https://www.bioworld.com/rss en-us Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is responsible for 3.2 million hospital admissions and about 118,000 deaths in children under 5 years of age. The increased risk of RSV infection (and other infectious diseases) in young children is broadly attributed to their immature immune system. But researchers from University College London have published work suggesting that this is not the only reason. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732703 Fri, 17 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732703-new-biomarker-may-improve-rsv-drug-screening 3D illustration of neutrophils New research has teased out specific aspects of how Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) sparks the immune response that leads on to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), opening the way to the rational design of vaccines and antivirals that address the root cause of the disease. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732721 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732721-new-research-identifies-ebv-antigen-targets-for-ms-therapies Illustration of virus attacking neuron New research has teased out specific aspects of how Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) sparks the immune response that leads on to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), opening the way to the rational design of vaccines and antivirals that address the root cause of the disease. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732702 Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732702-new-research-identifies-ebv-antigen-targets-for-ms-therapies Illustration of virus attacking neuron Certain cancers that contain organized clusters of immune cells known as tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) do not respond to treatment as well as expected. Even though they have TLS that support the elimination of cancer cells, they remain resistant to immunotherapy. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), better known as the brain’s major inhibitory neurotransmitter, may play a role in this lack of response by acting as an immunoregulatory metabolite, according to a study led by scientists at Sorbonne Université. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732642 Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732642-gaba-signaling-linked-to-immune-resistance-in-some-tumors Illustration of T cells attacking cancer More than 52,000 individuals, lawmakers, institutions and other organizations have submitted comments on the White House Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposal to revise its Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance, which serves as a government-wide framework for administering grants, cooperative agreements and other forms of assistance. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732599 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732599-omb-flooded-with-comments-on-proposed-rule-impacting-grants Speech bubbles The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) is the world’s biggest dementia conference. And at the AAIC 2026 meeting, there is big buzz around tau. Sunday’s plenary speaker Ryan Watts, CEO of Denali Therapeutics Inc., highlighted tau-lowering agents as being among the most exciting themes of the conference. “At this conference, we’re going to see additional clinical data that may validate [tau as] a second target in Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid being the first,” he told the audience. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732563 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732563-aaic-2026-age-of-amyloid-is-being-joined-by-time-of-tau AI-generated illustration of a neuron with tau protein aggregation Cancer researchers are increasingly turning to the microbiome to understand why some patients respond well to treatment while others face severe complications. Gut microbial communities shift during intensive therapies such as bone marrow transplantation, and those changes influence infection risk, immune recovery and long‑term survival. New advances in microbial sequencing and engineering redefine this community as a measurable clinical parameter that can be monitored, modeled, and even therapeutically reshaped to improve outcomes in oncology and other conditions. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732621 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732621-microbial-ecology-reshapes-cancer-care-diagnostics-and-therapies Illustration of bacteria, microorganisms in the gastrointestinal system While biomedical resources in the form of specialized tools, hundreds of thousands of published papers and huge repositories of ‘omics, health records and other data, are growing exponentially, discovery is getting slower and more expensive. That is the perspective from which scientists at Stanford University approached the development of their artificial intelligence (AI) research assistant Biomni. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732561 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732561-ai-co-scientist-performs-biomedical-research-at-expert-level-in-less-time Data flow concept Whether by fine-tuning neurotransmitter signaling or silencing disease-associated genes, emerging biologic therapies are reshaping neuroscience drug development, according to presentations at the FENS Forum 2026. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732497 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732497-fens-2026-next-gen-biologics-take-on-brain-disease Silhouette with keyhole At the recently opened FENS Forum 2026 in Barcelona – the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies’ flagship congress and Europe’s largest neuroscience meeting – a symposium on ectodomain shedding showcased how soluble synaptic proteins are emerging as both biomarkers and therapeutic candidates for disorders ranging from autism to schizophrenia. