Scientists and engineers from institutions including MIT and the University of Arizona are driving a new era in imaging technology, developing systems that promise to obtain exceptionally deep and clear views  inside the body and living tissue without the need for invasive procedures. These advances aim to overcome the limitations of current techniques that struggle to balance resolution, contrast, and depth penetration. MIT researchers have developed a new microscope system that combines several cutting-edge technologies to obtain precise images of molecules deep within live brain tissues with single-cell resolution . This system, called the "Multiphoton-In and Acoustic-Out"  platform, uses a technique known as label-free multiphoton photoacoustic imaging  (LF-MP-PAM). It works by focusing an intense, extremely short burst of light (a quadrillionth of a second long) at a longer wavelength. This longer wavelength (described "like fog lamps") allows the light to penetrate deeply into the tissue with less scattering. Instead of solely detecting the weak fluorescent signal, the system detects sound waves generated by localized thermal expansion (about 10 microns) within the cell. A sensitive ultrasound microphone  detects these waves, and software transforms the acoustic data into high-resolution images. This method is "label-free" (it does not require added chemicals or altered genes), making it potentially valuable for use in humans, for instance, during brain surgeries. The team successfully detected NAD(P)H, a molecule associated with general cell metabolism and specific neuronal electrical activity, all the way through samples such as a 1.1-millimeter "cerebral organoid" (a 3D, mini brain-like tissue generated from human stem cells) and mouse brain tissue. A depth of 1.1 millimeters  is more than five times deeper than other microscope technologies can resolve NAD(P)H within dense brain tissue. Given these results, researchers are confident that full imaging at depths of 2 millimeters  in live brains is entirely feasible. In parallel, a University of Arizona research team received nearly $2.7 million dollars  from the NIH's Common Fund Venture Program to advance optical technology aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, specifically nonmelanoma types (such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma). This new approach is based on Synthetic Wavelength Imaging (SWI) . SWI uses two separate illumination wavelengths to computationally generate a virtual, "synthetic" imaging wavelength. This synthetic wavelength offers a signal that is more resistant to light scattering  inside the tissue, while still leveraging the high contrast information provided by the original illumination wavelengths. This breakthrough is crucial because nonmelanoma skin cancers often vary widely in size, depth, and pattern of invasion, requiring imaging tools that can accurately assess tumor margins  and monitor treatment response in real-time. By pairing this resilience to scattering with advanced computational algorithms, the team aims to break free from the conventional tradeoff between resolution, depth, and contrast. The potential of SWI extends to additional potential avenues in biomedical imaging, such as novel detection methods for breast cancer or imaging deep inside the human brain. 🔖 Sources Next-generation imaging promises sharper, deeper view of living tissues Imaging tech promises deepest looks yet into living brain tissue at single-cell resolution New imaging tech promises to help doctors better diagnose and treat skin cancers

Influenza remains a significant global health threat, responsible for acute respiratory disease and approximately 500,000 deaths annually. Despite a reduction in infections since 2020 due to pandemic-related protective measures, seasonal flu continues to circulate, causing severe illness. Currently, diagnostics often rely on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, a highly sensitive method which is unfortunately time-consuming, high-cost, and logistically challenging, especially for low-income regions. Furthermore, most serological tests fail to produce accurate results in asymptomatic individuals. However, innovation is taking a surprisingly tasty turn. Researchers are developing a novel screening method: an edible flu test  that promises rapid diagnosis  using a molecular taste sensor . The science involves a chemically engineered sensor designed to detect the presence of the influenza virus enzyme, Influenza Neuraminidase . When this enzyme is present, the sensor releases a flavor—specifically, a thyme-like flavor—which signals the presence of the infection. The sensor itself is composed of neuraminidase-responsive molecules where a taste reporter (thymol) is protected until the viral enzyme cleaves the glycosidic bond, releasing the taste signal. This method is significant because it is designed to detect the virus before  symptoms appear, catching presymptomatic yet contagious patients. The sensor proved highly specific: modified versions of the sensor responded selectively to viral neuraminidase (like H1N1) without reacting to bacterial neuraminidase. Tests using saliva samples from PCR-positive patients successfully detected neuraminidase activity at physiologically relevant levels within 30 minutes. If successfully validated in humans, this approach could potentially be incorporated into simple carriers, such as chewing gums or lozenges, offering a low-tech, accessible, and low-cost alternative to traditional nasal swabs and expensive assays. While the enzyme-specific detection in saliva samples is promising, researchers emphasize that this work is currently based on biochemical analysis rather than direct human testing. Future clinical studies are essential to validate that individuals can actually perceive the taste signal, which is necessary before this exciting edible flu test  can move toward widespread clinical use. This development represents a crucial step toward diagnosing the flu simply with your tongue. 🔖 Sources Taste-based flu test that detects infection within minutes A step toward diagnosing the flu with your tongue A flu test you can chew Chewing gum flu test could detect the virus through flavor before symptoms strike

