University Of California, San Francisco

A new drug, inaxaplin, targeting the APOL1 protein, shows promise in treating kidney disease, especially in African Americans with specific gene variants. This breakthrough could address racial health disparities and transform kidney transplantation policies, with ongoing trials aiming to expand treatment options globally.

ASTRO announced seven studies to be highlighted at the 2024 Annual Meeting, with researchers discussing findings in news briefings on September 30 and October 1, both in-person and via webcast. Topics include trials on radiation therapy for breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer, among others.

Pregnancy after tubal ligation is more common than previously thought, with 3-5% of U.S. women experiencing unplanned pregnancies post-procedure, suggesting it's less effective than other birth control methods.

The Council on Strategic Risks (CSR) has selected nine individuals for its Mid-Career Biodefense Bootcamp Fellowship, aiming to enhance biosecurity and reduce biological threats. Fellows will engage in virtual training, mentorship, and in-person exchanges with experts, focusing on biological threat reduction and policy development for a safer world in life sciences.

Bats can survive with high blood sugar levels lethal to humans, offering insights into diabetes treatment. They've evolved strategies based on diet, with fruit bats lowering blood sugar via insulin and nectar bats tolerating high levels without insulin dependence.

Spending excessive time on screens in early 20s increases heart attack risk, according to a 30-year study of 4,000 young adults. Each additional hour of TV watching at 23 years old raised the odds of heart disease by 26% and heart attacks/strokes by 16%. Screen time habits in young adulthood influence future health risks.

Dextromethorphan, a common cough medicine ingredient known for causing hallucinations at high doses, is now being used as an antidepressant in Auvelity, a drug approved by the FDA in 2022. Unlike traditional psychedelics, Auvelity combines dextromethorphan with buproprion to prevent hallucinations, offering a safer, trip-free treatment for depression. This development challenges the notion that hallucinogenic experiences are necessary for therapeutic benefits, with ongoing research exploring trip-free treatments for mental health conditions.

Calico, a Google-funded startup, partners with C4 Therapeutics to develop drugs targeting aging-related diseases, including cancer, by degrading disease-causing proteins. The collaboration aims to discover new therapeutics, leveraging C4T's expertise in protein degradation.

A new AI-based approach, PERCEPTION, predicts cancer therapy outcomes using single-cell omics data. It leverages transcriptomics to understand tumor complexity and resistance emergence, validated in clinical trials for multiple myeloma, breast, and lung cancer. Aiming for clinical use, it emphasizes data quality and quantity for treatment response prediction.

Breast cancer patients experienced increased anxiety during the pandemic, affecting their willingness to participate in clinical trials. A survey revealed that 81% reported moderate-severe anxiety, with severe anxiety linked to a higher likelihood of declining trial participation. However, pandemic-era modifications to trial activities, such as virtual platforms and local assessments, were viewed favorably, potentially increasing participation. The study highlights the need for patient-centric trial designs to reduce participation burden.