Disease

A study has found that a protein that normally triggers our immune system to defend against certain viruses plays a pivotal role in exacerbating COPD. The unexpected discovery may lead to new therapeutic approaches for the incurable condition.

Cells from two genetically distinct macaque embryos have been combined, resulting in the first chimeric primate live birth. The newborn male's green glow reveals how large a part the injected stem cells played in development, stunning scientists.

Anyone who has been on the planet for the last four years will know how viruses that evolve to jump across species can rapidly become a serious global crisis. Researchers now believe we're in an alarming new age of vertebrate animal-to-human infections.

With more than 1,000 bacterial species, the gut microbiome is an untapped resource of disease-fighting power. Now, scientists have found a way to rank crucial members of this 'microscopic multicultural community', which has massive medical potential.

Researchers have identified cell-specific proteins in eye fluid and used AI to determine which proteins accelerated aging in particular diseases. The technique may lead to precision treatments and more informed clinical trials.

There are signs the next pandemic is already cooking up – bird flu. Scientists have now demonstrated that genetically engineering chickens can reduce their chances of catching and spreading the disease, but it’s not foolproof.

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to biochemist Katalin Karikó and immunologist Drew Weissman for discoveries that enabled the development of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.

Scientists at Stanford Medicine have tested a new potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease in mice. The therapy involves transplanting blood stem cells from healthy mice into those with the disease, which helps replace defective neural cells.

Hijacking the body of another animal is nothing new in the opportunistic world of parasitism. But for the first time, scientists have observed how one crafty flatworm can switch ‘zombie mode’ on and off, leaving its host ant stuck between life and death.

When we’re sick, we produce compounds that waft around us that dogs can smell. Over the years, the number of diseases that dogs can detect has grown. Here are eight diseases that our furry friends are particularly good at sniffing out.

While water lilies are perhaps most famous for starring in impressionist artist Claude Monet’s work, they may also have a molecular secret weapon that could help in our fight against deadly fungal infections, which are becoming increasingly worse.

Researchers have used neonatal stem cells taken from heart tissue discarded after surgery to reduce bowel inflammation and promote healing, offering a new and alternative treatment to chronic inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease.