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A new study has identified the mechanisms by which a gene variant increases severe COVID-19 susceptibility.

When immune cells move throughout the brain, they act as the first line of defense against viruses, toxic materials and damaged neurons. Researchers have been investigating how these immune cells relate to a gene mutation recently found in Alzheimer’s disease patients.

Neurons are interconnected and establish special communication points, known as synapses. All neurons require a constant environment in order to function reliably and to ensure this, the brain is surrounded by the blood-brain barrier. Research has now shown that for insects, there is a second barrier in the brain.

Researchers have developed a methodology to investigate the secretability of several hundred thousand protein sequences at once. This new tool enables training of (deep) machine learning predictors of protein secretability and allows for studies on eukaryotic protein secretion.

Coffee seeds comprise a variety of minerals, vitamins, caffeine and phytochemicals that can have a myriad of effects on different systems within the body. A new study has focused specifically on the "coffee–kidney" relationship and whether coffee has a protective or harmful effect on kidney health.

According to research, unraveling the entire genetic code for each child who has been diagnosed with cancer can give a more accurate diagnosis or reveal new treatment options.

The causes of IBS are not well understood, but an international team of researchers has now identified several genes that provide clues into the origins of IBS.

Treating diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s is a challenge because drugs have to be able to cross the blood–brain barrier. To solve this issue, scientists are optimizing polymer-coated nanoparticles to increase their permeability across this barrier and consequently the delivery of encapsulated drugs in the brain.

Researchers have discovered a new approach for using visible light to structurally modify bioactive molecules in chemical reactions, providing a possible sustainable method that could be used in the development of new medicines.

New data shows how inflammatory reactions can be resolved by "rewiring" the mitochondria of macrophages to alter metabolism and protect against overloading.