In a significant move reinforcing the commercial momentum of next-generation synthetic binders, Aptamer Group  plc has announced a major development contract with a top three global pharmaceutical company. This Major Pharma Contract  is valued at £360,000  and is structured as a fee-for-service agreement. The contract centers on engineering the company’s proprietary Optimer® binders  for use as targeted radiopharmaceuticals . These radiopharmaceuticals are being developed for potential therapeutic applications. Importantly, Aptamer retains the rights for future licensing revenues following commercialization, positioning the company for potential downstream licensing and/or royalty revenue streams. This strategic program involves developing Optimers targeting an undisclosed cancer target. The initial phase will concentrate on creating tools for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, with a clear view toward translating this work into therapeutic applications. The expansion of Aptamer’s Optimer® technology into this domain is timely, as the targeted radiopharmaceuticals market is already substantial, valued at $7.5 billion in 2025 . Aptamer-based radiopharmaceuticals have a recognized role in targeted imaging and therapy of epithelial tumors, and the broader application of aptamer-based technology is viewed as a promising weapon against cancer in both imaging and targeted therapy. The Optimer® platform offers several key advantages suitable for this specialized area, including ease of chemical optimization, reduced immunogenicity, and enhanced tumour penetration. Dr. Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer of Aptamer Group, emphasized the importance of this win, stating that the significant contract win marks a key expansion of the platform into targeted radiopharmaceuticals and potential therapeutics. Dr. Tolley identified this as a value inflection point , noting that Aptamer now has two potential therapeutic assets under development, alongside targeted gene therapy. The company continues to experience strong interest from biotechnology and pharmaceutical partners across its core capability areas. Beyond this major radiopharmaceutical contract, Aptamer Group has also demonstrated the breadth of its Optimer® applications through several other programs. These include ongoing synthesis and development work supporting multiple pharmaceutical licensing negotiations, project extensions with a top five global pharmaceutical company for diagnostic ELISA development, and a therapeutic development agreement with Invizius Limited to develop Optimer® binders aimed at complement system components for inflammatory disease treatments. These varying contracts span the research tool, diagnostic, and therapeutic application sectors within life sciences. 🔖 Sources Aptamer expands into targeted radiopharmaceuticals with major top 3 pharma contract Aptamer-based technology for radionuclide targeted imaging and therapy: a promising weapon against cancer Aptamer-based radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic imaging and targeted radiotherapy of epithelial tumors Aptamer Group secures contract with major pharma

Image Credit:  nbc.com When medical dramas meet psychological thrillers, audiences get stories that are both heart-racing and thought-provoking — and NBC’s Brilliant Minds  is quickly proving itself as one of the network’s boldest experiments. On September 29, 2025, the show welcomes Chicago Med  alum Molly Bernard Brilliant Minds  for a powerful guest appearance in Season 2, Episode 2 , titled “The Contestant.”  Bernard’s performance adds new emotional layers to a series already celebrated for blending neuroscience, ethics, and human empathy. Content ⁉️ 1️⃣ A Magnet for Brilliant Guest Stars 2️⃣ Meet Lauren Brooks: A Patient Lost Between Reality and Illusion 3️⃣ A Complex Character and a Career Built on Depth 4️⃣ Thematic Depth: When Medicine Meets Humanity 5️⃣ Behind the Scenes: The Artistic Vision 6️⃣Molly Bernard’s Expanding Career 7️⃣Why Brilliant Minds Keeps Audiences Hooked 🔖 Key Takeaways A Magnet for Brilliant Guest Stars Since its debut, Brilliant Minds  has captured audiences with its high-stakes blend of medicine and psychology. Starring Zachary Quinto  as the intense and enigmatic Dr. Oliver Wolf , the series explores the mysterious frontiers of the human brain — where science and emotion collide. Season 2 continues to expand those boundaries, introducing new cases that test the limits of perception and reality. With every episode, viewers are drawn deeper into Dr. Wolf’s relentless pursuit of healing minds that refuse to conform to conventional medicine. Adding to that energy, Molly Bernard enters