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The Hindu
11 hours ago
- The Hindu
Scientists use AI-designed proteins to generate immune cells
A team of Harvard scientists has used artificial intelligence (AI), in the form of AI-designed proteins, to generate large numbers of immune cells and enhance immunity against diseases ranging from cancer to viral infections, a new research paper published in Cell said. The scientists engineered a synthetic activator of a key cellular pathway called Notch signalling, which plays a crucial role in cellular differentiation and is essential for transforming human immune progenitors into T cells. Notch signalling is a cell-to-cell communication system vital for various developmental processes and tissue homeostasis in multicellular organisms. Homeostasis is the body's way of keeping everything balanced and stable, despite what is happening around it. 'In response to viral infections or cancer, the body requires a higher production of T cells to mount an effective immune defence. However, this process depends on the activation of the Notch signalling pathway, for which no effective molecular activators have been available,' Rubul Mout from Assam, the principal scientist of the study, said. Associated with the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and the Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology Program at Boston Children's Hospital, he is one of 24 scientists involved in the collaborative effort. They include George Daley, the Dean of Harvard Medical School, and Nobel laureate David Baker. Improved method According to the study, an earlier method of activating Notch signalling in laboratory settings by immobilising Notch ligands on tissue culture dishes is not applicable for therapeutic use in humans. The quest for a viable, soluble activator of Notch signalling that could work in vivo (inside a living body) made the team develop a library of custom-designed soluble Notch agonists and systematically test their ability to activate the Notch pathway and support T cell development and function. AI-driven protein design technologies, an innovation that contributed to Dr Baker receiving the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry along with Demis Hassabis and John Jumper, were used to address the challenge. Using the agonists, the researchers demonstrated the large-scale generation of T cells in a laboratory bioreactor, an important advancement given the growing demand for T cell production in hospitals worldwide for Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell-based cancer immunotherapies. Furthermore, when the agonists were injected into mice during vaccination, the animals displayed significantly improved T cell responses, indicating an enhanced immune response. The treatment resulted in increased production of memory T cells, which are crucial for the long-term impact of vaccines. 'Being able to activate Notch signalling opens up tremendous opportunities in immunotherapy, vaccine development, and immune cell regeneration,' Dr Mout said. 'What excites me the most is using this technology to engineer synthetic proteins that simultaneously bridge T cells and cancer cells, boost T cell-mediated killing, and neutralise the immunosuppressive tumour micro-environment. Our goal is to develop next-generation immunotherapies and cancer vaccines,' he added. The other collaborators of the study include Urban Lendahl of the Stockholm-based Karolinska Institutet and a former Chairman of the Physiology and Medicine Nobel Committee, Stephen C. Blacklow, the Chair of Harvard Medical School's Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, and R. Grant Rowe of Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.


India Today
a day ago
- India Today
7 Science-Backed Brain Habits To Get Smarter Every Day
7 Science-Backed Brain Habits To Get Smarter Every Day By Roshni Chakrabarty Whether you're preparing for exams, learning a new skill, or just trying to stay sharp, building the right habits can transform your brain's performance. These seven habits from different places around the world that are simple but incredibly effective: Sleep isn't optional -- it's brain fuel. Students who sleep 7-9 hours consistently perform better on memory, attention, and logic tasks. According to AIIMS, poor sleep reduces focus and increases mental fatigue. 1. PRIORITISE QUALITY SLEEP A brisk 20-minute walk or light workout increases blood flow to the brain and improves mood and cognition. In Japan, schools often integrate daily physical activity to support academic performance. 2. MOVE YOUR BODY EVERY DAY Omega-3 rich foods like walnuts, flaxseeds, and fish can boost memory and protect brain cells. A Harvard study also found berries and leafy greens improve brain ageing and retention in young adults. 3. EAT BRAIN-FRIENDLY FOODS Mindfulness lowers stress, improves concentration, and enhances emotional control. Thailand promotes mindfulness in classrooms, helping students regulate anxiety and increase academic focus naturally. 4. PRACTISE MINDFULNESS OR MEDITATION Even mild dehydration can impact focus and short-term memory. In German schools, students are encouraged to drink water regularly. Aim for 6-8 glasses daily for optimal brain function. 5. STAY HYDRATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY Constant screen time causes cognitive fatigue and lowers productivity. South Korean schools now use 'digital detox' breaks to help students refresh their mental energy and reduce digital burnout. 6. TAKE REGULAR SCREEN BREAKS Neuroplasticity, or your brain's ability to grow, is stimulated by learning. In Finland, students explore different subjects daily, even outside the curriculum. Pick up a new fact, skill, or challenge every day. 7. LEARN SOMETHING NEW DAILY Did you know readers have different brains? To know more, Click Here


Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Gastroenterologist shares 7 common mistakes people make while cooking in air fryer: ‘Always clean the tray and use…'
Air fryers have become a go-to kitchen appliance for those looking to cut down on oil without compromising on taste. But while they promise healthier meals, many people are unknowingly making mistakes that could defeat the purpose. Avoid these common air fryer mistakes for healthier cooking.(Freepik) Dr Saurabh Sethi, MD, MPH, board-certified gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and interventional endoscopist trained at AIIMS, Harvard and Stanford, shared in his July 31 Instagram post 7 common air fryer blunders that might be doing your health more harm than good. (Also read: Gastroenterologist says 'these 9 simple drinks can support natural liver detox' without the need for fad diets ) 1. Air frying is automatically healthy Air frying does reduce oil use, but if you're still loading up on ultra-processed frozen snacks or cooking with inflammatory refined seed oils, your gut isn't benefiting as much as you think. 2. You don't need oil at all A little healthy fat like avocado oil or ghee can actually help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. Just steer clear of refined seed oils, which are high in omega-6s and may contribute to inflammation when overused. 3. Any veggie works great Not quite. Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli can burn quickly in an air fryer. To avoid charring, which creates inflammatory compounds, use a light coating of oil and line the tray with parchment paper or a silicone liner. 4. Reusing the same oil is fine Reheating old oil at high temperatures leads to oxidised fats, which create harmful byproducts that your gut and liver won't thank you for. Always clean the tray and use fresh oil. 5. Any liner works for air frying The safest options are food-grade silicone liners (BPA-free and FDA-approved), which are reusable, free of PFAS and microplastics, heat-safe up to 480 degrees Farenhiets, and perforated for airflow. Also acceptable: unbleached, perforated parchment paper, just make sure it's free of wax or chlorine. 6. Season after air frying Actually, spices like turmeric, garlic, cumin, and paprika release more antioxidants when cooked. Seasoning before air frying means more flavour and a boost of gut-friendly polyphenols. 7. All air fryers are the same They're not. Some models have Teflon (PTFE)-coated baskets, which can degrade at high heat. Instead, opt for air fryers with ceramic-coated or stainless steel interiors; they're safer and tend to last longer. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.