Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen

Previous research had already suggested that allergy-related antibodies found in the blood may also be present in nasal secretions

Medical

Could nasal swabs replace skin-prick allergy tests?

Although no one likes getting blood samples drawn or having their skin pricked, these are the most common methods of testing for allergies. Thanks to a new study, however, such uncomfortable pokes could soon be replaced with painless nasal swabs.

Researchers have used CRISPR to correct muscular dystrophy in pigs

Medical

CRISPR gene-editing corrects muscular dystrophy in pigs

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most common and most devastating muscular diseases. Now researchers have managed to use the CRISPR gene-editing tool to correct the condition in pigs, bringing the treatment ever closer to human trials.

An infrared image of a tumor injected with melanin-loaded nanoparticles (right), compared to one that had just nanoparticles with no melanin (left)

Medical

Melanin injections found to highlight and hinder tumors

The pigment melanin is a natural defense against skin cancer – and now it could help fight other cancers too. Researchers at the Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München have found that melanin-loaded nanoparticles can help diagnose tumors and slow their growth.

Researchers have found that a chemical compound used in traditional Chinese medicine can activate the centers in the brain responsible for producing feelings of fullness

Health & Wellbeing

Compound combats constant hunger by reactivating satiety centers

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München have found that Celastrol, a plant-derived substance used in traditional Chinese medicine, shows potential for combating obesity by activating centers in the brain responsible for producing feelings of fullness.