the scene as Lauren Brooks , a patient whose rare psychological condition turns the hospital into a maze of delusion and truth. Image Credit:  popculture.com Meet Lauren Brooks: A Patient Lost Between Reality and Illusion In “The Contestant,”  Bernard plays Lauren Brooks, a woman who arrives at Bronx General Hospital convinced she’s trapped in a reality dating show. The situation takes a darker turn when ER physician Dr. Anthony Thorne  (John Clarence Stewart) consults Dr. Wolf, describing a patient who claims she injured herself escaping from a TV production. Dr. Wolf quickly identifies symptoms of the rare but fascinating Truman Show Syndrome  — a psychological delusion where patients believe their lives are part of a staged production. This condition, first recognized in psychiatric case studies in the early 2000s, reflects how modern media can blur the lines between performance and personal identity. Wolf tells his team, “We must see the world through her distorted lens.”  To treat Lauren, they must temporarily accept her reality — a concept that challenges the very ethics of psychiatric care. A Complex Character and a Career Built on Depth Bernard’s portrayal of Lauren Brooks is more than a one-episode performance — it’s a masterclass in empathy. The actress gives voice to those whose mental struggles are often misunderstood or dramatized for shock value. Fans of Chicago Med  will remember Bernard as Elsa Curry , a brilliant yet emotionally guarded medical student. On that show, she was known for her intellect and intensity, sometimes clashing with colleagues but ultimately revealing her vulnerability beneath the surface. Transitioning from Elsa’s rigid confidence to Lauren’s fragmented sense of self demonstrates Bernard’s remarkable range. She captures the terror and confusion of someone trapped inside her own mind, while maintaining a quiet dignity that keeps the audience rooting for her recovery. As one critic from Variety  notes, “Bernard’s presence transforms Brilliant Minds  from a medical case study into an emotional journey”. Thematic Depth: When Medicine Meets Humanity Brilliant Minds  has earned praise for exploring the ethical gray areas of modern medicine. In each episode, the doctors face not just physical ailments but moral dilemmas: How far should science go to heal the mind? When does compassion become complicity in delusion? Lauren Brooks’ case forces Dr. Wolf and his team to confront those very questions. Treating a patient who rejects reality requires balancing clinical detachment with human understanding. Quinto’s portrayal of Wolf anchors that tension — he is equal parts scientist and philosopher, haunted by his own past yet driven to help others reclaim their sanity. This episode epitomizes Brilliant Minds’  philosophy: true healing demands empathy, not just expertise. Image Credit:  nbc.com Behind the Scenes: The Artistic Vision Director Lena Halliday  crafts “The Contestant”  with cinematic precision. The lighting shifts between harsh hospital fluorescence and the surreal glow of Lauren’s imagined reality show, visually mirroring her fractured perception. The script, penned by Brilliant Minds  creator Michael Grassi , integrates authentic psychiatric dialogue with emotional storytelling. According to interviews with the production team, the show consults neurologists and cognitive-behavioral specialists to ensure realism in every medical case. That dedication to authenticity sets Brilliant Minds  apart from typical TV dramas, making it both educational and gripping. Molly Bernard’s Expanding Career Beyond her new role, Bernard has built a versatile career across television and film. Her credits include: The Blacklist  (NBC) Younger  (TV Land) Transparent  (Amazon Prime Video) High Maintenance  (HBO) Alpha House  (Amazon Studios) On the big screen, she’s appeared in Sully  (2016), Hitman  (2018), and the psychological thriller Dreams and Nightmares  (2021). Upcoming releases like Damned If You Do  and Lone Star Bull  will continue to showcase her dramatic versatility. Critics often describe her as a “chameleon performer,” seamlessly adapting to any genre — from procedural dramas to avant-garde cinema. Brilliant Minds  proves she’s equally compelling in emotionally charged psychological narratives. Why Brilliant Minds Keeps Audiences Hooked In an era saturated with medical dramas, Brilliant Minds  distinguishes itself by emphasizing psychology over surgery. Instead of racing against time to stop a heart attack, its characters race to understand the mind’s secrets. Each episode acts as a case study in empathy, asking viewers to examine their own perceptions of sanity, identity, and truth. With Quinto’s gravitas and Bernard’s emotional brilliance, Season 2, Episode 2  promises to be one of the show’s most memorable installments. 🔖 Key Takeaways 🗝️ Molly Bernard  guest stars in Brilliant Minds Season 2, Episode 2  ( “The Contestant” ) as Lauren Brooks , a patient suffering from Truman Show Syndrome . 🗝️ The episode explores the tension between reality and delusion , highlighting the emotional and ethical challenges of psychiatric care. 🗝️ Bernard’s performance bridges her experience from Chicago Med  to a deeper psychological narrative. 🗝️ Brilliant Minds  continues to combine medical realism with human compassion, redefining what a TV medical drama can be. 🗝️ Catch new episodes on NBC (Mondays 10/9c)  or stream the next day on Peacock . 🌐 External sources Chicago Med’s Molly Bernard Guest Stars on Brilliant Minds as Dr. Wolf’s Patient Brilliant Minds’ Guest Star Molly Bernard on the ‘Deep and Profound’ Message of Her Episode (Exclusive) Brilliant Minds’ Season 2 Adds ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ Star Porsha Williams, Molly Bernard as Guest Stars

