London surgeons have pioneered a “game-changing” infrared imaging technique that could aid the treatment of cancer in children.The technique, called “molecular imaging”, involves the injection of chemicals into the bloodstream which act as imaging probes. These are attracted to cancerous cells in the body and, once attached, light up through a process called “fluorescence”. This in turn lights up the tumour.Dr Stefano Giuliani, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital, said, 'This technique effectively lights up the tumour, allowing surgeons to remove it with unprecedented precision'.  The technique will benefit children with cancerous tumours.More information:  https://au.news.yahoo.com/london-scientists-pioneer-game-changing-1250

A new class of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies has been shown to neutralise multiple variants of the virus, providing hope for a better antiviral medication to prevent according to a new study from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.  “Almost all commercially available antibodies for COVID-19 don’t work well anymore, says Dr Jake Henry, Research Officer at the Garvan Institute.  The research shows that the class 6 antibodies effectively neutralise SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Delta and Omicron strains.  Prof. Daniel Christ says, 'This is a new mechanism of action we’re seeing with these class 6 antibodies.'See article at: https://www.garvan.org.au/news-events/news/a-new-tool-in-the-arsenal-agains

Ultrasound treatments could be the key to restoring memory function for people with Alzheimer's disease. A decade of research at the University of Queensland, through the Queensland Brain Institute, has led to a 12-month trial to determine whether ultrasound treatments are safe for patients with the disease. Brain institute researchers, led by Jurgen Gotz, have developed a fit-for-purpose ultrasound device to be used in the trial.The trial is underway at the university and Mater Hospital Brisbane, where a maximum of 12 people will receive four fortnightly treatments before a brain MRI scan and a cognitive test.More information:  https://www.inkl.com/news/how-ultrasound-could-treat-alzheimer-s/lvmdLXupGJ

The Guadian's Denis Campbell reports that trial results suggest people with newly diagnosed glioblastoma could potentially be given extra years of life. A senior NHS doctor, Prof Keyoumars Ashkanwho, was one of the trial’s chief investigators said the evidence showed DCVax had resulted in “astonishing” enhanced survival for patients.Overall 13% of people who received it lived for at least five years after diagnosis.  The vaccine is a form of immunotherapy, in which the body’s immune system is programmed to track down and attack the tumour. It is the first developed to tackle brain tumours. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/nov/17/vaccine-shown-to-prolong-life-pat

The recipe for mammalian life is simple: take an egg, add sperm and wait. But two new papers demonstrate that there’s another way. Under the right conditions, stem cells can divide and self-organize into an embryo. In studies published in Cell and Nature recently, two groups report that they have grown synthetic mouse embryos for 8.5 days, longer than ever before. The embryos developed distinct organs — a beating heart, a gut tube and even neural folds.Research is being conducted at University of Cambridge, UK, and the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. For more information: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-02334-2

Ryan's Rule is a 3-step process to support patients of any age, their families and carers, to raise concerns if a patient’s heal