UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

New research suggests 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) may primarily target ribosomal RNA, not DNA, in cancer cells, potentially changing future drug use. The study found 5-FU's efficacy depends more on RNA interaction than DNA damage, challenging long-held beliefs about its mechanism.

USC and Utah researchers received $2.7M from NIH to study retinitis pigmentosa, aiming to map retina's nerve connections at each disease stage to develop strategies for slowing vision loss.

Scientists developed a biotechnological process to recycle carbon fiber reinforced polymers, recovering carbon fiber with mechanical properties comparable to virgin materials. The process uses a genetically modified fungus to produce a valuable chemical compound from matrix breakdown products, potentially revolutionizing carbon fiber recycling.

Voters in Arizona, California, and Colorado approved ballot measures increasing prison time for certain crimes, revoking bail for others, and cracking down on illegal immigration and drug trafficking, reflecting a stricter approach to crime driven by concerns over retail theft, homelessness, fentanyl misuse, and police recruitment challenges.

Amir Ali, PharmD, discusses abstracts on shorter venetoclax durations in AML and blinatumomab in B-ALL, highlighting their efficacy and implications for treatment. Ali emphasizes the role of pharmacists in optimizing treatment durations and managing side effects, noting the potential for shorter venetoclax regimens and the benefits of blinatumomab pre-HSCT, especially for Hispanic patients.

Dr. Timothy Masterson discussed RPLND strategies for metastatic testicular seminoma at the 2024 SUO meeting, highlighting historical studies and recent trials (SEMS, PRIMETEST, COTRIMS) that support RPLND as an effective option for stage IIA/B seminoma patients, with improved survival outcomes and reduced long-term toxicities compared to radiotherapy.

Since 2010, about a third of U.S. pharmacies have closed, primarily due to chain consolidation starting in 2018, making it harder for people to access essential health services. Independent pharmacies were more likely to close, often excluded from preferred networks. Closures disproportionately affected Black, Latino, and low-income neighborhoods, potentially widening health disparities. Researchers suggest policies to include independent pharmacies in benefit networks and increase reimbursement rates to protect critical access.

Scientists engineered inducible CRISPR tools controllable by focused ultrasound (FUS), demonstrating precise CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) and epigenetic editing in vitro and in vivo. FUS-CRISPR successfully generated DNA breaks at telomere sites in tumor cells, enhancing CAR-T cell efficacy, and reprogrammed tumor cells via systemic delivery, priming CAR-T cells for cancer therapy.

CU Anschutz Medical Campus receives up to $46 million in federal funding over five years to pursue the first-ever full eye transplantation, part of a national effort to cure blindness. The interdisciplinary project involves novel stem cell and bioelectronic technologies, with teams from multiple institutions collaborating and competing to achieve the goal of restoring vision through eye transplantation.

Pregnancy challenges for women with epilepsy include medication risks like valproate's link to autism and lower IQ, and the need for dose adjustments due to faster metabolism. A study followed 298 children of women with epilepsy to age 6, finding no difference in verbal abilities compared to healthy women's children, though medication levels in the third trimester had nuanced effects. Folate supplementation was beneficial, while acetaminophen showed risks. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of various epilepsy drugs and genetic factors influencing outcomes.