Image credit: blexmedia.com The dramatic conclusion of Grey’s Anatomy  Season 21 left viewers reeling, climaxing in an explosive event that promised devastating consequences for the staff of the beleaguered hospital. As anticipation built for the subsequent season, various media outlets provided glimpses into the severe aftermath and the dire state of the medical institution and its beloved characters. The sources, released in early October 2025, collectively painted a grim picture of destruction, uncertainty, and profound loss, setting a high-stakes tone for the impending Grey’s Anatomy Season 22 Deaths  and the season premiere. The overriding theme revealed through the trailers and early news reports centered on the sheer scale of the hospital fallout and the tragic human cost of the preceding disaster. Content ⁉️ 1️⃣ The Explosive Aftermath and Hospital Fallout 2️⃣ Uncertainties and Character Fates 3️⃣ A Deadly Start: Major Casualties Confirmed 🔖 Key Takeaways The Explosive Aftermath and Hospital Fallout The transition from the explosive Season 21 finale into Season 22 promises a deeply unsettling narrative focused on survival and recovery. Articles reviewing the Season 22 trailer highlighted the dramatic aftermath caused by the explosion. Specifically, the Blexmedia article from October 4, 2025, detailed the visuals presented in the trailer, explicitly depicting the extensive hospital fallout  following the catastrophic event. The imagery suggests that the physical structure of the hospital—a cornerstone of the series—will itself be a major plot point, facing critical structural damage and operational challenges. The immediate consequences of such widespread destruction are immense, forcing the characters to navigate a crisis environment even as they cope with personal grief and uncertainty. The trailer, showcased in the CBR article dated October 1, 2025, emphasized the intense drama of this aftermath, ensuring that the audience understood the gravity of the situation stemming directly from the explosive finale. Previewing the Disaster: The Season 22 Trailer Insights The trailers themselves served as crucial early indicators of the overwhelming challenges facing the hospital staff. Both the CBR and Blexmedia articles confirmed that the Season 22 trailer was central to generating buzz, as it visually communicated the extent of the disaster. Viewers were provided specific depictions of the hospital fallout—a visual confirmation that the consequences of the Season 21 conclusion were not merely emotional, but physical and widespread. Furthermore, the trailers did more than just show damage; they laid the groundwork for the core mystery of the new season. By demonstrating the chaos, they naturally fueled concerns regarding the immediate fates of the main characters and provided hints about survivor uncertainties  that the premiere would address. This deliberate pacing, relying heavily on dramatic visuals of destruction, was key to preparing the audience for the intense medical and personal struggles ahead. Image credit: fandomwire.com Uncertainties and Character Fates A primary element of the pre-premiere coverage revolved around the immediate status of the cast. Following an explosion of this magnitude, determining who lived and who perished was paramount for fans. The Blexmedia article specifically noted that the Season 22 trailer breakdown included information regarding survivor uncertainties . This means the trailer intentionally left the fates of several key individuals ambiguous, maximizing the suspense leading up to the premiere. In addition to the immediate life-or-death scenarios, the coverage also touched upon broader character updates . While the exact nature of these updates was not detailed, the context of the hospital fallout and explosion aftermath suggests these updates likely involved characters’ physical injuries, psychological trauma, or changes in their professional roles as they deal with the devastation. The atmosphere created by the media coverage, spanning from early October to just days before the premiere, consistently emphasized that the new season would not start with an easy resolution, but rather deep uncertainty regarding who survived and how they would cope. Image credit: people.com A Deadly Start: Major Casualties Confirmed Amidst the speculation and uncertainty fueled by the trailers, concrete information emerged just days before the premiere, confirming the devastating scope of the event. The Yahoo Entertainment news from October 7, 2025, provided a critical, albeit tragic, update, confirming that the Season 22 premiere episode would feature several deaths . This revelation underscored the severity of the explosion aftermath previously hinted at in the trailer coverage. The fatalities are directly linked to the consequences of the preceding explosion. This crucial piece of information shifted the focus from merely surviving the explosion to mourning significant losses right from the start of the new season. The fact that multiple characters are confirmed to die in the very first episode indicates that the medical team will not only be treating the wounded from the disaster but also dealing with the profound