ACU NUCLEAR SALT REACTOR: Tackling water & energy issues while advancing cancer treatment
ABILENE, Texas () – When most of us think of nuclear power, we often recall the negative aspects associated with this type of energy. However, Abilene Christian University is striving to change that perception with its molten salt research reactor. They are exploring research avenues such as water desalination, clean energy production, and cancer treatments, all in the hopes of advancing technology and medicine.
Earlier this week, Abilene Christian University revealed a partnership with Texas Tech University and Natura Resources to deploy Natura's molten salt reactor (MSR). The goal of this collaboration is to combine MSR technology with water desalination and energy production systems, tackling the energy and water challenges faced by Texas.
New project will use ACU salt reactor to 'address Texas' critical energy and water needs'
ACU's plans for the Natura MSR-1, a liquid-fueled molten salt reactor, began several years ago. In 2022, they initiated the application process to gain approval for a molten salt research reactor. Currently, the reactor is still under construction at ACU's NEXT Lab and will be used for experiments aimed at advancing technology and medicine.
Director of ACU's NEXT Lab, Dr. Rusty Towell, shared how this reactor can also produce clean water while producing electricity.
'If you have dirty water to clean it, just needs energy. You can, of course, boil it off,' Towell explained. 'We can actually use the waste heat from water reactors, the leftover heat that's normally just rejected to the air. We can use that to clean water. So while we produce electricity, we can also produce clean water.'
ACU conducts AI research: Exploring benefits, challenges with support from Google grant
While water purification is important, especially here in Texas with our water supplies, this lab also has another purpose: utilizing radioactive isotopes for medical research to fight cancer. Towell explained how radioisotopes produced by the reactor can be used to specifically target and rapidly eliminate cancer cells.
'Those radioisotopes are produced basically in the core of stars and the core of nuclear reactors, but they only last for a few hours or days, maybe,' Towell shared. 'So how do you get them from those locations where they're made in the doctor's hands? This technology will allow us to do that. We're working on producing the raw materials that doctors need for these new treatments.'
The research reactor is one of only two reactors of its kind in the nation.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Upturn
12 hours ago
- Business Upturn
Novo Nordisk's subcutaneous and oral amycretin data published in The Lancet and presented at ADA 2025
By GlobeNewswire Published on June 21, 2025, 04:34 IST Subcutaneous amycretin phase 1b/2a data on the safety, tolerability and weight loss potential in people with overweight or obesity was published in The Lancet and presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions. 1,2 and presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions. Oral amycretin phase 1 data on the safety, tolerability and weight loss potential in people with overweight or obesity was also published in The Lancet. 3 Findings from the clinical trials indicate amycretin appeared tolerable with a safety profile consistent with other GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonists.1,2,3 Bagsværd, Denmark, 20 June 2025 – Novo Nordisk announces subcutaneous amycretin data being presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 85 th Scientific Sessions in Chicago, US.1 Full results of two clinical trials evaluating the safety, tolerability and weight loss potential of subcutaneous and oral amycretin in people with overweight or obesity were published today in The Lancet medical journal.1,3 Amycretin is the first treatment that combines GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonism biology in a single molecule. The published and presented results from the once-weekly subcutaneous amycretin phase 1b/2a clinical trial showed that participants who received the treatment demonstrated significantly greater weight loss across the full range of doses investigated compared to placebo. Data being presented at ADA were collected from two parts of the trial; dose escalation (amycretin 60 mg), and dose escalation and maintenance (amycretin 20 mg, 5 mg and 1.25 mg).1,2 No plateauing in weight reduction was observed at the end of treatment (ranging from 20 to 36 weeks) with all tested doses, suggesting that a longer treatment duration may potentially contribute to additional weight loss.1,2 Estimated mean change in body weight from baseline with once-weekly subcutaneous (SC) amycretin: 1,2 * Dose Treatment % Weight change % Weight change duration (SC amycretin) (placebo) 60 mg 36 weeks -24.3% -1.1%20 mg** 36 weeks -22.0% 1.9%5 mg** 28 weeks -16.2% 2.3% 1.25 mg** 20 weeks -9.7% 2.0% * If all people adhered to treatment i.e. if all people followed the planned dosing schedule for the full trial period without any treatment discontinuations. ** Administered during a 12-week maintenance period. Once-weekly subcutaneous amycretin treatment escalated up to 60 mg appeared tolerable with a safety profile consistent with other GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonists.1,2 The number of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) increased in a dose-dependent manner, were mostly gastrointestinal, and were comparable to the rate and profile of TEAEs reported in early-phase studies of GLP-1 receptor, GLP-1 receptor/gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) receptor, and amylin receptor agonists.1,2 The majority of TEAEs were mild to moderate in severity and resolved by the end of the study period.1,2 Of the participants who discontinued the trial, the majority were due to non-TEAE reasons.1,2 'As pioneers in obesity innovation, we are exploring multiple biological pathways to develop potentially transformative medicines that support the individual needs and preferences of people with obesity on their weight loss journey towards overall improved health,' said Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president for Development at Novo Nordisk . 