Nanoparticle drug-delivery system developed to treat brain disorders

In the past few decades, researchers have identified biological pathways leading to neurodegenerative diseases and developed promising molecular agents to target them. However, the translation of these findings into clinically approved treatments has progressed at a much slower rate, in part because of the challenges scientists face in delivering therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and into the brain. To facilitate successful delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain, a team of bioengineers, physicians, and collaborators at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital created a nanoparticle platform, which can facilitate therapeutically effective delivery of encapsulated agents in mice with a physically breached or intact BBB. In a mouse model of traumatic brain injury (TBI), they observed that the delivery system showed three times more accumulation in brain than conventional methods of delivery and was therapeutically effective as well, which could open possibilities for the treatment of numerous neurological disorders. Findings were published in Science Advances.

EXPLAINER: Should vaccine volunteers now get the real thing?

Tens of thousands of Americans have volunteered to test COVID-19 vaccines, but only about half of them got the real thing during trials.

France tightens virus curfew in several regions

The French government on Friday announced that it was bringing forward by two hours a the nighttime curfew in 15 regions to help combat the coronavirus, as infections remain high.

Once a model, California now struggles to tame COVID-19

Ambulances waited hours for openings to offload coronavirus patients. Overflow patients were moved to hospital hallways and gift shops, even a cafeteria. Refrigerated trucks were on standby, ready to store the dead.

WHO grants 'emergency validation' to Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine

The World Health Organization on Thursday granted emergency validation to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, paving the way for countries worldwide to quickly approve its import and distribution.

A death #Every10Minutes: LA begs revelers to avoid NYE gatherings

"A mother," "a cancer patient," "someone who loved the rain": Los Angeles health officials tweeted every 10 minutes Thursday to mark the deaths of a coronavirus victim, as they implored people not to go out on New Year's Eve.

New Year comes to COVID ward, with hope for end to nightmare

While the world said goodbye—or good riddance—to 2020, a year in which the pandemic brought hardship and pain to billions, some of those who have been fighting the virus on the front lines soldiered on even as the clock passed midnight.

COVID-19 toll linked to Belgian party for elderly hits 27

The death toll of a virus outbreak in a care home linked to a Saint Nicolas party for the elderly last month has reached 27.

UK approaches one million vaccinated as cases surge

Britain said Thursday that it had vaccinated almost 950,000 people, as a surge in coronavirus cases prompted the reopening of field hospitals and warnings not to party on New Year's Eve.

Long lines as Florida's COVID vaccination drive picks up pace

The lines are endless and hospital telephones are ringing off the hook since coronavirus vaccines became available this week for the elderly in retiree-rich Florida.

California passes 25,000 deaths, finds 3 more variant cases

California surpassed 25,000 coronavirus deaths since the start of the pandemic and officials disclosed Thursday that three more cases involving a mutant variant of the virus have been confirmed in San Diego County.

Under fire, France pledges speedier vaccination rollout

Under fire for a glacially slow rollout of coronavirus vaccine shots, France's government pledged Thursday to pick up the pace, offering quicker inoculation to a broader array of health care workers starting next week.

Hedge fund Alden offers to buy Tribune, valuing it at $521M

Hedge fund Alden, Tribune's largest shareholder, has offered to buy the rest of the newspaper publisher at a price that values it at $520.6 million.

Guinea uses Russian COVID-19 vaccine on some officials

Guinea began vaccinating against COVID-19 with the Russian Sputnik V vaccine on an experimental basis, starting with government officials, authorities said Thursday.

Germany's BioNTech racing to ramp up vaccine production

German firm BioNTech said Friday it was racing to ramp up production of its COVID-19 jab in Europe, to fill the "gap" left by the lack of other approved vaccines.

Officials: Evidence of UK virus strain found in Florida man

Florida health authorities late Thursday reported finding evidence of the latest U.S. case of the new and apparently more contagious coronavirus strain first seen in England, saying it was detected in a man with no recent travel history.

Microsoft says hackers viewed source code, didn't change it

Microsoft hackers tied to a massive intrusion of dozens of U.S. government agencies and private companies sneaked further into its systems than previously thought, although the intrusion doesn't appear to have caused any additional harm.

Brazil scrambles to approve virus vaccine as pressure mounts

Brazil, a nation proud of its role as a regional leader in science, technology and medicine, finds itself falling behind its neighbors in the global race for immunization against a pandemic that has already killed nearly 200,000 of its people.

Race to vaccinate millions in US off to slow, messy start

Terry Beth Hadler was so eager to get a lifesaving COVID-19 vaccination that the 69-year-old piano teacher stood in line overnight in a parking lot with hundreds of other senior citizens.

Clinical criteria for diagnosing autism inadequate for people with genetic conditions

People with certain genetic conditions are likely to have significant symptoms of autism, even if they do not meet all diagnostic criteria, a study concludes.