emotional impact of losing colleagues and friends. This catastrophic human toll solidifies the Season 22 premiere as one of the most dramatically impactful opening episodes in the series' history, confirming the high stakes implied by the initial trailer releases. The Immediate Future: Premiere Details The timeline of media releases provided a clear countdown to the highly anticipated premiere. Coverage began with the general dramatic aftermath and trailer release on October 1, 2025, followed by a deeper trailer analysis and details on survivor uncertainty on October 4, 2025. Finally, the news confirming the fatalities dropped on October 7, 2025. All this information converged on a specific date: the Season 22 premiere was scheduled for October 9, 2025 . The rapid succession of news—from explosive finale aftermath to confirmed hospital fallout to the tragic confirmation of deaths—ensured maximum dramatic tension leading into the scheduled launch date. 🔖 Key Takeaways The coverage leading up to the Grey’s Anatomy  Season 22 premiere established a narrative defined by immediate tragedy and intense uncertainty, all stemming from the Season 21 finale’s explosion. 🗝️ Explosion Aftermath:  Season 22 immediately delves into the dramatic aftermath of the explosive finale, showcasing extensive hospital fallout  and physical destruction. 🗝️ Uncertain Fates:  Trailer breakdowns emphasized survivor uncertainties  and offered initial character updates , leaving the audience guessing about who survived the chaos. 🗝️ . Confirmed Fatalities:  Crucially, the premiere episode, airing on October 9, 2025, is confirmed to feature several deaths  directly resulting from the explosion aftermath. This confluence of tragedy and suspense ensured that the Season 22 premiere marked a critical, life-altering moment for the fictional hospital, burdened by death and disaster right from the first episode.elated to the crisis. 🌐 External sources ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 22 Trailer Shows Explosion Fallout (VIDEO) ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 22 Trailer Shows Explosion Fallout (VIDEO) ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 22 Trailer Previews Life-or-Death Stakes at Grey Sloan Memorial Grey's Anatomy Season 22 Trailer Showcases Aftermath of Explosion at Grey Sloan Hospital

In the high-stakes world of biotechnology, few companies have experienced the dizzying highs and crushing lows of Biogen. For decades, it was one of the original biotech titans, a scientific powerhouse that pioneered the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and built a multi-billion-dollar empire on its dominant franchise. Its name was synonymous with cutting-edge neuroscience and consistent, powerful growth. However, the last several years have been a brutal period of reckoning. The company has been battered by the loss of patent protection on its foundational MS drugs, a series of high-profile and costly clinical trial failures, and the disastrous, reputation-damaging launch of its first Alzheimer's drug, Aduhelm. This perfect storm has sent the company's revenue into decline and its stock price to levels not seen in over a decade, leaving it deeply out of favor with investors. This has created one of the most compelling, controversial, and high-risk investment cases in the entire market. With a new CEO at the helm, a new and more promising Alzheimer's drug on the market, and a rock-bottom valuation, is Biogen a deeply undervalued pioneer on the verge of a historic turnaround? Or is it a classic value trap, a company whose best days are behind it? This in-depth analysis will dissect the investment case for this fallen biotech giant. Content ⁉️ 1️⃣ A Legacy Forged in the Fires of Biotech 2️⃣ The Modern Biogen (BIIB): A Company in Crisis and Transition 3️⃣ Financials: A Deep Value Profile with High Uncertainty 4️⃣ The Investment Thesis: Weighing the Pros and Cons 5️⃣ Fundamental Data 🔖 Key Takeaways A Legacy Forged in the Fires of Biotech Biogen’s story is the story of the birth of the biotechnology industry itself. Founded in 1978 by a group of visionary scientists, including Nobel Prize winners Walter Gilbert and Phillip Sharp, Biogen was one of the original "four horsemen" of biotech. Its mission was to use the revolutionary new science of genetic engineering to create novel medicines for serious diseases. The company's defining achievement was its pioneering work in multiple sclerosis (MS) . In 1996, it launched Avonex , one of the very first disease-modifying therapies for MS. This was followed by a string of other blockbuster innovations that cemented its dominance: Tysabri (natalizumab):  A highly effective infusion therapy for more aggressive forms of MS. Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate):  A revolutionary oral therapy that became the most successful oral MS drug in history and the company's biggest-ever product, generating over $4 billion in annual sales at its peak. This MS franchise was a cash-generating machine that fueled the company’s growth for two decades. Biogen also successfully leveraged its expertise in biologics manufacturing to co-develop and commercialize blockbuster drugs with other companies, most notably Rituxan with Genentech. This history is crucial because it proves that, at its core, Biogen possesses a world-class scientific foundation and the ability to dominate complex disease markets. The Modern Biogen (BIIB): A Company in Crisis and Transition The Biogen of today is a company grappling with the immense challenge of replacing its fading legacy. The Multiple Sclerosis Patent Cliff This is the central problem that has plagued the company for years. The patents on its mega-blockbuster, Tecfidera , have expired, leading to the launch of generic competition that has decimated its sales. This has created a massive and ongoing revenue and profit headwind that the company is desperately trying to overcome. While its other MS drugs like Tysabri and Vumerity still generate solid revenue, the franchise as a whole is in a state of managed decline. The Alzheimer's Saga: A Tale of Two Drugs The centerpiece of Biogen's strategy to find its next act has been a massive, high-stakes gamble on solving the most challenging puzzle in medicine: Alzheimer's disease . This effort, in partnership with the Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai, has been a roller coaster of epic proportions. Aduhelm (aducanumab):  This was the first attempt. Its approval by the FDA in 2021, based on controversial and conflicting clinical trial data, ignited a firestorm of criticism from the scientific community. The U.S. government (CMS) refused to provide broad reimbursement for the drug, and it became a commercial catastrophe, generating virtually no sales and severely damaging Biogen's credibility. Leqembi (lecanemab):  This is the second, and far more promising, shot on goal. Leqembi is another antibody designed to clear amyloid plaques from the brain, but unlike Aduhelm, it was approved based on clear and statistically significant clinical trial data showing that it could modestly slow the rate of cognitive decline in patients with early Alzheimer's disease. Leqembi is now the absolute cornerstone of the bull case for Biogen.  The market for an effective Alzheimer's treatment is almost unimaginably large. However, the commercial launch has been slow and challenging, facing hurdles with diagnostics, patient identification, and safety monitoring. The drug's success is far from guaranteed and will be a long and arduous journey. The Strategic Pivot: The Reata Acquisition Recognizing the immense risk of betting the entire company on Alzheimer's, Biogen’s new management team has made a major strategic move to diversify. In 2023, the company completed the $7.3 billion acquisition of Reata Pharmaceuticals . This was a critical deal that brought in Skyclarys , a newly approved, first-and-only treatment for the rare, genetic, and progressive neurodegenerative disease Friedreich's ataxia. This acquisition does two things for Biogen: It provides a new, high-growth commercial product that has the potential to be a blockbuster. It leverages Biogen's core expertise in neuroscience while diversifying its pipeline into the more predictable and less crowded market of rare diseases. Financials: A Deep Value Profile with High Uncertainty Biogen’s financial profile is a picture of a company whose past profitability is clashing with its uncertain future. Declining Revenue and Profits:  The loss of Tecfidera's exclusivity has led to a multi-year decline in the company's top and bottom lines. Strong Balance Sheet and Cash Flow:  Despite the revenue decline, the legacy MS business and other products still generate substantial free cash flow. The company maintains a strong balance sheet with a healthy cash position, even after the Reata acquisition. Capital Allocation: R&D and M&A:  Biogen does not pay a dividend. Its capital allocation is focused on funding its internal R&D and making strategic acquisitions like Reata to rebuild its growth profile. Rock-Bottom Valuation:  This is the key attraction for investors. Due to the Tecfidera patent cliff and the uncertainty surrounding Leqembi, BIIB stock is trading at a very low forward P/E ratio, often in the low double-digits. This is a massive discount to the broader market and to the biotech sector average, suggesting that the market has very low expectations for the future. The Investment Thesis: Weighing the Pros and Cons When analyzing Biogen, the investment case is a classic deep-value, high-risk turnaround story. It is a bet on the company’s ability to successfully navigate the launch of one of the most complex drugs in history while replacing the massive revenue hole left by its former blockbuster. The Bull Case: Why Invest in Biogen? The primary argument for investing in Biogen today is its deep value valuation . The stock is trading at a massive discount to its peers and its historical average, offering a compelling entry point for contrarian investors. The bull case is centered on the massive potential of Leqembi ; if the drug can successfully overcome its commercial hurdles, it has the potential to be one of the best-selling drugs of all time, making the current stock price look incredibly cheap. The recent acquisition of Reata for Skyclarys provides a new, tangible growth driver  in the attractive rare disease market, offering a degree of diversification. All of this is backstopped by the company's strong balance sheet and cash flow , which gives it the financial resources to execute its turnaround. The Bear Case: Reasons for Caution Conversely, the reasons for caution are substantial. The company is still grappling with the massive and ongoing MS patent cliff , which continues to be a major headwind to revenue. The launch of Leqembi is proving to be incredibly challenging , with a slow and complex commercial ramp-up that carries significant execution risk. This is all happening against a backdrop of a recent history of R&D failures , most notably the Aduhelm fiasco, which has damaged investor confidence in the company's pipeline. The company also faces intense competition , not just in MS, but also from other companies developing new therapies for Alzheimer's. Finally, the company's focus on R&D and M&A means it pays no dividend , so investors are not paid to wait for the turnaround. Fundamental Data Go beyond the stock price with this deep dive into a company's core fundamentals. 