A study has used advanced genetic and genomic techniques to offer a major step forward in understanding and diagnosing infectious intestinal diseases. The large-scale study analyzed more than 1,000 stool samples from people with diarrheal illness to harness two cutting edge tools. The study used metagenomic (DNA-based) and metatranscriptomic (gene or RNA-based) sequencing. Unlike traditional methods, these techniques do not rely on growing organisms in a lab. Instead, they detect and analyze the genetic material directly from patient samples.
Read more …Advanced genomics study improves detection of hard-to-find diarrheal infections
Fibroblasts play a central role in maintaining healthy tissue structures, as well as in the development and progression of diseases. For a long time, these specialized connective tissue cells were thought to represent a single, uniform cell type. A recent publication shows that fibroblasts in human tissue actually consist of distinct populations with specialized functions. This heterogeneity is key to developing targeted therapies in regenerative medicine and in the treatment of diseases.
Read more …New perspectives for wound healing and the treatment of chronic diseases
Head and neck cancer researchers are reporting the development and testing of HPV-DeepSeek, a novel liquid biopsy assay. In their new study, HPV-DeepSeek achieved 99% sensitivty and specifity for diagnosing HPV-associated head and neck cancers, outperforming standard of care methods. HPV causes about 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S., which are increasing in incidence faster than other head and neck cancers.
Read more …New blood test shows superior sensitivity in detecting HPV-associated head and neck cancers