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732479 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732479-fens-2026-shedding-light-on-the-sheddome Art concept for medical research Astrazeneca plc has returned to China’s CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. for another discovery collaboration, this time in a deal worth up to $1.77 billion to use CSPC’s siRNA drug discovery platform and extrahepatic targeted delivery technology to develop small nucleic acid drug candidates. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732396 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732396-astrazeneca-returns-to-tap-chinas-cspc-in-17b-discovery-deal Deal illustration The majority of epilepsies are developmental disorders that start in childhood. But there is a large minority that starts in late adulthood. And increasingly, researchers are suspecting that such epilepsies share mechanisms with dementia. Summarizing the highlights of epilepsy research presented at the recent Annual Congress of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), Aleksandar Ristic told his audience that the biggest epilepsy story out of the Congress was “not a drug, but it was a reframing.” http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732395 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732395-hyperexcitability-may-be-joint-problem-in-epilepsy-dementia Illustration of brain and brain waves, concept of focal seizure Two papers published in the July 1, 2026, issues of Nature and Nature Cancer have reported on preclinical and early clinical data with glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB)-targeting CAR T cells in two separate solid tumor types. Nature and Nature Cancer have reported on preclinical and early clinical data with glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB)-targeting CAR T cells in two separate solid tumor types.]]> http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732356 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732356-with-gpnmb-car-t-makes-further-inroads-in-solid-tumors Illustration of CAR T Deep brain stimulation (DBS) through implanted electrodes has enabled fundamentally new ways of treating certain disorders. More than 100,000 severely ill patients have received an implant to treat Parkinson’s disease, which is DBS’ greatest success story. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732241 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732241-deep-brain-stimulation-from-the-shallows-tomorrows-bci-technology Black wavy lines forming an abstract sound wave.png The gut microbiota may be altered in people with depression as a result of treatment. These microorganisms reorganize differently in individuals who respond to therapy. In a multiomics study of antidepressant-naive patients presented at the 2026 World Congress of Neuropsychopharmacology (CINP), scientists from National Taiwan University found that patients who improved after antidepressant treatment maintained a more balanced and functional microbial ecosystem, recovered beneficial metabolites, and displayed blood-based biological signals that aligned with these changes. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732354 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732354-cinp-2026-gut-microbiota-could-predict-antidepressant-response Illustration demonstrating gut-brain axis The gut microbiota may be altered in people with depression as a result of treatment. These microorganisms reorganize differently in individuals who respond to therapy. In a multiomics study of antidepressant-naive patients presented at the 2026 World Congress of Neuropsychopharmacology (CINP), scientists from National Taiwan University found that patients who improved after antidepressant treatment maintained a more balanced and functional microbial ecosystem, recovered beneficial metabolites, and displayed blood-based biological signals that aligned with these changes. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732204 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732204-cinp-2026-gut-microbiota-could-predict-antidepressant-response Illustration demonstrating gut-brain axis Molecular subtyping of disease is typically associated with cancer. Now, researchers at the University of Cambridge are applying it to infections. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732184 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732184-pulmonary-inflammation-unveils-three-severe-pneumonia-subtypes Lungs anatomy MPM Bioimpact-spawned K2 Therapeutics Inc. inked a license deal plus option agreement, worth $980.5 million apiece, to gain ex-China rights to two of Antengene Corp. Ltd.’s preclinical anticancer bispecific T-cell engager (TCE) assets. The deal, announced June 21, will grant Singapore-based K2 exclusive rights to develop and commercialize Antengene’s ATG-106 outside of mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732152 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732152-k2-nabs-two-antengene-bispecific-tces-in-2b-license-option-deal Photo of two people shaking hands near lab equipment Researchers at the Wyss Institute of Harvard University have used a mix of machine learning and classical screening techniques to identify small molecules that were effective against Neisseria gonorrhoeae in vagina-on-a-chip and mouse models of infection. Their findings were published in the June 17, 2026, issue of Science Translational Medicine. Neisseria gonorrhoeae in vagina-on-a-chip and mouse models of infection. Their findings were published in the June 17, 2026, issue of Science Translational Medicine.]]