Elena Suvorova and Mrinalini Batra

Toxoplasma gondii, a widespread parasite found in humans and animals, infects nearly one-third of the global population, yet its microscopic size has made it difficult for scientists to study.

Toxoplasma gondii is commonly spread through undercooked meat and contaminated produce. Once inside the human body, it causes toxoplasmosis, an infection that is often mild but can become serious in pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. If detected within the first two weeks of exposure, it can be treated.

To better understand how it functions, infectious disease researchers at the University of South Florida (USF) Health Morsani College of Medicine adapted a fluorescent imaging system usually used for human cells to track the parasite’s growth in real time. The method is being used to support future treatment development.

Photo by: USF

Tracking a stealthy cell cycle

The research aimed to go beyond basic observation and support efforts to stop the parasite from multiplying. To do that, the team needed to map its cell cycle in order.

To adapt the fluorescent system for Toxoplasma gondii, researchers first identified proteins that appear at specific growth stages. These proteins also had to be located in visible structures such as the nucleus and needed to produce signals strong enough to detect in a single-celled organism under a microscope.

Because the parasite lacks many proteins common in human cells, the process involved repeated testing. The team applied red and green, fluorescent tags, but many markers either failed to produce strong signals or were too scarce to be useful.

A key protein reveals the cycle

The team eventually identified a protein called PCNA1, located in the parasite’s nucleus. This protein changes position as the organism moves through its growth cycle.

Mrinalini Batra, a research scientist in the Suvorova Lab said that when two copies of a bright neon green tag were attached to this protein, the signal became strong and clear. She explained that this enabled researchers to determine the parasite’s stage by observing how the glowing protein behaved. She added that, for the first time, the full cell cycle of Toxoplasma gondii was mapped.

The findings show that the parasite progresses normally through the first part of its cell cycle, but later stages overlap instead of occurring in sequence.

Developing treatment for an evasive organism

USF Associate Professor Elena Suvorova said that while the parasite can be suppressed during the acute stage, treatment often relies on drugs that may be toxic if used long term. If infection is not treated early, it can become chronic. In this stage, the parasite hides in brain tissue and forms cysts, for which there are currently no cures.

Developing treatments has been difficult because of the parasite’s unusual cycle. A typical cell cycle involves growth, DNA replication and division into two identical cells.

Suvorova said these later stages resemble a fork, while the parasite begins with a single strand and then branches. She explained that up to three stages can occur at the same time. This pattern allows rapid multiplication and helps the parasite avoid the immune system before forming brain cysts.

However, with the cell cycle now mapped through fluorescence imaging, the team is identifying weak points that could disrupt parasite growth. They are also testing how different drugs affect specific stages, with the aim of developing safer and more effective treatments.

Hepatitis B and C, responsible for 95% of hepatitis-related deaths, caused 1.34 million deaths in 2024. Transmission remains widespread, with about 4,900 new infections each day, or 1.8 million annually.

Progress since 2015

The 2026 global hepatitis report outlines gains made over the past decade. New hepatitis B infections have dropped by 32%, while hepatitis C-related deaths have declined by 12%.

Among children under five, hepatitis B prevalence fell to 0.6%, with 85 countries meeting or exceeding the 2030 target of 0.1%.

These improvements follow coordinated action after countries adopted hepatitis elimination targets at the 2016 World Health Assembly. Still, the report states that progress is too slow to meet all 2030 goals, with prevention, testing, and treatment efforts needing rapid expansion.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General at WHO said countries are demonstrating that hepatitis elimination is achievable with sustained political commitment and domestic funding, according to the report. He said progress remains uneven, with many people undiagnosed or untreated due to stigma, weak health systems, and unequal access to care, and added that scaling up prevention, diagnosis, and treatment is urgent to meet 2030 targets.

Ten countries, including Bangladesh, China, India, Nigeria, and the Philippines, accounted for 69% of hepatitis B deaths. Hepatitis C deaths were more widely distributed, with countries such as China, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the US among those with the highest totals.

Global numbers rising, limited access to care

In 2024, an estimated 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C.

Hepatitis B accounted for 0.9 million new infections, with 68% occurring in Africa. Only 17% of newborns in the region received the birth-dose vaccine.

Another 0.9 million people were newly infected with hepatitis C. People who inject drugs made up 44% of these cases, pointing to gaps in harm reduction and safe injection services.

