HUMAN TRIALS
'Liquid biopsy can ease financial burden for cancer patients': Scientists on how a $1,000 test could save $10,000 in treatment costs
Liquid biopsy, a blood-based test that detects and analyses cancer-related biomarkers, is gaining ground as a tool to monitor disease progression and guide treatment decisions. Scientists Catherine Alix-Panabieres and Klaus Pantel, who coined the term in 2010, spoke to ET about its growing role in cancer care, the potential to reduce treatment costs through personalised medicine, and the need for more clinical trials to establish its benefits for patients.
MIT scientists built over 400 tiny ecosystems with 12 to 20 bacterial species; after adding an outsider, the more changeable communities were easier to invade
Researchers at MIT have discovered that chaotic ecosystems easily accept new species while stable ones resist invasion. Conventional ecological beliefs suggest high biodiversity prevents invasions, but stability plays a crucial role. This finding has implications for the effectiveness of probiotic supplements in human gut microbiomes. Individuals with more stable guts may struggle to welcome beneficial probiotics. Future studies will further explore these dynamics and their relevance in wellness treatments.
Scientists gave mice an existing asthma drug before exposing them to peanut extract; 95% were protected from severe allergic reactions in the experiment
Researchers at Northwestern University found that the asthma drug Zileuton reduces allergic reactions in mice fed peanut extract. The study indicates that Zileuton could block the inflammation that leads to anaphylaxis. While it works in mice, clinical trials in humans are just beginning. This research highlights a new biological pathway related to food allergies and the immune response.
UK plans facial recognition surveillance to identify visa overstayers and immigration offenders
The UK government is set to broaden the application of live facial recognition technology to detect immigration violations across various venues such as transport hubs, ports, and major public gatherings. The Home Office's goal is to track down individuals who have overstayed their visas or arrived unlawfully in the UK.
Bangladesh's ousted premier Hasina tells the AP she will return from exile in December at any cost
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina intends to return to Bangladesh from exile in India next month. She has been sentenced to death for her government's actions during a crackdown on protests. Hasina expressed her willingness to face arrest and possible imprisonment upon her return. Her political party continues to face significant challenges under the current administration. Concerns have been raised about the rising influence of radical groups in the country.
India progressing towards sending its first human deep-sea mission to depth of up to 6,000 metres by 2028: Jitendra Singh
Union Minister Jitendra Singh outlined India's plans for deep-sea exploration and human spaceflight during the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026. India intends to conduct its first human deep-sea mission by 2028, reaching depths of up to 6,000 metres. The country focuses on enhancing its capabilities through collaboration among various scientific fields. The initiative reflects India's commitment to exploring and utilizing ocean resources strategically for economic benefits.
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With most drug candidates failing in humans, India’s draft rules bet on the wrong science in animal lab testing
Recent draft rules in India threaten advancements in non-animal testing for drug development and safety. The new regulations may prioritize animal testing over innovative human-based methods, despite their proven reliability. Efforts to incorporate non-animal methodologies into national standards have gained support from various government initiatives. Significant funding has been allocated to promote alternative testing methods throughout the country.
India leads on non-animal testing and its draft lab animal rules threaten to undo that
India's draft Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules 2026 proposes significant changes to animal research regulations and oversight. It allows for harsher experimental practices that could cause severe suffering to animals. Local committees would gain power to approve experiments without thorough central review, raising concerns about ethical standards. This shift contradicts the existing legal framework established by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960.
Sindhu flags concerns over BWF's 25-second shot clock, says system set to be reviewed
P V Sindhu has highlighted her concerns about the Badminton World Federation's new shot clock regulation. She stated that players are still adapting after multiple tournaments, facing inconsistencies in umpire enforcement. At a recent event, the rigid application of the rules led to controversy and frustration among players and fans. Sindhu has communicated these challenges to BWF officials and expects a review of the policy.
Cornell tested window-safety messages on nearly 5,000 people in the US and Canada; bird lovers preferred proof, while others were more moved by emotional appeals
Birds face alarming mortality rates due to window collisions, with songbirds being particularly hard hit in urban settings. A recent study from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology highlights that emotional messaging has more impact in encouraging bird-friendly window solutions. Practical approaches, such as window coverings, can help mitigate reflection. By fostering awareness and education, we can inspire more people to take protective measures for these vulnerable birds.
His grandfather died of pancreatic cancer: This Hyderabad startup founder is using AI to develop a personalised cancer vaccines
Hyderabad-based biotech startup PopVax, founded by Soham Sankaran, is developing AI-powered personalised cancer vaccines using mRNA technology. Inspired partly by his family's experience with pancreatic cancer, he aims to help the immune system identify and attack cancer cells using treatments designed around individual patients' tumour genetics.
Drug-free treatment for diabetes and obesity may become possible as scientists develop a wireless device that detects high blood sugar levels and removes excess sugar from bloodstream
Diabetes treatment news: A team of scientists from France and Switzerland developed a wireless electronic device to manage diabetes. This device removes excess glucose from the bloodstream, potentially providing a drug-free treatment option. In studies, the device effectively regulated glucose levels in diabetic mice while promoting fat usage for energy. Researchers connected it to a continuous glucose monitor, ensuring automatic activation. Further human trials are necessary to ensure safety and effectiveness in patients.
'If we went to war tomorrow...': US Army conducts mass battlefield grave-digging exercise, first since Korean War
The US Army recently undertook a significant military exercise addressing the critical issue of temporary burial sites for fallen troops. During the operation, personnel assessed heavy machinery capable of efficiently excavating and backfilling burial trenches. Hosted at the St. Mere Eglise Drop Zone, the drill underscored meticulous planning for mass interments, leading to revisions in existing protocols to adapt to the equipment's specifications.
A desi AI kill chain? Indian military steps towards battlefield AI
India's armed forces are working alongside Sarvam AI to establish a unified framework for military operations. The initiative focuses on improving battlefield intelligence, refining target acquisition, and streamlining decision-making across all service branches. Emphasizing a blend of cutting-edge technology and human judgment, this project signifies India’s dedication to enhancing its sovereign AI resources in the defense arena, with promising implications for operational effectiveness and data management.
Hospital balance sheet: How AI could cut costs and improve efficiency
As hospitals grapple with soaring costs in drugs, supplies, and labor, the integration of AI emerges as a vital necessity.
Alvin K. Hellerstein, a federal judge who handled Trump, Maduro and 9/11 cases, dies at 92
Alvin K. Hellerstein, a prominent federal judge in Manhattan, has died at the age of 92. He presided over notable cases involving public figures like Donald Trump and Nicolas Maduro. Judge Hellerstein served on the federal bench for nearly three decades after his appointment by Bill Clinton in 1998. He was remembered for his commitment, empathetic approach, and significant rulings regarding 9/11-related lawsuits.
'Changed circumstances': CBI withdraws pleas to transfer 2021 West Bengal poll violence trials
The CBI's recent decision to withdraw its petitions for relocating the trials of post-poll violence in West Bengal marks a pivotal moment in the state's political dynamics. With BJP's Suvendu Adhikari now at the helm post-2026 elections, initial fears of unfair trial conditions seemed less pressing.
Netanyahu calls for 'strong, right-wing' government, warns against Arab parties as exit polls put rivals in contention
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suffered a setback in the national elections, with exit polls suggesting his bloc and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot's camp each won around 51 seats, while Arab-led parties secured about 18. The results leave the formation of a governing coalition uncertain, with negotiations expected to take weeks. High voter turnout, military conscription exemptions, security concerns and Netanyahu's long tenure emerged as key issues in the election.
Israel election exit polls: Netanyahu faces rebuke, but no clear winner emerges
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a setback in the national elections, with exit polls suggesting his bloc won 50 seats against 52-53 for the opposition and 17-18 for Arab-led parties. However, the results point to a potentially inconclusive outcome, with coalition negotiations likely to determine whether Netanyahu remains in power or Israel heads for another election.
Anthropic's Claude cut Enveda's drug records' review time by 89%
Colorado-based biotechnology company Enveda developed a CMC Document Processor to help reviewers identify errors, inconsistencies and potential quality issues across these records.
Oracle's Larry Ellison dismisses 'SaaS apocalypse' fears, says AI will make software better
Speaking at Oracle AI World here, Ellison, the company's executive chairman and chief technology officer, rejected talk of a "SaaS apocalypse", in which businesses would use AI to build their own applications instead of buying software-as-a-service (SaaS) products.
Israel election may lead to deadlock, minority or unity government: Experts
A political party or coalition of parties must secure support of 61 lawmakers needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset, Israel's parliament. Senior Israeli journalist and political commentator Yaron Deckel outlined three possible scenarios, saying the outcome would depend on the final seat tally and the ability of rival camps to secure support from smaller parties, including Arab-led groups.
Swiss AI drug trial startup receives funding from Spotify-backer Creandum
An AI foundation model, trained on about two million human RNA readouts, would replace these and animal testing with 12-week simulations, the company said.
USA tried to make rain by bombing clouds with dynamite in 1891. The $7,000 experiment for drought-hit Texas produced unexpected result
In 1891, the US government funded an unusual experiment to make rain by bombarding the sky with dynamite, balloons and other explosives. Led by Robert G. Dyrenforth, the team tested the theory in drought-hit Texas after a Civil War veteran suggested that the sound of explosions could force clouds to release rain. Although showers followed some tests, the expedition's own meteorologist questioned the results, noting the lack of scientific evidence.
Is your favourite diet soda really safe? How it effects weight loss in comparison to water, revealed in new study
A new two-year study has challenged concerns about diet soda and weight gain, finding that adults who drank diet beverages lost a similar amount of weight to those who drank water. But does that mean your favourite sugar-free drink is safe? Research has also linked artificial sweeteners to potential health risks, including diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Here is what the latest findings reveal and why the debate over diet soda is far from over.
How one hacker used AI agents and a few thousand dollars to break into scores of sites
A cybersecurity researcher observed a Chinese-speaking hacker employing AI to compromise various companies' websites. The hacker utilised an AI platform called Cairn, automating complex intrusion activities without human supervision. This hacking campaign targeted over 1,200 sites, with successful intrusions taking around 23 hours on average.
In 2019, a Texas fisherwoman won the largest ever settlement of $50 million in a citizen suit in the history of US Clean Water Act in fight against a plastic giant
Diane Wilson, a Texas fisherwoman and a passionate advocate for the environment, has been at the forefront of the battle against plastic pollution instigated by Formosa Plastics. In 2019, she achieved a significant legal victory, securing a settlement that mandated no plastic waste discharge from the company’s Point Comfort factory on Texas' Gulf Coast.
AstraZeneca strikes $40 million AI drug discovery deal with insitro
AstraZeneca has entered a collaboration with insitro to explore new treatment options for challenging liver and heart diseases. The partnership involves a $40 million upfront payment and potential milestones totaling approximately $1.46 billion. Insitro will utilize its AI platform to identify biological drivers for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and cardiomyopathies. Following this, AstraZeneca will manage clinical trials and further development. This collaboration signifies insitro's growing presence in the pharmaceutical industry.
Ex-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says new torture allegations are 'false'
Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores are accused of leading a torture campaign against numerous victims, including Americans. They appeared in court while denying the charges and insisting they are innocent. The revised indictment includes accusations of overseeing torture methods and using psychological threats. Their trial date was set for June 14, 2027, and additional hearings are scheduled. Maduro has consistently denied all allegations related to his presidency and governance.
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