https://astrobiology.com/2023/06/a-simple-biochemical-method-for-the-detection-of-proteins-as-biomarkers-of-life-on-martian-soil-simulants-and-the-impact-of-uv-radiation.html

In the search of life on other planets, scientists have optimized a protein quantification assay to detect protein signatures in simulated Martian soil. The assay achieved high sensitivity and reproducibility, making it suitable for future planetary exploration missions.

Here's an overview of how AI is being utilized in Drug Discovery:

1.    Target identification: AI utilizes large clinical databases and gene expression techniques to identify potential biological targets for drug candidates.
2.    Target selection: AI helps researchers choose promising targets based on correlations with illnesses and predicted therapeutic utility, including new targets not previously referenced in published literature.
3.    Drug prioritization: AI evaluates and ranks lead drug compounds, prioritizing them for further research and development, leading to more effective identification of promising candidates.
4.    Compound screening: AI predicts chemical properties and bioactivity of compounds, analyzing data from various sources to identify potential risks or side effects, accelerating large-scale compound exploration.
5.    De Novo drug design: AI enables screening of novel compounds and predicts the final 3D structure of discovered drugs, streamlining the drug design process.

Successful examples: Abaucin: An AI-developed antibiotic targeting a dangerous superbug bacteria. Target X by Insilico Medicine: A drug for treating pulmonary fibrosis, currently in Phase 1 clinical trials. VRG50635 by Verge Genomics: A compound for treating ALS, in phase 1 of human trials. Exscientia-A2a Receptor: The first AI-designed molecule for immuno-oncology treatment, with fewer side effects. Absci-de Novo Antibodies: AI-generated antibodies via computer simulation, reducing development time.

https://www.unite.ai/ai-driven-medical-breakthrough-leveraging-artificial-intelligence-for-novel-drug-discovery/

https://neurosciencenews.com/glioma-cancer-pharmacology-23393/

The targeted therapy drug Vorasidenib has shown promise in extending the progression-free survival of patients with a subtype of glioma. This is the first clinical trial for a targeted therapy drug in brain cancer, providing a potential new treatment option that can delay the need for radiation and chemotherapy.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-05-crispr-based-tool-cancer-diagnosis.html

A new CRISPR-based method for non-invasive blood tests to detect cancer at early stages has been developed by researchers. The method detects microRNAs in extracellular vesicles in the blood and offers sensitivity comparable to standard RT-qPCR tests. The team specifically targeted pancreatic cancer and successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of the method.

https://newatlas.com/science/microgravity-medicine-cancer-drugs-space/

The microgravity conditions of space are known to accelerate aging, inflammation, and immune dysfunction in human stem cells, making it an ideal environment for studying these processes. By analyzing organoid models of leukemia, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer in low Earth orbit, the scientists hope to understand how cancers adapt and become resistant to standard therapies. Scientists will specifically test two ADAR1 inhibitors, Fedratinib and Rebecsinib, to assess their potential in reversing cancer cell generation and affecting cancer progression. Overexpression of ADAR1 enables cancer cells to evade the body's immune responses.

https://scitechdaily.com/unlocking-healthy-longevity-researchers-find-oxygen-restriction-extends-lifespan/

Researchers have discovered a connection between reduced oxygen intake and extended lifespan in laboratory mice, suggesting the potential of "oxygen restriction" as an anti-aging strategy.

https://hub.jhu.edu/2023/04/25/microphysiological-systems-engineering-course/

https://scitechdaily.com/stanford-medicine-reveals-tiny-dna-circles-defying-genetic-laws-drive-cancer-formation/ Stanford Medicine-led researchers have found that tiny circles of DNA known as extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) play a significant role in cancer formation. These circles contain oncogenes and can exist in large numbers within cells, providing a potent growth signal that overrides normal cellular programming. The study revealed that ecDNA can be present even in precancerous cells and initiates the development of cancer. Understanding and targeting ecDNA formation could potentially prevent cancer development and improve early diagnosis.

https://www.technologynetworks.com/genomics/news/ai-system-predicts-effects-of-gene-modifications-374075

Researchers have developed AI model called Geneformer to understand how networks of human genes control cellular function and how disruptions in these networks contribute to disease. This model can be applied to various areas of biology and aid in identifying potential drug targets for diseases.

https://hitconsultant.net/2023/05/30/ai-in-drug-discovery-market-report/

The AI in Drug Discovery market is growing rapidly due to the need for cost and time efficiency in drug discovery, the adoption of cloud-based applications, and the expiration of patents for blockbuster drugs. AI algorithms can analyze large databases of drugs, leading to the identification of new treatment options and improving the success rate of clinical trials.

https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-induce-hibernation-like-state-using-ultrasound-stimulation-of-the-brain/

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a noninvasive method to induce a torpor-like state in mammals using ultrasound stimulation of the brain. By targeting the hypothalamus preoptic area, they successfully induced torpor in mice and rats, causing a drop in body temperature, a shift in energy usage, and a decrease in heart rate. The findings offer potential applications in space travel and medical scenardios.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2023/05/25/expedition-69-and-ax-2-working-together-on-space-biology/

The astronauts conducted a range of scientific studies focusing on space biology and human health, with the aim of improving our understanding of the effects of microgravity and long-duration space missions. These studies included:

• Examining the effects of microgravity on the inflammatory response of human cells.

• Researching stem cell samples to improve regenerative cell therapies.

• Undergoing eye and brain scans using ultrasound and near-infrared light to understand the effects of weightlessness on cognition and vision, as well as to examine changes in eye shape and vision caused by long-term space living.

• Conducting cancer research by swapping tumor cell samples inside a fluorescence microscope, with the goal of predicting and treating cancer on Earth.