Paolo Rossi Castelli
When humans infect animals
‘Spillback’ is when human pathogens mutate and affect other species, and almost a hundred cases have been recorded in the last twenty years.
Super-insulin from sea snails
Conus snails produce extremely fast-acting insulin, which they use to paralyse their prey. If suitably modified this molecule may be useful for diabetics.
Music and audio beats against anxiety
A study by Ryerson University shows that sounds with a pre-set frequency and volume, combined with music chosen by AI, tangibly enhance the calming effect.
The brain lives on for 30 seconds after death
An unexpected discovery made by an international team, examining the results of an EEG on an elderly patient, who died while the test was in progress.
A new gene therapy for Mediterranean anaemia
A new gene therapy for Mediterranean anaemia. Genetic engineering techniques are employed to repair diseased blood stem cells.
A 'bio-hybrid' fish helps study the heart
The little artificial fish contains two layers of human heart cells, which contract to create a sophisticated model of how the heart also moves.
A genetic migraine map has been developed
An international consortium has analysed data from 873,000 people and identified 123 DNA areas linked to the headaches. Possible more effective drugs.
Researchers identify possible ‘drivers’ of muscular dystrophy.
Sphingolipids are molecules that appear to play a major role in the disease. If studies are confirmed it may pave the way for new and more effective drugs.
“This is how we reactivated the spinal cord”
These are the words of Silvestro Micera, head of the bioengineering section of a project, which has allowed three paraplegics to begin to walk again.
Magnesium helps immunotherapy for tumours
Encouraging results of a study from Basel. Magnesium activates a protein on the outer wall of T lymphocytes, essential for boosting defences.
A marker to measure depression
A blood test can determine the activity of a key molecule in depressive disorders and the effect of treatment, without having to wait weeks or months.
More ‘tailored’ vaccines for dog allergies
Japanese researchers have managed to pinpoint spots on certain molecules produced by dogs that are the strongest allergens. Possible new vaccines.
Type 1 diabetes: new stem cell treatments
Positive results for a technique tested on 26 patients by a team of international researchers. The cells differentiate in six months and produce insulin.
A cure for astronauts’ eyes
Successfully tested a sleeping bag that returns fluids to the feet in absence of gravity, preventing them from accumulating in the skull and damaging eyes.
A molecule that illuminates ovarian cancer
US health authorities have given the ok to Pafolacianine, a drug that binds to a protein found in ovarian cancer cells and allows surgeons to identify them
A new pain-relief strategy from Arizona
A molecule (currently known as 194) has been identified that seems to be as powerful as opiates, but without the negative effects ( non-addictive).
The Alliance for a sustainable future involves Art, Music and Architecture.
Primo Forum svizzero “Cultura e Salute – Alleanza per un futuro sostenibile”: due giornate di confronto sull’umanizzazione della cura e dei suoi spazi.
Two new strategies to fight Alzheimer’s disease
Two new trials to fight Alzheimer have produced successful results. These are a vaccine and a soluble form of beta amyloid protein typical of Alzheimer’s.