Researchers discover how cigarette smoke impairs critical lung immune cells

Cigarette smoking is widespread and deadly, yet our understanding of how cigarette smoke actually causes serious respiratory illnesses is incomplete, which has severely hampered the development of effective treatments. Today (TBC) Australian researchers reveal how multiple chemicals found in cigarette smoke and e-cigarettes alter the function of a key type of immune cell found in the lungs.

Yes, college students gain holiday weight too—but in the form of muscle, not fat

With the holidays behind us, many Americans are seeing the numbers on the scale go up a pound or two. In fact, data shows that many American midlife and older adults gain 1 to 1.5 pounds over the November through January holiday period. Though not harmful on its own, even a small amount of holiday weight gain in the form of fat can negatively affect health. People often fail to lose the extra weight, which leads to significant cumulative weight gain over the years and contributes to health concerns.

Saliva activates coagulation in patients with hemophilia A, study finds

A recent study led by MedUni Vienna provides new insights into the mechanisms of coagulation in people with hemophilia A, the most common form of hemophilia. The research team was able to show that saliva contains special vesicles that trigger rapid coagulation of the blood of hemophilic patients. The results, which were recently published in the journal Blood, contribute significantly to a better understanding of the disease.

Stretchable microelectrode array enables non-invasive signal monitoring in organoids

A KAIST research team has developed a highly stretchable microelectrode array (sMEA) designed for non-invasive electrophysiological signal measurement of organoids. The team was led by Professor Hyunjoo J. Lee from the School of Electrical Engineering in collaboration with Dr. Mi-Young Son and Dr. Mi-Ok Lee at Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB).