Cell Biology
A 'Pac-Man' like CRISPR system could enable larger gene edits
A new CRISPR tool utilizes Cas3 to remove larger than normal stretches of DNA both quickly and accurately. The tool, described in an October 19 article in Nature Methods, could help fill a void in current gene editing capabilities.  Discuss
Validating drug repurposing workflows may help identify new COVID-19 treatments
A research team has strengthened COVID-19 drug repurposing workflows through independent in vitro validation followed by clinical pharmacology data assessments, with the goal of launching clinical studies of currently approved drugs. The protocol was published in ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science on October 14.  Discuss
New methods could improve AAV quality for viral vector manufacturing
Developing well-characterized adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) is a significant obstacle for the biomanufacturing industry. A group of analytical researchers is trying to overcome this challenge by developing novel analytical methodology specifically designed for AAVs.  Discuss
How are asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers different from symptomatic patients?
A new retrospective study reveals that asymptomatic COVID-19 patients may have higher levels of lymphocytes, specifically T cells, compared to symptomatic COVID-19 patients despite carrying similar viral loads. The results were published in mSphere on October 7.  Discuss
New method reclaims resolution of single-cell RNA-seq
A new approach to RNA sequencing can enable scientists to extract 10 times more information from a single cell, including gene expression and subtle differences between healthy and diseased cells. The study, published in Immunity on October 13, reveals the power of the improved Seq-Well method and provides evidence of its efficacy in five inflammatory skin diseases.  Discuss
EpiMorgify algorithm predicts best conditions for cell therapies
In order to determine optimal cell growth conditions for the development of cellular therapies, researchers have devised an algorithm called EpiMorgify that can predict what factors are needed to produce high-quality cultures. The study was published on October 9 in Cell Systems.  Discuss
Can SARS-CoV antibodies be used to develop universal coronavirus vaccines?
Can antibodies developed against SARS-CoV during the 2003 outbreak be used to prevent infection by SARS-CoV-2? In an October 9 study published in Science Advances, researchers analyzed precious serum collected from convalescent SARS-CoV patients to find out.  Discuss
Long-lasting IgG antibodies found in blood and saliva of COVID-19 patients
Researchers have discovered that immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus are longer lasting in the blood and saliva of COVID-19 patients compared to the relatively short-lived IgM and IgA responses. The finding, presented in a pair of studies published in Science Immunology on October 8, suggests that IgG antibodies could be a promising target to detect and evaluate immune responses to the virus.  Discuss
Novel nanoparticles deliver genetic therapy to bone marrow
Specialized nanoparticles can be used to deliver small interfering RNA to the bone marrow where they can turn off specific genes in bone-marrow endothelial cells to help treat heart disease or boost stem cell production, according to new research published in Nature Biomedical Research on October 5.  Discuss
Many mammals may be at high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Despite broad interest in determining the origin of SARS-CoV-2 in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the existence of an intermediate host between the source of the virus in bats and humans remains unknown. A study published in Scientific Reports on October 5 provides evidence that 26 species of mammals that are regularly in contact with humans may be susceptible to infection.  Discuss
Conferences
Cell and Gene Therapy Bioprocessing and Commercialization
October 19-22
Online
New Applications of Synthetic Biology to Cancer Research Challenges: 2020 Virtual Jumpstart
October 26-30
Online
Japan Analytical & Scientific Instruments Show (JASIS)
November 11-13
Chiba, Chiba Japan
2020 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo
December 13-17
Online
Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) 2021
January 23-27, 2021
San Diego, California United States
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