthrough discovery that a person's own immunity can fight cancer cells. Based on this scientific development, drugs are already being produced for the treatment of cancerous tumors.
Why is this so important?
The discovery by James Ellison and Tasuku Honjo is not new. It was made in the 90s of the last century, but only now it was recognized as revolutionary in the fight against cancer.
6. Brain cells from blood cells
For the first time, scientists have succeeded in reprogramming human blood cells into stem cells of the nervous system, similar to the cells of the embryo. The resulting cells can divide on their own. The discovery belongs to researchers from the German Cancer Research Center and the Stem Cell Institute in Heidelberg.
Why is this so important?
Previous attempts by scientists to obtain stem cells of the nervous system from blood cells were unsuccessful (cells could not divide in laboratory conditions), and, therefore, were used to treat diseases. The discovery of German scientists gives new possibilities in the treatment of diseases such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and Göttington's chorea.
7. Artificial immunity
Biologists from the University of Los Angeles were able to obtain the first artificial human immune cells capable of fighting infections and cancerous tumors along with natural ones. Artificial T cells (a type of lymphocyte) are the same size, shape and function as natural immune cells.
Why is this so important?
Without the cells of the immune system, we would not be able to survive. The development of artificial T cells is a huge step towards new methods of therapy for malignant tumors and autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, etc.)
8. The first genetically modified children
In November 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiangkui announced the birth of the first genetically modified twins to the world. Using CRISPR technology, a portion of the gene responsible for the penetration of the immunodeficiency virus into the human body was removed from the embryo's DNA. According to the scientist, the twins are not susceptible to this type of infection. He Jiangkui has been sharply criticized by the scientific community, since editing the genes of embryos is prohibited by law. Moreover, gene modification can cause unpredictable mutations and will be passed on to future generations. The further fate of the scientist is not yet known. According to some sources, he may be under arrest.
Why is this so important?
Human gene editing made scientists think about the ethical side of this method. On the other hand, its implementation can help solve the problems of hereditary diseases such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and many others.
KARINA GYAMJYAN