🔖 Key Takeaways The decision to invest in Biogen today is a high-risk, high-reward bet on a classic biotech turnaround. It is an investment that requires a strong belief in the long-term potential of Leqembi and a high tolerance for near-term uncertainty and volatility. For the Deep-Value, Contrarian Investor:  Biogen is one of the most compelling, if not riskiest, opportunities in the healthcare sector. The thesis is that you are buying a former blue-chip biotech leader at a valuation that reflects a near-worst-case scenario. For this investor, the market is overly pessimistic about the commercial potential of Leqembi and is giving no credit to the rest of the company's pipeline or the value of the Reata acquisition. For the Conservative or Momentum Investor:  This is a stock to avoid. The combination of declining revenue, a history of R&D failures, and the extreme uncertainty of the Leqembi launch make it entirely unsuitable for a conservative, risk-averse portfolio. Biogen is a company at a major crossroads. It is a scientific pioneer that has lost its way, and it is now betting its future on one of the most ambitious and challenging drug launches in history. If Leqembi is a commercial success and the Reata acquisition delivers on its promise, the potential upside from today's depressed stock price is immense. However, this is the ultimate "show me" story, and the risks are not for the faint of heart. This was the Biogen (BIIB) Stock: A Biotech Pioneer's High-Stakes Bet on an Alzheimer's Renaissance.   Want to know which healthcare stocks are part of the S&P 500?   Click here .

In the high-stakes, multi-trillion-dollar race to discover and develop new medicines, every pharmaceutical and biotech company—from the smallest startup to the largest global giant—relies on a vast and complex ecosystem of specialized partners. At the absolute center of this ecosystem, providing the essential products and services that are the foundational building blocks of all preclinical research, stands Charles River Laboratories. Far more than just a supplier of lab animals, Charles River is one of the world's leading contract research organizations (CROs). It is a deeply entrenched, scientifically-driven partner to the entire biopharma industry, with a "wide-moat" business that has delivered impressive returns for long-term investors. However, the company is currently navigating the most severe cyclical downturn in the biotech industry in recent memory. A sharp pullback in R&D funding, particularly among its smaller clients, has created significant headwinds, sending the company’s stock price to multi-year lows. This has created a classic value debate for investors. Is Charles River a deeply undervalued, best-in-class leader that has been unfairly punished by a temporary industry downturn? Or are there more persistent challenges ahead? This in-depth analysis will dissect the investment case for this indispensable partner in drug discovery. Content ⁉️ 1️⃣ A Legacy Born from a Single Cage of Rats 2️⃣ The Modern Charles River (CRL): A Three-Pillared Business 3️⃣ Financials: A Quality Compounder Navigating a Downturn 4️⃣ The Investment Thesis: Weighing the Pros and Cons 5️⃣ Fundamental Data 🔖 Key Takeaways A Legacy Born from a Single Cage of Rats The story of Charles River is a story of scientific entrepreneurship and a relentless focus on quality. The company was founded in 1947 by Dr. Henry Foster, a young veterinarian who purchased a cage of rats with the vision of providing a new, higher standard of research models for the scientific community. Operating out of a small lab overlooking the Charles River in Boston, he pioneered the development of "specific pathogen-free" (SPF) animal models, which were free from the contaminating microorganisms that often confounded the results of early biomedical research. This obsession with quality and standardization became the foundation of the entire company. From that single cage, Charles River grew into the world's premier supplier of high-quality research models, an indispensable partner for any institution conducting preclinical research. The modern company was shaped by a series of strategic moves to climb the value chain, evolving from a simple product supplier into a comprehensive service provider: Acquisition and Expansion:  The company steadily grew by acquiring smaller competitors and expanding its global footprint, building a network of facilities that could serve the world's major biopharma hubs. Building a CRO Powerhouse:  Starting in the late 1990s, the company embarked on a major strategic pivot. It used its foundational research models business as a launchpad to acquire a series of companies that provided outsourced preclinical services, such as toxicology and safety assessment. Expanding into Biologics and Cell & Gene Therapy:  More recently, the company has made a major push into the fastest-growing areas of medicine, acquiring a number of businesses that provide essential manufacturing and testing services for the complex cell and gene therapy market. This history of strategic evolution has transformed Charles River from a supplier of a single product into an integrated, end-to-end partner for early-stage drug development. The Modern Charles River (CRL): A Three-Pillared Business Today, Charles River’s business is a balanced and complementary portfolio organized into three segments that support the entire preclinical drug development journey. 