'Amycretin is the first investigational treatment that combines GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonism biology in one molecule, working on distinct pathways and offering complementary effects on appetite control. The findings published and presented today are encouraging. We are excited to advance the clinical development of subcutaneous and oral amycretin into phase 3 to assess its potential as a therapeutic option for weight management.' The published once-daily oral amycretin phase 1 clinical trial data showed that participants receiving amycretin achieved greater weight loss compared to placebo.3 After 12 weeks of treatment with amycretin up to 50 mg and up to 2 times 50 mg, participants achieved a mean change in body weight of -10.4% and -13.1% respectively, compared to -1.2% with placebo.3 There were no apparent signs of weight loss plateauing within the 12 weeks of treatment in either of these amycretin-treated groups.3 Once-daily oral amycretin appeared to have an acceptable safety profile and was tolerable in all tested doses, with TEAEs in line with what was expected from targeting GLP-1 and amylin receptors.3 All reported TEAEs occurred in a dose-proportional manner, were mild to moderate in severity, and mostly gastrointestinal. No new safety signals appeared during the study.3 Based on the findings from the oral and subcutaneous amycretin trials, Novo Nordisk recently announced it will advance amycretin into phase 3 trials to further investigate the treatment as a potential new therapeutic option for weight management.4 About amycretin Amycretin is a unimolecular long-acting GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist under development by Novo Nordisk, to provide an efficacious and convenient treatment for adults with overweight or obesity and for adults with type 2 diabetes. Amycretin is developed for subcutaneous and oral administration. Oral amycretin Phase 1 trial – The trial evaluated the single-ascending dose and multiple ascending doses for oral amycretin, up to 2 times 50 mg, in 144 people with overweight or obesity, with a total treatment duration of up to 12 weeks. Subcutaneous amycretin Phase 1b/2a trial – The trial investigated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and proof-of-concept of once-weekly subcutaneous amycretin in 125 people with overweight or obesity. The trial was a combined single ascending dose, multiple ascending dose and dose-response trial investigating three different maintenance doses with a total treatment duration of up to 36 weeks. About Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 77,400 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. For more information, visit , Facebook , Instagram , X , LinkedIn and YouTube . Contacts for further information _______________________ References The Lancet: Dahl K, Toubro, S, Dey S, et al. Amycretin, a novel, unimolecular GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist administered subcutaneously: Results of a randomised, controlled, phase 1b/2a study. Dahl, K, et al. (2025). Amycretin, a Novel, Unimolecular GLP-1 and Amylin Receptor Agonist: Results of a Phase 1b/2a Clinical Trial. Poster 2002-LB. American Diabetes Association (ADA) 85th Scientific Sessions, Chicago, US, June 20 – 23, 2025. The Lancet: Gasiorek A, Heydorn A, Gabery S, et al. Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of the first-in-class GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist, amycretin: a first-in-human, phase 1, randomised, placebo-controlled study. Novo Nordisk Company Announcement. Novo Nordisk to advance subcutaneous and oral amycretin for weight management into phase 3 clinical development. Available at: Attachment Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
13 hours ago
Diabetes drug may cut migraine days in half with little weight loss: Study
Drugs in the same family as Ozempic and Wegovy are known for treating diabetes and helping with weight loss, but a small, early-stage study suggested they might also ease migraines -- even when there's no weight loss. The benefit appears to come from lowering pressure in the brain, Dr. Simone Braca, a neurologist at the University of Naples Federico II and lead author of the study, explained to ABC News. 'This study is very interesting in that the GLP 1s are hypothesized to lower brain pressure, which can then lower your chance of getting a headache or a migraine,' Braca said. The small, 12-week study tracked 26 adults with obesity who had chronic or frequent migraines. Published in Headache -- the official journal of the American Headache Society -- and presented at this week's European Academy of Neurology meeting in Finland, it tested liraglutide, a type of GLP-1 drug commonly used for diabetes and weight loss. After taking a daily 1.8 mg dose of liraglutide for three months -- the amount typically used to treat diabetes -- their average number of headache days per month dropped from 20 to about nine. Participants also reported less disability from migraines, with scores on a standard headache impact scale cut by more than half. Although some participants lost a small amount of weight, Braca said the few lost pounds were not meaningful enough to explain the improvement in migraines. Instead, Braca pointed to pressure from cerebrospinal fluid -- the liquid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spine. He said he believes that even slight buildups of this fluid can press on nearby veins and nerves in the brain, potentially triggering migraines. 'An increased pressure of the spinal fluid in the brain may be one of the mechanisms underlying migraine,' Braca said. 'And if we target this mechanism, this preliminary evidence suggests that it may be helpful for migraine.' Nearly half of patients reported at least a 50% reduction in headache days, according to the Headache paper. About 40% experienced mild side effects like nausea or constipation. None stopped taking the medication. With such promising results, Braca and his research team, led by Dr. Roberto De Simone, are already planning larger trials. Future studies will measure brain pressure more directly and explore whether other GLP 1 drugs might also offer the same relief but with fewer side effects. 'There are still a substantial portion of migraine patients that face an unmet need and that live with its burden,' he said. 'New drugs that could target other pathways, I think that could be reassuring to those patients and give them hope.' The study adds to growing evidence that GLP-1 drugs may have benefits beyond diabetes and weight loss. Researchers are already studying these medications for a range of other conditions, including reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, easing symptoms of addiction and treating Alzheimer's disease.
