One of the biggest advancements ever made in cancer treatment is CAR T-cell therapy (chimeric antigen receptor). This cancer treatment modifies immune cells called T-cells by removing them from the patient’s body, inserting gene receptors, and then returning them to the patient’s bloodstream. To make the treatment less risky, researchers developed a safety system called VIPER (Versatile ProtEase Regulatable) cells, in which the engineered immune cells can be switched on and off when necessary. VIPER cells make it possible to stop cells from activating before patients experience severe side effects. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
