By screening the microbiomes of marine organisms, scientists at the University of Wisconsin have identified nearly 150 potential new antifungal compounds, they reported in the November 20, 2020, issue of Science.

BioWorld looks at translational medicine, including: Equine encephalitis’ entry elucidated; Slowing cholera down protects survivors of infection.

Researchers at the University of California at San Francisco have developed a method to diagnose any known pathogen from any body fluid within a day – or, depending on the sequencing method, within a few hours. For an unknown pathogen, the method spits out its nearest known relative.

BioWorld looks at translational medicine, including: Reversal of pumping direction is reversal of fortune for tumor cells; Cholesterol drug affects checkpoint blockade via MHC1; Heart development protein has role in adult immunity.

BioWorld looks at translational medicine.

Most of a pancreatic tumor is not made up of tumor cells – a double-edged sword for the tumor cells. This connective tissue component impedes blood flow, which is part of what makes pancreatic cancer so drug-resistant. But the lack of blood also means a lack of oxygen and nutrients, so pancreatic tumors must find alternate ways to feed themselves. That’s where nerves come in. In the Nov. 2, 2020, online issue of Cell, researchers published new insights into how innervation feeds tumors, and how to stop them from doing so.

BioWorld looks at translational medicine.

A Polish/Dutch team of investigators has reported new insights into the structure of the SARS-CoV-2 genome that suggests it could be amenable to both small-molecule and oligonucleotide drugs.