November 2023    
         
         
 
     
  Welcome to the November edition of µChicago, which brings the top science news from across the University right to your inbox. This month’s issue highlights the work of scientists who are snapping photos of cellular mechanisms, revolutionizing treatment for type 1 diabetes, and solving imperative research problems.  
     
  The hot seat  
     
 
David Pincus and Asif Ali research cell adaptations to stress.
 
 
     
  Image: Research into cell adaptations to stress is “at the mechanistic heart of so many human diseases,” said David Pincus, assistant professor of molecular genetics and cell biology, pictured (left) with Asif Ali, both coauthors of the study. (Biological Sciences Division)  
     
 
     
  With advanced imaging techniques, cellular biologists at UChicago recently got an unprecedented look at how yeast and human cells protect themselves during stresses such as heat shock that can cause protein clumping and misfolding. Uncovering cells’ adaptive mechanisms could lead to a better understanding of human diseases including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.  
     
 
 
  Solutions of the future  
     
 
     
  1  
     
 
Atom exchange: Two studies demonstrate new ways to swap out certain atoms within drug molecules, potentially allowing researchers to test more molecular combinations without starting over, speeding drug discovery.
 
     
     
     
 
     
  2  
     
 
Sensors for survivors: The Bionic Breast Project is preparing to test a device that could restore sensation in mastectomy patients, improving sexual function and sense of self for cancer survivors.
 
     
     
     
 
     
  3  
     
 
Nuclear and improved: A next-generation nuclear reactor, the sodium-cooled fast reactor, is promising, but prone to blockages and corrosion. Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory developed a machine learning system to detect anomalies in the reaction process, increasing safety and stability—and getting science a step closer to carbon-free energy.
 
     
     
 
         
         
    Spotlight    
         
         
 
     
  Repurposed drug could transform type-1 diabetes treatment  
     
 
Adult looks on as child self-tests for glucose levels.
 
 
     
  Image: Type 1 diabetes can affect both children and adults, causing blood sugar imbalances and symptoms that can be debilitating or fatal if left untreated. (UChicago Medicine)  
     
 
     
  An experimental treatment for type 1 diabetes uses an existing medication to protect insulin-producing cells that are destroyed by the immune system in patients with the disease. UChicago endocrinologist and study coauthor Raghu Mirmira, AB’86, PhD’91, MD’93, hopes the treatment could reduce dependence on insulin injections. “It’s exciting to say we have a drug that works differently from every other treatment we have for this disease,” he said.
  
     
 
 
  A quick byte  
     
  Lunar crystals collected during the 1972 Apollo mission reveal that the moon is 40 million years older than originally thought, according to a study by researchers at UChicago and the Field Museum.  
     
  In case you missed it  
     
 
 
 
Vaccines “invert” autoimmune treatment: New “inverse vaccine” shows promise in autoimmune treatment, opioid alternatives for pain management, and studies of the small.
 
 
Improved sensor combats contaminants: A novel design for water sensors, gains in genetic disease treatment, and transgenerational health disparities quantified.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
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