Treatment coverage remains limited. Fewer than 5% of the 240 million people with chronic hepatitis B received treatment in 2024. For hepatitis C, only 20% of patients have been treated since 2015, despite the availability of a 12-week therapy with a cure rate of about 95%.

Limited access to care contributed to 1.1 million deaths from hepatitis B and 240,000 from hepatitis C in 2024. Most deaths were caused by liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, with many hepatitis B-related deaths occurring in Africa and the Western Pacific.

Ten countries, including Bangladesh, China, India, Nigeria, and the Philippines, accounted for 69% of hepatitis B deaths. Hepatitis C deaths were more widely distributed, with countries such as China, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the US among those with the highest totals.

Solutions for expanded treatments

Countries such as Egypt, Georgia, Rwanda, and the UK show that eliminating hepatitis is possible with sustained investment.

Existing tools include vaccines that protect more than 95% of people against hepatitis B, long-term antiviral treatment to manage chronic infection, and short-course therapies that can cure over 95% of hepatitis C cases.

Tereza Kasaeva said the data shows both progress and gaps, according to the report. She said missed diagnoses and untreated infections lead to preventable deaths and stressed the need to integrate hepatitis services into primary care and reach affected communities.

The WHO report calls for expanded treatment for hepatitis B, especially in Africa and the Western Pacific, and wider access to hepatitis C care in the Eastern Mediterranean. It also urges stronger political commitment, improved vaccination coverage at birth, expanded measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission, and safer injection practices, particularly for people who inject drugs.

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Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative condition globally, and its impact is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. In Malaysia, cases are expected to rise five-fold by 2040 from an estimated 20,000 in 2018, highlighting the need for greater awareness, early diagnosis, and timely care.

Parkinson’s disease is more than just a tremor. Affecting millions worldwide, it is a progressive neurological disorder that disrupts movement, independence, and daily life, rather than simply an inevitable consequence of ageing.

While Parkinson’s disease remains a lifelong condition, advances in care are changing how patients experience the journey. What was once seen as a gradual and inevitable decline is now being changed by approaches that offer greater control, independence, and quality of life.

Malaysia’s SJMC successfully performed its first DBS surgery in late March 2026, symbolizing  a step forward in expanding access to specialised neurological care in Malaysia.

Timely medical assessment

Dr Phua Chun Seng

“Parkinson’s is not just about tremors,” explains Dr Phua. “It is a condition that can affect how a person moves, thinks, and functions in daily life.”

While tremors are a recognizable sign, they are not present in all patients. The condition is defined by motor symptoms like muscle stiffness and slowness of movement, often starting on one side of the body.

As the condition progresses, symptoms begin to interfere with daily tasks such as walking or dressing, while later stages may bring balance issues or falls. Parkinson’s can also affect mental wellbeing, with fatigue, anxiety, low mood, and difficulty concentrating being common experiences.

Individuals are encouraged to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or change over time. Early assessment allows for more accurate diagnosis and timely management of the condition.

“Raising awareness is important because many people still do not fully understand Parkinson’s,” Dr Phua adds. “Some patients delay seeking medical treatment due to stigma or misconceptions. Early diagnosis allows us to manage the condition more effectively and support patients throughout their journey.”

Beyond medication and the DBS option

While medication remains the main treatment, particularly in the early stages, managing Parkinson’s disease is rarely straightforward. Over time, many patients begin to experience fluctuations in how well their medication works.

One such option is DBS, which is considered for patients experiencing significant motor fluctuations despite medication, but who still respond well to levodopa, the main medication uses to treat Parkinson’s symptoms. Patient selection is important, with factors such as overall health, cognitive function, and age carefully considered.

Patients are generally considered more suitable for DBS at a younger age (under 70 years old) as outcomes tend to be more consistent, although suitability ultimately depends on overall health, cognitive function, and response to medication.

DBS is an advanced therapy that delivers controlled electrical stimulation to specific areas of the brain involved in movement. Unlike earlier surgical techniques, it does not destroy brain tissue, and its settings can be adjusted or reversed over time, allowing treatment to be tailored as symptoms change.

For suitable patients, DBS can be life-changing. Dr Phua recalls a patient in his late 50s who had lived with Parkinson’s for more than a decade. Daily activities, from dressing to eating, had become increasingly difficult, and tremors made simple tasks like writing or handling objects nearly impossible.

