Researchers at Integra Therapeutics, in collaboration with the Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) Department of Medicine and Life Sciences (MELIS) and the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), have designed and experimentally validated new synthetic proteins that can edit the human genome more efficiently than proteins provided by nature. This work, a global pioneer published today in the journal Nature Biotechnology, will be of great use in improving the current gene editing tools used in biotechnology research and personalized medicine by developing cellular (CAR-T) and gene therapies, especially to treat cancer and rare diseases.

Continuing angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers before non-cardiac surgery is linked to a reduced risk of postoperative mortality and functional decline, according to researchers from Science Tokyo. Using a Japanese nationwide registry of 2.6 million patients over 50 years old, the researchers compared outcomes between those who continued antihypertensive therapy and those who did not. Their findings highlight potential benefits of specific classes of antihypertensive drugs depending on type of surgery needed.

Detect influenza viruses quickly and easily with chewing gum or a lollipop: German researchers from Würzburg, Braunschweig and Cologne demonstrate with a new diagnostic tool how this works.