The article “Flossing for Vaccines: A New Method to Deliver Immunizations” discusses a novel technique developed by researchers to deliver vaccines via dental floss. The method targets the junctional epithelium, a thin layer of tissue between the tooth and gum, which lacks barrier features and is more permeable than other epithelial tissues. This allows for enhanced antibody production across the body’s mucosal layers.

The researchers applied vaccine-coated floss to lab mice and compared antibody production in three different methods: via the junctional epithelium, nasal epithelium, or under the tongue. They found that applying vaccine via the junctional epithelium produced a superior antibody response on mucosal surfaces than the current gold standard for vaccinating via the oral cavity.

This technique has significant advantages beyond improved antibody response on mucosal surfaces. It is easy to administer and addresses concerns many people have about being vaccinated with needles. The researchers also believe this method should be comparable in price to other vaccine delivery techniques.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. This technique would not work on infants and toddlers who do not yet have teeth. Additionally, the approach may not be suitable for people with gum disease or other oral infections, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and limitations.

The study was published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering and was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and funds from the Whitacre Endowed Chair in Science and Engineering at Texas Tech University. The researchers are optimistic about this work and may move toward clinical trials depending on their findings.

The study published in the journal Gut has shed light on the potential link between high levels of the gut hormone INSL5 and up to 40% of cases of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). Researchers at the University of Cambridge have been exploring whether this hormone plays a role in chronic diarrhea, which can be triggered by bile acid malabsorption. This is a significant breakthrough, as it may lead to the development of a blood test for diagnosing IBS-D and provide new insights into potential treatments.

Bile acid diarrhea (also known as bile acid malabsorption) affects around one person in every 100, causing urgent and watery diarrhea. The condition can be difficult to diagnose, with many individuals receiving a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), an umbrella term for various conditions. Studies have suggested that INSL5 may play a role in chronic diarrhea, particularly in cases triggered by bile acid malabsorption.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge collaborated with pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly to develop a new antibody test that allows them to measure tiny amounts of INSL5. They analyzed samples from patients with IBS-D and found that levels of INSL5 were significantly higher in those with bile acid diarrhea, compared to healthy volunteers.

The study’s findings also provide potential targets for treatment. Dr. Chris Bannon, the first author of the study, notes that understanding the role of gut hormones like INSL5 is essential for developing effective treatments for IBS-D and other gastrointestinal disorders.

The research was supported by the Medical Research Council and Wellcome, with additional support from the National Institute for Health and Care Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre. The study’s findings have significant implications for the diagnosis and treatment of IBS-D, a condition that affects millions worldwide.

The human body has remarkable abilities to regenerate certain cells, such as those in our blood and gut. However, when it comes to regrowing hair cells in the inner ear, we’re not as fortunate. Damage to these delicate sensory cells often results in permanent hearing loss or balance problems. In contrast, animals like fish, frogs, and chicks can effortlessly regenerate their own sensory hair cells.

Scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have made a groundbreaking discovery that may change this narrative. By identifying two distinct genes responsible for guiding the regeneration of sensory cells in zebrafish, they’ve taken a significant step towards understanding how regeneration works in these creatures. This newfound knowledge could potentially guide future studies on hearing loss and regenerative medicine in mammals, including humans.

The research, led by Dr. Tatjana Piotrowski, Ph.D., from the Piotrowski Lab, reveals that two different genes regulating cell division each control the growth of two key types of sensory support cells in zebrafish. This finding is crucial because it may help scientists study whether similar processes could be triggered in human cells in the future.

Zebrafish are an excellent model for studying regeneration due to their unique characteristics, such as transparent development and accessible sensory organ systems. By visualizing, genetically sequencing, and modifying each neuromast cell, scientists can investigate the mechanisms of stem cell renewal, progenitor cell proliferation, and hair cell regeneration.

The team’s research focuses on understanding how cell division is regulated in zebrafish to promote regeneration of hair cells while maintaining a steady supply of stem cells. They discovered that two distinct cyclinD genes present in only one or the other population control cell division independently. This finding shows that different groups of cells within an organ can be controlled separately, which may help scientists understand cell growth in other tissues.

The implications of this study extend beyond hair cell regeneration. Insights from zebrafish hair cell regeneration could eventually inform research on other organs and tissues, both those that naturally regenerate and those that do not. This knowledge has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of regenerative medicine and may one day lead to new treatments for human hearing loss and balance disorders.