“After undergoing DBS, he was able to regain independence in many aspects of his life,” Dr Phua shares. “He could eat and dress on his own again, return to gardening, and even enjoy better sleep. It made a meaningful difference to his confidence and quality of life.”

“Studies have shown that DBS can improve quality of life by up to 70% in suitable patients,” Dr Phua adds.

Addressing fears around brain surgery

Dr Kalai Arasu Muthusamy

Despite its benefits, the idea of brain surgery can be daunting for many patients. Concerns about safety, risks, and long-term effects often create hesitation.

“Modern neurosurgical approaches are designed to be highly precise and minimally invasive. The procedure typically involves a small incision of about 2cm, with electrodes placed in highly targeted areas of the brain measuring just a few millimeters,” explains Dr Kalai. “They are aimed at managing symptoms, while helping patients regain independence and function in their daily lives.”

“It is important for patients to understand that DBS is not a cure. It does not stop the disease from progressing, but it can significantly reduce symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and slowness of movement,” he added.

Unlike older surgical approaches, DBS is non-destructive and reversible. The stimulation can be adjusted over time, and the device can even be turned off or removed if necessary.

“When performed by an experienced team, DBS is considered a safe and standard procedure with a low risk of complications. The mortality rate for elective brain surgeries in top hospitals is less than 1%,” says Dr Kalai.

More precise, personalized care

The treatment of Parkinson’s disease has evolved significantly over the years, moving from more invasive approaches to increasingly refined and adaptable methods of care.

“Previously, management relied heavily on medication,” explains Dr Kalai. “In certain cases, older surgical techniques involved creating permanent changes in specific areas of the brain to control symptoms. While these could be effective, they were irreversible and carried a higher risk of long-term side effects.”

Today, advances in medical technology have transformed how the condition is managed. Rather than relying on one-time, destructive procedures, modern approaches focus on neuromodulation and precision-based treatment strategies that are designed to be both adjustable and responsive to a patient’s needs over time.

“Current techniques allow us to target specific areas of the brain involved in movement control, such as the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or globus pallidus interna (GPi), with a high level of accuracy,” he says. “With the support of enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) imaging, as well as intraoperative monitoring methods like microelectrode recording, we can customise treatment more precisely while reducing the risk of complications.”

Similarly, unlike earlier surgical approaches, modern therapies can be adjusted over time to reflect the patient’s changing condition.

“This level of adaptability is important because Parkinson’s disease progresses differently in each individual,” Dr Kalai adds. “Being able to fine-tune treatment allows us to better manage symptoms while supporting long-term quality of life.”

Collaborative care

Successful Parkinson’s disease management requires a multidisciplinary approach. Neurologists, neurosurgeons, and other healthcare professionals work closely together to ensure patients receive comprehensive care at every stage of their journey.

Patients being considered for advanced treatment undergo careful evaluation to determine suitability. Factors such as diagnosis, response to medication, cognitive health, and overall expectations all play an important role in decision-making.

“It is important for patients to have open discussions with their care team,” Dr Kalai shares. “Understanding the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes helps them make informed decisions about their treatment.”

Even after intervention, care continues through long-term follow-up, ensuring that treatment remains effective as the condition progresses.

Reproduction challenges in space

Human reproduction in space is starting to look like a real possibility as interest grows in exploring and settling on other planets. Still, new research suggests it may be more complicated than expected, with microgravity creating challenges for fertilization.

Researchers from the University of Adelaide have found that microgravity conditions can disrupt sperm navigation, raising new questions about human reproduction beyond Earth. The study examined how space-like environments affect fertilization and early embryo development.

The research, conducted by the Robinson Research Institute and collaborators, tested sperm samples from humans and other mammals using a device that simulates zero gravity. According to the team, the system disorients cells to replicate the conditions experienced in space.

Loss of direction, not movement

The study showed that sperm exposed to simulated microgravity were less successful in navigating a maze designed to mimic the female reproductive tract. Dr Nicole McPherson, senior author of the study, said the results confirmed that gravity plays a role in guiding sperm toward the egg.

She explained that fewer sperm were able to reach their target under microgravity, even though their movement remained unchanged. This suggests that the issue lies in orientation rather than motility.

Hormone may help restore navigation

Researchers found that adding progesterone improved the ability of human sperm to navigate under simulated microgravity. According to Dr McPherson, the hormone may act as a guiding signal released by the egg, helping sperm locate the site of fertilization. She noted that this potential solution requires further investigation.