> http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732151 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732151-going-after-gonorrhea-with-artificial-intelligence Illustration of Neisseria gonorrhoeae More and more individuals now have chronically implanted brain-computer interface (BCI) systems in their heads. Devices that can record and stimulate neural signals are increasingly moving from labs to real-world settings to test their potential to treat neurological disorders. At the same time, startups are emerging, investors are pouring money into the space and companies are accelerating their development programs. After decades of clinical research and false starts, are BCI systems finally here? http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732045 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732045-have-brain-computer-interfaces-finally-arrived Blue brain with computer chip MPM Bioimpact-spawned K2 Therapeutics Inc. inked a license deal plus option agreement, worth $980.5 million apiece, to gain ex-China rights to two of Antengene Corp. Ltd.’s preclinical anticancer bispecific T-cell engager (TCE) assets. The deal, announced June 21, will grant Singapore-based K2 exclusive rights to develop and commercialize Antengene’s ATG-106 outside of mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732090 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732090-k2-nabs-two-antengene-bispecific-tces-in-2b-license-option-deal Photo of two people shaking hands near lab equipment Schizophrenia (SZ), bipolar disorder (BP), major depression (MDD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are serious mental illnesses (SMIs) that affect a significant proportion of the worldwide population. Large genome-wide association studies have pointed to overlapping genetics including both common and rare variants as cause of these SMIs. A recent study published on June 16, 2026, in Genomic Psychiatry has shed some light regarding the etiology of SMIs. Genomic Psychiatry has shed some light regarding the etiology of SMIs.]]> http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732007 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732007-family-genomics-reveals-shared-roots-of-mental-illness Concept art for genetic diversity. On the eve of the June 17 Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) meeting, which will discuss Moderna Inc.’s mRNA-1010, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have reported that the vaccine conferred broader and more durable protection than a standard flu shot. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731989 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731989-mrna-flu-vaccine-can-activate-broad-germinal-center-response mRNA vaccines are composed of messenger RNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles Treatment with first-generation CAR T cells regularly sent patients to the intensive care unit. Now, investigators are envisioning a future where CAR T treatment could occur on an outpatient basis. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731988 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731988-viva-in-vivo-at-eha-in-vivo-car-t-data-continues-to-impress CAR T and red blood cells Clonal hematopoiesis (CH), where few blood stem cells produce a significant fraction of mature blood cells that are genetically identical, is partly an inevitable feature of aging. Certainly, it is near universal in those older than 60. CH is not itself a disease, but 1%-2% of CH cases progress to acute myeloid leukemia, and it raises the risk of some other types of cancer as well. A total of eight genes are responsible for 95% of CH cases, George Vassiliou told the audience in Saturday’s plenary session at the 2026 Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA 2026). http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731978 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731978-for-clonal-hematopoiesis-epigenetics-can-be-in-drivers-seat Red blood cells, DNA Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used in diabetes and obesity, could alleviate depression through a pathway that does not depend on the GLP-1 receptor but instead on the gut microbiota, since the treatment increases the presence of the bacterium Lactobacillus delbrueckii. Lactobacillus delbrueckii. ]]> http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731977 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731977-microbiota-modulates-the-antidepressant-effects-of-glp-1-analogues Illustration of Lactobacillus Lactobacillus Treatment with first-generation CAR T cells regularly sent patients to the intensive care unit. Now, investigators are envisioning a future where CAR T treatment could occur on an outpatient basis. At Sunday’s late-breaking oral session of the 2026 Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA2026), Lei Fan told his audience that the first-in-human data “support further development of LB-2501 as a potential first-in-class, off-the-shelf, single infusion, no lymphodepletion, outpatient use CAR T therapy.” Fan is a professor of hematology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731976 Sun, 14 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731976-viva-in-vivo-at-eha-in-vivo-car-t-data-continues-to-impress CAR T and red blood cells In the most simplistic view, adult cancers occur because “immature cells are exposed to mutagens, accumulate mutations, and across life ultimately transform into cancer cells,” Franck Bourdeaut told his audience at the 2026 Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA 2026). “On the contrary, in pediatric cancers, it is assumed that very few mutations are responsible for a maturation block, make these cells derail from their normal differentiation trajectory and ultimately result in an early onset typical pediatric cancer.” http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731957 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731957-eha-2026-with-new-lenses-a-changing-view-on-pediatric-cancers Genome sequence map Former principal officers of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) have hit back at the association’s board and CEO after it prohibited the distribution of an editorial published in its flagship journal Diabetes Care at the ADA’s meeting in New Orleans last Friday. Diabetes Care at the ADA’s meeting in New Orleans last Friday.]]> http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731723 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731723-researchers-hit-back-after-colleagues-removed-from-ada-meeting Hands holding paper Scientists at Columbia University have used base editing to make precise changes in the genomes of human embryos, avoiding the damage to chromosomes that occurs following two-stranded DNA cuts with conventional Crispr-Cas9 editing. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731708 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731708-columbia-researchers-use-base-editing-to-modify-human-embryo-genome DNA double helix under a magnifying glass