June 2023- Volume 19, Issue 6
In this Issue
Editor's Focus
The beginnings of CAR T cell therapy
The beginnings of CAR T cell therapy
The pioneering immunology discoveries that birthed CAR T cell therapy reshaped the battle against cancer.
Thinking long term for lab safety
Thinking long term for lab safety
Research safety programs should address not only immediate hazards, but daily laboratory activities that could cause adverse effects down the road.
Microbiology
A living antibiotic: Bdellovibrio bacteria attack and destroy human pathogens
A living antibiotic: Bdellovibrio bacteria attack and destroy human pathogens
As the antibiotic resistance crisis grows, scientists eye a predatory bacterium as a potential therapeutic.
The vaginal microbiome is finally getting recognized
The vaginal microbiome is finally getting recognized
Vaginal dysbiosis has long been a taboo subject, but studying and optimizing the vaginal microbiome could be a game changer for women’s health.
Clinical Trials
Designing a therapeutic gut microbiome
Designing a therapeutic gut microbiome
Seeking complexity and control, researchers developed a drug consisting of 148 bacterial strains — the largest consortium of its kind to enter clinical trials.
An in utero stem cell transplant for alpha thalassemia
An in utero stem cell transplant for alpha thalassemia
Alpha thalassemia was once a fatal diagnosis. Now, a clinical trial tests if administering a mother’s stem cells in utero may cure kids before they’re born.
Regenerative Medicine
Stem cells take root
Stem cells take root
Dental stem cells’ regenerative powers can help heal more than just teeth.
Keeping older muscles strong
Keeping older muscles strong
From stem cell-recruiting gels to hormone cycle restoration, Tracy Criswell has big ideas about how to combat age-related decline in muscle regeneration.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy implants turn brain tumors against themselves
Immunotherapy implants turn brain tumors against themselves
Using tiny chambers that release signals from a patient’s own tumor, scientists trigger immune cells to mount a personalized attack against the cancer.
In search of the neoantigen
In search of the neoantigen
The dream of oncology is precise targeting to destroy cancer cells while avoiding harm to healthy tissues. Identifying the unique proteins of a tumor might finally help reach that goal.
Color coding colorectal cancer
Color coding colorectal cancer
Researchers captured a multicolored image of an aggressive colorectal tumor, revealing a unique biomolecular profile, growth mechanism, and drug target.
