In this episode:
00:48 Tiny syringes for drug delivery
A team of researchers have repurposed tiny syringe-like structures produced by some bacteria to deliver molecules directly into human cells. They hope that this method could be used to overcome a big challenge in modern medicine, namely ensuring that therapeutics are delivered into the precise cells that need to be treated.
Research article: Kreitz et al.
News and Views: Mix-and-match tools for protein injection into cells
07:05 Research Highlights
A diamond-like material could protect spacecraft from intense radiation, and how gene editing could help in the treatment of a rare genetic condition.
Research Highlight: A gem of a material could provide a shield for spacecraft
Research Highlight: Gene editing holds promise for babies with deadly immune disease
09:30 Chronic pain
Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide and it can be debilitating. Research into the condition has come a long way in the past few years, but this knowledge hasn’t necessarily resulted in better outcomes for those with chronic pain. Nature’s Lucy Odling-Smee has written a Feature article on the topic, and she joined us to discuss why this disparity exists, and about her own experiences of chronic pain.
News Feature: Chronic pain: the long road to discovery
Resources for chronic pain: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/chronic-pain; https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/pain/ways-to-manage-chronic-pain/
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please reach out. You can find help through a suicide-prevention line: see https://findahelpline.com for information.
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Read the paper: Programmable protein delivery with a bacterial contractile injection system
Chronic pain can be treated — so why are millions still suffering?
