Latest news with #Kurouski
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Tiny 'Flowers' Offer New Hope Against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Tiny, metallic, flower-shaped nanoparticles may offer fresh hope for patients with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This is the conclusion of researchers from Texas A&M University, who found that the so-called nanoflowers can protect and heal brain cells. The do this by promoting the health and turnover of mitochondria—the oft-dubbed "powerhouses of the cell" which are responsible for turning food into energy. While this process is essential for life, the mitochondria also produce waste in the process—including so-called "reactive oxygen species"—which can damage cells. The finding could pave the way for new treatments for neurological diseases that address the underlying root causes—in this case mitochondrial health and oxidative stress—instead of just managing symptoms. "We expect that our drug can reverse neuronal damage and consequently reverse neurodegeneration," study lead and biochemist professor Dmitry Kurouski told Newsweek. Alzheimer's is the most common neurodegenerative disease with Parkinson's coming in second—and promising new treatments are much sought after. In fact, more than seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, a figure projected to rise to nearly 13 million by 2050, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Meanwhile, around 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson's, expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030, according to Parkinson's Foundation. Alongside potentially helping combat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, Kurouski said, "it is important to mention that similar reversing effects could be expected in other pathologies including acute brain and spinal cord injuries." Doctor and older patient smile while looking at phone results, with inserted image of nanoflowers overlayed in corner. Doctor and older patient smile while looking at phone results, with inserted image of nanoflowers overlayed in corner. Lacheev / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Journal of Biological Chemistry In their study, Kurouski and colleagues explored—in a petri dish in the lab—how nanoflowers affect both the brain's nerve cells, or 'neurons', and the star-shaped 'astrocytes' that support them. Within 24 hours of treatment, the team saw a "dramatic" drop in the levels of ROS, accompanied by signs of improved mitochondrial function. "Even in healthy cells, some oxidative stress is expected. But the nanoflowers seem to fine-tune the performance of mitochondria, ultimately bringing the levels of their toxic byproducts down to almost nothing," Kurouski explained. Having assessed the effects on individual cells, the researchers next tested the impact of the nanoflowers on whole creatures—specifically a species of worm, C. elegans, which is commonly used as a model organism in neurological research. The team found that, on average, worms treated with one specific flavor of nanoflower survived for days longer than their untreated counterparts (which typically live for around 18 days) and were less likely to die during the early stages of their lives. "These nanoflowers look beautiful under a microscope, but what they do inside the cell is even more impressive," Kurouski said in a statement. "By improving the health of brain cells, they help address one of the key drivers of neurodegenerative diseases that have long resisted therapeutic breakthroughs." With more research needed before clinical trials could be conducted on humans, Kurouski says he plans to undertake further studies in more complex animal models. The team are also exploring practical concerns towards clinical applications. "We are currently working on finding the best way to administrate the drug. We anticipate that internasal spray will be the best solution," Kurouski said. The biochemist stressed that he is keen to make sure the nanoflowers are safe, effective and have clear mechanism of action—but, he concluded, he thinks they could be a "new class of therapeutics" with "incredible potential." Do you have a health story to share with Newsweek? Do you have a question about the study? Let us know via health@ Reference Mitchell, C. L., Matveyenka, M., & Kurouski, D. (2025). Neuroprotective properties of transition metal dichalcogenide nanoflowers alleviate acute and chronic neurological conditions linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 301(5).
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Metallic nanoflowers heal brain cells and extend lifespan in stunning new research
A team at Texas A&M AgriLife Research has developed a new way to protect and potentially heal brain cells, using microscopic particles shaped like flowers. The so-called 'nanoflowers,' metallic nanoparticles engineered at the molecular scale, appear to restore the function of mitochondria, the cellular engines that power our bodies. The study suggests this could lead to a new class of neurotherapeutic drugs. Instead of just masking symptoms of conditions like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's, nanoflowers may target the root cause, mitochondrial dysfunction. 'These nanoflowers look beautiful under a microscope, but what they do inside the cell is even more impressive,' said Dr. Dmitry Kurouski, associate professor at Texas A&M and lead investigator on the project. The research was led by Charles Mitchell, a doctoral student in the university's biochemistry and biophysics department, and Mikhail Matveyenka, a research specialist. Both work in Kurouski's lab at the Texas A&M AgriLife Institute for Advancing Health through Agriculture. Molecular fix for brain health Mitochondria convert food into energy for cells. But in the process, they also generate harmful byproducts like reactive oxygen species, unstable molecules that can accumulate and cause damage. To test the therapeutic potential of nanoflowers, the team exposed neurons and astrocytes, supportive brain cells, to two different types of nanoflowers. After 24 hours, cells showed improved mitochondrial structure and quantity, along with a significant drop in oxidative stress. 'Even in healthy cells, some oxidative stress is expected,' Kurouski said. 'But the nanoflowers seem to fine-tune the performance of mitochondria, ultimately bringing the levels of their toxic byproducts down to almost nothing.' According to Kurouski, healthier mitochondria could lead to better brain function overall. 'If we can protect or restore mitochondrial health, then we're not just treating symptoms—we're addressing the root cause of the damage,' he added. Worm model shows lifespan boost The team expanded the study beyond isolated cells and into live organisms using Caenorhabditis elegans, a tiny worm commonly used in brain research. Worms treated with nanoflowers not only lived several days longer than untreated ones, but also showed lower mortality early in life. The findings strengthen the case for nanoflowers as neuroprotective agents. Kurouski's team now plans to test their safety and distribution in more complex animal models before considering human trials. Despite years of research, drugs that protect neurons from degeneration remain rare. Most treatments focus on reducing symptoms rather than halting disease progression. Kurouski believes this work could flip that script. 'We think this could become a new class of therapeutics,' he said. 'We want to make sure it's safe, effective and has a clear mechanism of action. But based on what we've seen so far, there's incredible potential in nanoflowers.' Texas A&M Innovation has filed a patent application for the use of nanoflowers in brain health treatments. Kurouski's team plans to collaborate with the Texas A&M College of Medicine to explore further applications, including stroke and spinal cord injury recovery. The study is published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Solve the daily Crossword
