Basic Science News at Duke School of Medicine

Advanced genetic sequencing reveals the cells behind many persistent tuberculosis infections and provides a map of exactly where these cells live, pointing the way toward new treatments.

Researchers have discovered for the first time that a particular protein plays a crucial role in the development of a normal placenta in the early stages of pregnancy. Learning more more about the protein, PIEZ01, and its role in pregnancy could pave the way for preventing unexplained miscarriages, preeclampsia, or fetal growth restriction.

Artificial intelligence has helped map the hidden biology behind the pain, dizziness, and exhaustion of chronic fatigue syndrome, and identified new biomarkers to improve diagnosis.

A newly discovered “neurobiotic sense” reveals how gut cells listen to microbial chatter and signal the brain to influence hunger, cravings, and behavior. 

A new algorithm could help researchers better predict how molecules bind to proteins —an essential step in designing more effective drugs to treat a wide range of diseases.

Research led by Virginia Byers Kraus, MD, PhD, indicates that key proteins in the ankles are similar to those used by salamanders to regenerate severed limbs and might hold the key to a new therapeutic approach for joint disease.

Duke University School of Medicine researchers will launch a new national Center of Excellence for Multiscale Immune Systems Modeling (MISM), funded by a U54 grant from the National Institutes of Health.

Long seen as defenders against disease, immune cells in the brain are now emerging as architects of early brain development.

Scientists at Duke University School of Medicine are developing a new CAR-T cell therapy that could finally help immunotherapy take aim at solid tumors. Early tests look promising, and it started with one patient’s immune system doing something extraordinary.

Researchers at Duke University are developing a new, non-addictive way to treat chronic pain using a natural compound in the body called adenosine. Their early results show this approach could be more effective than current medications and offer a safer alternative to opioids, with fewer side effects and no risk of addiction.