Impact on fertilization and embryo development

The study also examined how microgravity affects fertilization outcomes. Researchers observed a 30% drop-in successful fertilization rates in mouse eggs after four hours of exposure to simulated zero gravity.

Dr McPherson said longer exposure led to more serious effects, including delayed development and fewer cells involved in forming the fetus during early stages. She added that the findings show how sensitive early development is to changes in gravity.

Implications for future space missions, space reproduction

The research is part of a broader effort to understand how humans could reproduce in space. Associate Professor John Culton, director of the Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources, said understanding reproduction in microgravity is important as space exploration expands.

He explained that future research will examine how different gravity levels, such as those on the Moon and Mars, affect reproduction. Scientists are also studying whether changes occur gradually or only after a certain threshold is reached.

Despite the challenges, the findings offer some optimism. Dr McPherson said that healthy embryos were still able to form under simulated space conditions, suggesting that reproduction beyond Earth may be possible with further research.

The study was published in Communications Biology and marks one of the first to examine sperm navigation under controlled microgravity conditions.

Photo: SMART AMR

Researchers from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) and partner institutions have identified how a common bacterium disrupts the body’s immune response, contributing to persistent and hard-to-treat wound infections.

The study focused on Enterococcus faecalis, a bacterium frequently found in chronic wounds. According to the research team, the microbe releases large amounts of lactic acid, which lowers the pH of its surroundings and interferes with immune signaling. This process prevents immune cells from mounting an effective response, allowing infections to persist.

As described in the study published in Cell Host & Microbe, the acidic environment suppresses the activation of macrophages, which are key immune cells responsible for detecting and clearing infections. The lactic acid disrupts internal signaling pathways, including the NF-κB pathway, which is essential for triggering immune defenses.

The researchers explained that the bacterium uses a two-step mechanism. Lactic acid enters immune cells through a transporter known as MCT-1 and also binds to a receptor called GPR81 on the cell surface. By acting on both pathways, the bacterium effectively shuts down immune signaling and reduces inflammation, enabling it to survive longer in the wound.

Findings from a mouse model showed that strains of E. faecalis unable to produce lactic acid were cleared more quickly and triggered stronger immune responses. The study also found that in mixed infections, the weakened immune environment allowed other bacteria such as Escherichia coli to grow more easily, which helps explain why chronic wounds often involve multiple bacterial species.

According to Dr Ronni da Silva, the study suggests that chronic wound infections persist not only because of antibiotic resistance but also because the immune system is suppressed at the infection site. He said that the buildup of lactic acid effectively silences key immune signals, preventing macrophages from responding properly.

Professor Kimberly Kline added that the findings improve understanding of how bacteria interact with the host immune system and may inform new treatment strategies. She said targeting the bacterium’s ability to suppress immune responses could support better infection management and recovery outcomes.

The researchers said the findings point to new approaches that go beyond antibiotics, including therapies that reduce acidity in wounds or block the pathways used by lactic acid to inhibit immune cells. Future work will focus on validating the results in human samples and advancing toward preclinical studies.

The committee directed the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council to take strict action against institutions that violate the fee limit.

Lawmakers also called on the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination to explore ways to increase the number of medical seats in the country. Committee members discussed the current centralised admission policy for private medical colleges and expressed concern about the existing 50 percent allocation under the system.

According to officials familiar with the meeting, senators said regulators must ensure that private colleges follow the fee structure set by the government. The committee said it aims to protect students and their families from excessive financial pressure linked to medical education.

The meeting ended with a request for the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council to strengthen oversight, while lawmakers urged the ministry to explore ways to expand access to medical education across Pakistan.

The study was supported by Smart’s Antimicrobial Resistance research group and conducted in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the National University of Singapore.

Regenerative therapies aim to repair damaged tissue rather than manage symptoms. However, manufacturing MSC-based treatments remains challenging because the cells’ chondrogenic potential – their ability to develop into cartilage — can vary during laboratory production. Even under controlled conditions, MSCs may lose this capacity, leading to inconsistent treatment outcomes.

Current methods for testing cartilage-forming potential are destructive and require up to 21 days of cell growth. These limitations can delay decision-making, extend production timelines and render tested cells unusable. Researchers therefore sought a faster and reliable way to evaluate MSC quality early in the manufacturing process.

