Category: Biotechnology - 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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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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HEDD is an epigenetic drug database for drug discovery

HEDD Database: Advancing Epigenetic Drug Discovery, Cancer Research, and Precision Medicine Through Integrated Biomedical Data

The Human Epigenetic Drug Database (HEDD) is a comprehensive platform developed to organize and integrate epigenetic drug research data, including disease & drug information, clinical trials, molecular targets, high-throughput datasets, and drug-target structures. Data collected from major biomedical databases such as PubChem, DrugBank, GEO, and PDB has been used to create a centralized resource for scientists and clinicians. HEDD contains datasets on 64 epigenetic drugs, 1,606 targets, and 571 disease applications. The database supports flexible searches, 3D molecular visualization, and downloadable datasets, enabling advancements in drug discovery, cancer research, precision medicine, computational biology, and personalized therapeutic development.

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Ebola Virus VP24 and VP35 Interactions Reveal New Antiviral Drug Targets

Scientists have discovered the Ebola virus proteins VP24 and VP35 that forms complex and coordinates the formation of nucleocapsid assembly through the polymerization of nucleoprotein (NP) along the viral RNA genome. VP35 functions as a chaperone and replication cofactor, stabilizing a newly identified outer third monomeric layer of NP, while VP24 helps stabilize and condense the nucleocapsid structure. The study also revealed that the intrinsically disordered region and C-terminal domain of the outer NP layer act as a flexible tether linking the nucleocapsid to the viral matrix. These conserved protein interfaces are promising targets for broad-spectrum antiviral therapies.

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Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells is a promising therapy for Leukemia, GVHD, and Aplastic Anemia

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) are emerging as promising therapies for hematological diseases due to their high proliferation, low immunogenicity, and strong immunomodulatory properties. UC-MSCs support hematopoietic stem cell growth, reduce graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and improve outcomes after stem cell transplantation. The therapy can potentially be applied in treating aplastic anemia, immune thrombocytopenia, and certain blood cancers. Their ability to regulate immune responses and target tumor cells makes them valuable in regenerative medicine and oncology.

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Electrolyzed Water Is Transforming Hospital Disinfection and Hygiene Practices

Electrolyzed water (EW) is a cost-effective, eco-friendly disinfectant with strong antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties. Produced by electrolysis of salt and water, it generates hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which rapidly kills pathogens by damaging cell structures. Findings show significant effectiveness in wound care, hand hygiene, oral health, and surface disinfection, with fast microbial reduction and minimal toxicity. EW demonstrates strong practical potential for safer infection control in clinical and healthcare environments, although short shelf life of EW and reduced efficacy in organic matter can be addressed.

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Carbon Dots are revolutionising cancer diagnosis, drug delivery, and advanced therapies

Carbon dots (CDs) are carbon-based nanomaterials that are emerging as a potential biomaterial with appealing applications in bioimaging, biosensing, drug delivery, and radiation therapies such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT). Carbon dots enable precise bioimaging, allowing real-time detection of cancer cells, and can selectively target tumours when functionalized with specific drug molecules while reducing side effects. Their low-cost production and versatility due to their brilliant fluorescence, high photostability, good biocompatibility, and low toxicity make them a promising nanotheranostic tool for practical clinical use at affordable costs.

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