A tiny molecule found among microscopic bacteria living in a mutually beneficial partnership with golf-ball-sized squid may give scientists a lead on how the bacteria are able to act in concert as a helpful colony instead of millions of individual freeloaders.
"We believe we are launching a new cancer therapy field here," says Jamey Weichert, professor of radiology. "It’s very exciting, and the research team is incredible.”
A gene that cured a man of HIV a decade ago has been successfully added to developing monkey embryos in an effort to study more potential treatments for the disease.
A study shows that the mutant virus is more easily transmitted and grows better within hosts, likely aiding its dominance. The mutation, researchers say, should not interfere with the effectiveness of vaccines against the virus.
Neither of the new viruses is known to infect people, but the findings reinforce the important work scientists are undertaking to study the effects of a changing environment on human and animal diseases.
UW neuroscientists led by Su-Chun Zhang found that neurons derived from stem cells can connect with native neurons and restore motor functions. But more research is needed to translate the findings from mice to people.
Leaders and staff at UW–Madison, including people who care for and provide oversight of our animals, take seriously our responsibility to care for animals in research.
UW–Madison researchers have developed a safer and more efficient way to deliver a promising new method for treating cancer and liver disorders and for vaccination — including a COVID-19 vaccine that has advanced to clinical trials.
The animals are useful to researchers trying to understand SARS-CoV-2 and in the evaluation of vaccines, treatments and drugs against the disease it causes.
Researchers advise that people with symptoms avoid contact with cats, and cat owners should keep their pets indoors to limit contact with other people and animals.
Although the global surge in demand has made it more difficult in many places, WSLH’s colleagues at the university have pitched in to keep testing available in Wisconsin.
Refinement of the CoroFlu vaccine concept and testing in laboratory animal models at UW–Madison is expected to take three to six months. CoroFlu could be in human clinical trials by fall, 2020.
The cellular sleight of hand, says biomolecular chemist Feyza Engin, may also suggest ways to prevent other diseases in which the immune system targets the body’s own cells.
A UW–Madison study provides a new avenue of research for understanding and potentially preventing the development of asthma, which affects 25 million Americans.