In a study published in the journal Stem Cells Translational Medicine, the team described a technique that measures iron flux by analyzing spent culture media. Using a benchtop micromagnetic resonance relaxometry device, the method tracks changes in iron concentration in real time without harming the cells. Because the device is relatively inexpensive and easy to integrate into laboratory workflows, it could enable routine quality monitoring without major infrastructure changes.

Iron homeostasis plays an essential role in cell function, balancing the need for iron with the risk of toxic accumulation. The researchers found that increased iron uptake and buildup in MSCs reduced their ability to form cartilage. They also observed that supplementing cell cultures with ascorbic acid helped regulate iron levels and improve cartilage-forming potential.

With the new approach, scientists collect spent media samples and treat them with ascorbic acid before using the device to detect subtle iron changes. These measurements reveal how MSCs absorb and release iron, providing an early indication of whether a cell batch is likely to produce high-quality cartilage.

According to Dr. Yanmeng Yang, postdoctoral associate at Smart Camp and the study’s first author, the method introduces iron flux dynamics as a novel critical quality attribute for MSCs. He said the approach enables early detection of suboptimal cell batches, improving quality control, lowering manufacturing costs and accelerating clinical translation.

Professor Jongyoon Han, co-lead principal investigator at Smart Camp and corresponding author of the study, said the research makes it possible to observe a biological process that has been difficult to measure. He noted that real-time iron monitoring offers actionable insights into cartilage-forming potential and supports the use of micromagnetic resonance relaxometry as a practical quality control strategy for MSC-based therapies.

Beyond manufacturing benefits, the technique contributes to broader research on iron biology by enabling real-time measurement of iron flux. The findings may also support the development of more consistent and clinically viable regenerative treatments for cartilage repair.

The team plans further preclinical and clinical studies to expand the use of the technology beyond manufacturing quality control and evaluate its potential as a validated tool for clinical translation of MSC-based therapies. The research was supported by the National Research Foundation Singapore under its CREATE program.

Dark, diamond-shaped spots in inner ear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are not always signs of pathological changes; they can simply result from how a person is positioned in the scanner. A pilot study at Austria’s Karl Landsteiner University (KL Krems) shows that characteristic flow void artifacts in the inner ear become markedly more pronounced when the head is tilted back and less when the chin is tilted down. With the head tilted back, some volunteers also reported dizziness. The work supports the idea that strong magnetic fields can drive inner ear fluid motion. It further suggests that head position should be considered when interpreting brain and inner ear MRI scans and when trying to keep people comfortable in high-field scanners.

High-field MRI at 3 Tesla and above has become standard in neuroradiology. At these field strengths, the static magnetic field can interact with tiny electric currents in the inner ear fluids. The resulting so-called Lorentz forces are known to trigger nystagmus (uncontrolled, rhythmic eye movement) and vertigo in people with a normal balance system (vestibule) of the inner ear. At the same time, MRI techniques used to image the inner ear’s labyrinth are very sensitive to even slow fluid motion. Earlier observations from Krems had linked these effects to small, sharply outlined low-signal areas in the vestibule that do not match any anatomical structure. The new study set out to test in a controlled way whether these hypointensities (labelled flow voids) really behave like flow-related artifacts and whether they change systematically with head pitch.

A team jointly led by Prof. Dr. Domagoj Javor, Head of the Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Dr. Béla Büki from the Division of Otorhinolaryngology both at University Hospital Krems, a teaching and research center of KL Krems, examined 20 healthy adults without known vestibular disease in a 3T scanner. The number was kept deliberately low; the authors describe the project as a proof-of-principle rather than a definitive trial. Each volunteer underwent two high-resolution inner ear scans with a so-called T2-weighted SPACE sequence: once with the chin tilted towards the chest (head flexed) and once with the head tilted back (extended). Images were reconstructed in the plane of the horizontal semicircular canal. Two experienced colleagues, working independently and blinded to each other’s results, measured what proportion of the vestibule was occupied by the hypointense flow voids.

Head back, artifact up

The pattern was clear: With the head tilted back, the low-signal area in the vestibule increased on both sides by around 15 percentage points compared with the chin-down position. In the same position, three of the 20 volunteers about 15% reported mild vertigo. None did so when their head was flexed. The findings show that these small vestibular dark spots are not fixed anatomical features but change with head position in the magnetic field, says Prof. Dr. Javor. That is exactly what one expects from a benign, position-dependent artifact rather than from inner ear pathology.

