Chronic inflammation goes hand-in-hand with many diseases, complicating symptoms and affecting routes of treatment. What is the molecular basis of inflammation, and can it be targeted by new drugs? Scientists have studied the molecular basis of the inflammatory response and have identified specific proteins that complex to initiate the response. New drugs are showing promise in breaking the inflammatory cascade. Studies of genealogical records revealed additional targets that modify known genetic pathways that contribute to Alzheimer's, cancers and cardiovascular disease. Dr. David Bearss from Halia Therapeutics explains the roles of inflammation and the mechanisms behind several drug candidates that are targeting chronic inflammation.

Strategic partnerships are becoming more important in development and deployment of biotechnology solutions. Today's panel discusses the way partnerships are formed, some of the important considerations with IP and licensing, and how relationships are managed.

The news reports say that scientists have found "high levels" of herbicide in human sperm, and suggest it is a cause of infertility. But what do the data really say? Dr. Andrea Love and I discuss the paper. A report by Vasseur et al., in the June 2024 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety entitled Glyphosate presence in human sperm: First report and positive correlation with oxidative stress in an infertile French population strongly implies a tight connection between the herbicide glyphosate and world population decline. However, it is a classical case of overstepping the data. This group studied 128 men in a French infertility clinic and quantified glyphosate in in their blood and seminal fluids. Amazingly, they found parts per trillion, very low levels. They also never measured levels in sperm. They did measure sperm quantity and quality and they are just fine in individuals with glyphosate levels and those below detection. So there is no effect on sperm, consistent with previous studies. They do identify a correlation between glyphosate presence and two oxidative stress markers, but it is unclear what the "normal" range is, and it is very difficult to connect parts per trillion of a benign herbicide and meaningful physiological response. However, this was enough to ignite the media into connecting this trace of herbicide to crashing world populations, when people are most likely simply having smaller families.

Dr. Andrea Love @Dr_AndreaLove and immunologic.org