A team from the University of Wisconsin Madison are the first to 3D- print functional human brain tissue, an achievement that has limitless implications for the future of neurodevelopmental and memory disorders.
Using a commercial 3D printer, the team was able to successfully implement a new printing technique that allowed brain cells, called neurons, to communicate and successfully send signals to other brain regions. Printed brain tissue will be fundamental to our understanding of how the brain functions in those affected by Alzheimer’s, research on the effects of new drugs, and even our understanding of normal brain development.
3D printing has allowed doctors to create biologically compatible organs, skin, and cells that have saved the lives of countless patients and have reduced the need for organ donors and transplant lists. As this technology becomes more accessible and common, we can expect to see huge developments in both our understanding of brain development and function and the variety of treatments available for brain conditions.
Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute have developed an antivenom that is effective against the bites of the largest group of venomous snakes across the world.
Snake bites still contribute to over 100,000 human deaths per year, mainly in Africa and Asia. They also contribute to cattle, livestock, and pet deaths each year. Antivenom is the first step in treatment, but the problem with antivenom is that it is singularly effective. For example, only rattlesnake antivenom will treat a rattlesnake bite. Understandably, this leads to problems if someone didn’t see the snake that bit them or is unable to communicate.
Researchers looked at the proteins from a large group of snakes called elapids, which are characterized by having two large venomous fangs. The elapid family includes the incredibly venomous mambas, cobras, and kraits. Researchers found that all elapid venom contained three- finger toxin (3FTx) proteins, which are highly toxic and cause full- body paralysis that shuts down organ and brain function.
They also identified an antibody (a protein that recognizes foreign or harmful substances and neutralizes it) called 95Mat5, which binds to 3FTx proteins and nullifies their effects. Mice who were exposed to 3FTx proteins and then injected with 95Mat5 did not experience paralysis or death.
This antivenom is effective against all snakes in the elapid family, but not vipers, which are the second largest group of venomous snakes. The same research team is now working on synthesizing an universal viper antivenom. They hope that combining the two antivenoms could produce a universally effective antivenom cocktail that would make death by snake bite a thing of the past.