New research among World Trade Center (WTC) responders with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has uncovered measurable physical changes in their brain structure, consistent with changes in the balance of myelinated to unmyelinated neurons (fast- and slow-conducting nerve cells) across both hemispheres of the brain. These changes were most strongly associated with re-experiencing symptoms in individuals with PTSD. The cortical differences found in this sophisticated imaging study in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, published by Elsevier, may serve as surrogate biomarkers for compromised brain health in people suffering from chronic PTSD, as well as potentially informing early screening strategies.

Three-dimensional multicellular human liver model: For the first time, a 3D human organoid model, developed with liver tissue from patients, consists of three liver cell types, derived from adult hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and liver mesenchymal cells.

Retaining structure and function: The novel complex organoid models, or assembloids, reconstruct essential structural and functional features of the human periportal liver region and have patient-specific traits. They capture key aspects of human liver physiology in a dish, including drug detoxification and metabolism.

Liver disease investigation: When manipulated, this human periportal liver model can mimic several characteristics of biliary fibrosis. It provides a platform to study liver diseases in humans, accelerate the development of new drugs, enable early diagnosis, and advance personalized medicine.