From a physics perspective, the observations fit current models of magnetic vestibular stimulation. When the head is tilted back, the main direction of ionic currents in the inner ear becomes more perpendicular to the scanner’s magnetic field. This increases a physical force acting on ions, the Lorentz force, and drives stronger endolymph flow in parts of the inner ear, notably the utricle and the lateral semicircular canal. Such motion can both deflect specific gelatinous features (cupulae), contributing to vertigo, and disturb the MRI signal enough to create a more prominent flow void.

Pragmatic workaround

For clinical work, the authors suggest a pragmatic approach. If a suspicious vestibular hypointensity appears on a T2 spin-echo sequence, checking whether it changes with head position or across different sequence types can help distinguish artifact from true lesion. Gradient-echo sequences, which are less sensitive to slow fluid motion, may serve as a useful comparison. Documenting head pitch on sagittal localizers and reconstructing images in the plane of the horizontal semicircular canal can also make left right comparisons more reliable. Radiologists should be aware that this characteristic, diamond-shaped hypointensity in the vestibule tends to increase with head extension and diminish with flexion, says Dr Büki. Seen in isolation, it can mimic a focal lesion but in many cases it simply reflects fluid moving in a strong magnetic field.

At the same time, the group is clear about the limits of their data. The study was carried out at a single center, on one 3T scanner, with one specific T2 SPACE protocol and only 20 healthy volunteers. The range of head positions was restricted by the design of the head coil, and neither eye movements nor inner ear fluid dynamics were measured directly. The authors stress that their work should be read as an internally consistent pilot, not as a new standard of care. Larger series at different field strengths and, crucially, data from patients with vestibular disorders will be needed.

Image credit: OSU/Parinaz Ghanbari

Scientists at Oregon State University (OSU) have developed a new nanomaterial that selectively destroys cancer cells by triggering a dual chemical attack inside tumors while sparing healthy tissue.

The study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, describes a novel approach to chemodynamic therapy, an emerging cancer treatment that takes advantage of the unique chemical conditions found in malignant tumors. Cancer cells tend to exist in a more acidic environment and contain higher levels of hydrogen peroxide than normal cells, creating an opportunity for targeted chemical reactions.

The OSU research team, led by Oleh and Olena Taratula and Chao Wang from the College of Pharmacy, designed an iron-based metal-organic framework nanoagent capable of producing two different types of reactive oxygen species inside cancer cells. These highly reactive molecules damage vital cellular components such as proteins, lipids, and DNA, leading to cell death through oxidative stress.

Previous chemodynamic therapies were limited because they typically produced only one type of reactive oxygen species and often lacked the catalytic strength needed for sustained tumor destruction. As a result, earlier studies frequently achieved only partial tumor reduction.

In laboratory tests, the new nanoagent proved highly toxic to multiple cancer cell lines while causing minimal harm to noncancerous cells. In mouse models implanted with human breast cancer cells, the treatment accumulated in tumors, eliminated the cancer completely, and prevented recurrence without detectable side effects.

The researchers plan to test the therapy across additional cancer types, including aggressive pancreatic cancer, before advancing toward human trials.

Source: OSU

Published in Neuron, the international research found that differences in a gene known as RUNX1 affect how individuals respond to opioids, including how well the drugs reduce pain, how much medication is needed, and the likelihood of side effects such as withdrawal symptoms and dependence. Lead investigator Dr. Tuan Trang, PhD, a professor at the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM), explained that recognizing patients who are unlikely to respond well to opioids, or who may be more vulnerable to dependence, could allow clinicians to make earlier decisions about alternative pain treatments, closer follow-up, or dose adjustments.

The team analyzed genetic data from patients who underwent jaw and abdominal surgeries and found that some RUNX1 variants were linked to higher opioid requirements, while others were associated with more intense withdrawal. First author and pediatric neurology resident Dr. Heather Leduc-Pessah said the findings reflect the growing importance of tailoring medical care to a patient’s genetic profile.

Orthopedic surgeon and CSM clinical professor Dr. Paul Salo said clinicians have long observed unpredictable opioid responses and that genetic screening could reduce complications and improve safety. Together with laboratory findings, the study points toward more individualized and cautious opioid prescribing.