Category: Bulletins - Sci-Tech Bulletin

NIR-II Nanoprobes are transforming cancer imaging and image-guided surgery

Near-Infrared II (NIR-II) imaging technology is transforming biomedical imaging and disease diagnosis through the use of advanced probes such as quantum dots, lanthanide nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and organic dyes. Operating within the 1000–1700 nm wavelength range, NIR-II imaging offers deeper tissue penetration, higher spatial resolution, reduced autofluorescence, and superior signal-to-noise ratios compared with conventional NIR-I imaging (700–900 nm). These advantages have enabled significant progress in cancer detection, image-guided surgery, stem cell tracking, inflammation imaging, targeted drug delivery, and tumor vascular monitoring, resulting in enhanced diagnostic accuracy, improved therapeutic precision, and greater potential for personalized medicine.

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Cucurbitacin D reduces colorectal cancer cell growth through multiple signalling pathways

Cucurbitacin D (CuD), a triterpenoid, commonly found in cucumber, pumpkin, and watermelon have been found to significantly reduce cancer cell viability and induce apoptosis in multiple colorectal cancer cell line. Network analysis and computational study identified four key molecular targets, namely; STAT3, AKT1, CCND1, and CASP3, that strongly interact with CuD and hinders cancer growth and survival. The study also highlighted the involvement of the PI3K-AKT, JAK-STAT, and ErbB signaling pathways, suggesting CuD as a promising multi-target candidate for future colorectal cancer therapies.

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Genistein and exercise reduce breast cancer progression

Soy Genistein and moderate exercise improve anti-cancer responses in breast cancer models

Genistein, a soy-derived isoflavone, when combined with moderate-intensity exercise help prevent breast cancer progression. In vivo studies confirms that exercise in combination with genistein significantly delayed tumor development, reduced tumor size, increased cancer cell apoptosis, and shifted macrophages from tumor-promoting (M2) to tumor-fighting (M1) types. The interventions also reduced inflammation and prevented cancer-related fat loss. These findings suggest that genistein and regular exercise may serve as complementary strategies for breast cancer prevention, management and overall metabolic health support.

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FAMILY Research explains how mental illness is passed across generations

More than 50% of children with a parent affected by severe mental illness may develop a mental health disorder by early adulthood. The FAMILY project is an innovative multimodal risk prediction framework that integrates genetics, epigenetics, neuroimaging, behavioral science, animal models, and artificial intelligence to better understand how mental illness is transmitted across generations. FAMILY investigates the complex interaction between genetic, environmental, epigenetic, and neurodevelopmental factors to identify both risk and resilience markers. The project also addresses ethical and social implications of risk prediction, supporting the development of personalized prevention strategies, early intervention tools, and family-centered mental healthcare guidelines.

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Placental Health Risks Linked to Aromatic Hydrocarbon Exposure in Pregnancy

Higher exposure to environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) among women living in polluted areas has been linked to harmful effects on the human placenta. Key PAH biomarkers, including phenol and 1-hydroxypyrene, were associated with reduced placental hormone activity and decreased metabolic enzyme expression, indicating impaired placental function. It was also observed that lower expression of placental glutathione transferase and reduced placental phosphatase activity in placentas from polluted regions. In contrast, placentas from non-polluted areas showed significantly higher estrogen receptor activity and placental gonadotropin expression, highlighting the serious impact of industrial pollution on maternal and fetal health.

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AI-Powered CRISPR screening reveals new therapeutic targets for Ebola virus infection

Deep learning models and CRISPR-based gene knockout techniques uncovered 998 host genes involved in Ebola virus replication. To identify potential therapeutic targets, researchers combined artificial intelligence (AI), image-based genome-wide CRISPR screening, and single-cell imaging technologies. AI-powered autoencoders and machine learning algorithms were used to classify different stages of viral infection and identify critical host factors, including UQCRB and STRAP. Notably, inhibition of UQCRB using a small-molecule compound significantly reduced Ebola infection in vitro, highlighting the promising potential of AI-driven precision antiviral drug discovery for emerging infectious diseases.

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Bundibugyo Ebola virus vaccine shows life-saving potential post-exposure

Filovirus vaccine, Ervebo candidate rVSVΔG/BDBV-GP, has shown to provide therapeutic protection against Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus. About 83 % of the cynomolgus macaques infected with virulent strain of the Bundibugyo virus displayed survival benefit from the vaccine as compared to the natural survival rate of 21%. The study found that early immune activation, strong interferon responses, and development of BDBV-specific IgG antibodies were linked to survival, highlighting the vaccine’s potential for emergency outbreak response and post-exposure treatment.

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New Low-Dose Ebola Monoclonal Antibody Offers Hope for Future Broad-Spectrum Filovirus Therapies

Monoclonal antibody 3A6 (mAb 3A6) is finding its way as a promising and powerful therapy protection against Ebola virus disease by targeting a conserved region of the Ebola glycoprotein. mAb 3A6 binds to a GP1,2 glycoprotein and “lifts” it away from the viral membrane, blocking the infection. In guinea pigs and rhesus monkeys with advanced Ebola infection and high viral loads, low dose mAb 3A6 treatment achieved complete survival and reversed disease symptoms. These findings could guide development of more effective, lower-cost Ebola therapies and broad-spectrum filovirus vaccines.

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Metabolic Abnormalities and Omega-3 Deficiency Linked to Early Psychosis Risk in Young Adults

Metabolic abnormalities such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and elevated oxidative stress are found to be associated with the risk of psychosis, symptom severity, and impaired daily functioning. In addition, low dietary Omega-3 fatty acid is strongly linked to worsening psychiatric symptoms, reduced cognitive and social performance, and poorer overall quality of life. Early metabolic screening, improved nutrition, Omega-3 supplementation, lifestyle modification, and preventive healthcare strategies may play a vital role in reducing psychosis risk, enhancing brain health, and improving long-term mental and physical health outcomes.

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Linkage between heavy metal resistant genes and antibiotic resistant genes

Marine E. coli Shows Strong Link Between Heavy Metal and Antibiotic Resistance

About 18 heavy metal resistance genes (HMRGs) associated with arsenic, cadmium, copper, and mercury resistance were identified in 308 E. coli isolates through whole genome sequencing and advanced bioinformatics analysis. Researchers also examined 25 antibiotic-resistant bacterial genomes and discovered important links between HMRGs and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Notably, 100% of the analyzed genomes carried at least one copy of 11 out of the 18 identified HMRGs. These findings suggest that environmental pollution may play a significant role in driving antimicrobial resistance. The study also highlights the potential of using bacterial resistance genes as biomarkers for environmental contamination and emerging public health risks.

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