Laser beam compressed into thin filament

Scientists have been researching the process of laser pulse filamentation — the effect produced when a laser beam propagating in air focuses into a filament. The researchers discovered how this process influences the preliminary transition of a beam passing through quartz glass, which has applications in the field of nonlinear optics.

Mistakes in mismatch repair genes may accurately predict response to certain immunotherapy drugs

In a report of a proof-of-principle study of patients with colon and other cancers for whom standard therapies failed, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center say that mistakes in so-called mismatch repair genes, first identified by Johns Hopkins and other scientists two decades ago, may accurately predict who will respond to certain immunotherapy drugs known as PD-1 inhibitors. Such drugs aim to disarm systems developed by cancer cells to evade detection and destruction by immune system cells.

HIV Immunotherapy Promising in First Human Study

HIV Immunotherapy Promising in First Human StudyAn experimental antibody significantly reduced HIV levels in infected people for as long as 28 days. The approach might help to combat a wide range of HIV strains.

Allergy Drug Treats Hepatitis C in Mice

Allergy Drug Treats Hepatitis C in MiceA common over-the-counter allergy drug lowered hepatitis C virus levels in infected mice. The drug is currently being tested in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Scientists Discover Antibiotic Mechanism

Scientists Discover Antibiotic MechanismA structural study revealed how an antibiotic called borrelidin stops bacterial growth. The findings may help researchers design improved drugs to fight infections.