Business Wire
17 hours ago
- Business Wire
Verdiva Bio to Present New Data Highlighting Once-Weekly Potential of Its Investigational Oral Obesity Candidates at the ADA 85th Scientific Sessions
LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Verdiva Bio Limited ('Verdiva' or 'the Company') a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for obesity and cardiometabolic disorders, will present new data showcasing the once-weekly potential of Verdiva's investigational oral GLP-1RA and amylin analog peptide candidates at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 85th Scientific Sessions. 'These presentations underscore the potential value of our compounds as the only once-weekly oral amylin and oral GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA) candidates known to be advancing into clinical studies," said Dr. Mohamed Eid, CMO, Verdiva Bio Share 'Our first data presentation as Verdiva Bio at the prestigious ADA meeting marks a key milestone for our team. These presentations underscore the potential value of our compounds as the only once-weekly oral amylin and oral GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA) candidates known to be advancing into clinical studies,' stated Dr. Mohamed Eid, CMO at Verdiva. 'The early clinical and preclinical data not only show the potential of these compounds individually, but also the additive effect they may have in combination, highlighting the flexibility of our modular portfolio approach. At Verdiva Bio, we are committed to developing convenient, patient-friendly and commercially scalable therapeutic options for obesity, cardiometabolic disorders and related complications. We're excited about the potential of our once-weekly oral peptide candidates to help address this global health challenge.' VRB-101: An investigational once-weekly oral GLP-1 analog This presentation highlights new clinical pharmacokinetic data for VRB-101, an investigational, once-weekly, cAMP-biased oral GLP-1RA formulated with Verdiva's clinically validated, proprietary oral delivery technology T2026. Phase 1 results demonstrated that oral VRB-101 achieved drug levels comparable to, or exceeding, those of currently available once-weekly injectable GLP-1RA therapies. These findings support continued investigation of VRB-101 as a potential once-weekly, scalable oral therapeutic option for both weight reduction and long-term weight maintenance, with the potential to exert potent weight reduction and may improve adherence via a more patient-friendly dosing regimen. Poster Presentation #069 Title: VRB-101 is a potent oral GLP-1 tablet with once-weekly dosing potential Date/Time: June 21, 2025, 12:30–1:30 p.m. Central Time Location: Poster Hall (Hall F1) 068, McCormick Place Convention Center VRB-103: Efficacy of novel once-weekly oral amylin analog as a monotherapy, and in combination with VRB-101 in vivo A second presentation will share novel preclinical data on VRB-103, an investigational potentially once-weekly oral amylin analog, tested alone and in combination with VRB-101. In preclinical models, the rationally designed peptide combination showed an additive effect on body weight reduction. Additionally, co-formulation of these peptides in a single tablet with T2026 maintained comparable plasma exposure for both compounds. These data support continued development of VRB-103 as both a monotherapy and in combination with VRB-101. Poster Presentation #068 Title: Efficacy of a novel oral amylin analog and the development of an oral GLP-1/amylin co-formulated tablet to produce high in vivo plasma exposures Date/Time: June 21, 2025, 12:30–1:30 p.m. Central Time Location: Poster Hall (Hall F1) 068, McCormick Place Convention Center About Verdiva Bio Verdiva Bio is committed to developing next-generation therapies to help people living with obesity, cardiometabolic disorders, and related complications achieve better outcomes via more patient-friendly therapeutic options. Verdiva's most advanced product candidate is VRB-101, an oral GLP-1 peptide in clinical development that has demonstrated potential efficacy in a phase 1 study in Australia, which also confirmed the viability of once-weekly dosing potential. The Company is also developing a portfolio of amylin molecules, including oral and subcutaneous agonists, and other undisclosed programs that offer the potential for enhanced efficacy and improved tolerability. The Verdiva team will harness the emerging science in gut-brain biology and leverage their history of successful drug development to advance novel therapeutic options aiming to transform the lives of millions living with obesity worldwide. For more information, please visit