1. Research Models and Services (RMS) This is the foundational business of the company. The RMS segment is the global leader in the production and sale of high-quality, disease-free research models (primarily purpose-bred rats and mice) that are essential for basic research and the initial testing of new drug candidates. This segment also provides a range of related services, including genetically engineered models and animal health surveillance. While a mature business, it is a stable, cash-generative foundation with a deep competitive moat built on decades of expertise and a reputation for quality. 2. Discovery and Safety Assessment (DSA) This is the company’s largest and most important segment. The DSA segment is a leading preclinical contract research organization (CRO) that provides a wide range of outsourced services that are legally required before a new drug can be tested in humans. This includes: Discovery Services:  Helping early-stage biotechs identify promising new drug candidates. Safety Assessment:  A comprehensive suite of toxicology, pathology, and pharmacology services to determine if a new drug is safe. This is a business with significant barriers to entry, requiring deep scientific expertise, a global network of specialized facilities, and a long track record of regulatory compliance. 3. Manufacturing Solutions This is the company’s highest-growth segment, focused on the complex testing and manufacturing services required for the final stages of drug production. This segment is a leader in two key areas: Microbial Solutions:  Providing the essential, FDA-mandated tests and software (such as endotoxin testing) that are required to ensure that injectable drugs and medical devices are free from microbial contamination. Biologics Testing & CDMO:  A rapidly growing business that provides specialized testing for complex biologic drugs and contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services for the cell and gene therapy market. Financials: A Quality Compounder Navigating a Downturn Historically, Charles River’s financial performance has been a picture of high-quality, consistent growth. However, the recent industry-wide downturn has created significant near-term headwinds. The Biopharma Funding Cliff:  The boom in biotech funding during the pandemic has given way to a severe "biotech winter." Many of Charles River’s small and mid-sized biotech clients have seen their funding dry up, forcing them to cancel or delay their preclinical research programs. This has led to a significant increase in the company’s cancellation rates and a slowdown in new business. Valuation Compression:  As a result of this cyclical downturn, CRL’s stock has fallen dramatically from its all-time highs, and its valuation has compressed to a level that is now well below its long-term historical average. Capital Allocation:  The company has a balanced and shareholder-friendly capital allocation strategy. It has never paid a dividend, choosing instead to prioritize: Reinvestment and M&A:  Using its strong free cash flow to fund internal growth initiatives and to pursue its long and successful strategy of "tuck-in" acquisitions. Share Repurchases:  Consistently returning capital to shareholders through an opportunistic share buyback program. The Investment Thesis: Weighing the Pros and Cons When analyzing Charles River Labs, the investment case is a classic cyclical value play. It pits the company's long-term, high-quality business model against a severe but likely temporary downturn in its key end-market. The Bull Case: Why Invest in Charles River? The primary argument for investing in Charles River today is the opportunity to buy a best-in-class, "wide-moat" business  at a cyclically depressed price. The company is the indispensable "picks and shovels" partner  to the entire biopharma industry, a non-speculative way to invest in the long-term growth of drug discovery. Its business is deeply entrenched , with high switching costs and a long history of sticky customer relationships. Bulls believe that the current biopharma downturn is temporary  and that as funding returns to the sector, Charles River will be a primary beneficiary of the rebound in R&D spending. Its leadership in the high-growth manufacturing solutions segment , particularly in cell and gene therapy, provides a long runway for future growth that is less dependent on the early-stage funding cycle. The Bear Case: Reasons for Caution Conversely, the reasons for caution are significant and immediate. The company is currently facing a severe and prolonged biopharma downturn , and it is unclear when a sustainable recovery in biotech funding will occur. This has led to high cancellation rates and weak new business trends , which could continue to pressure the company's growth in the near term. The company also faces intense competition  from other large CROs and a growing number of smaller, more specialized players. Finally, the company has significant exposure to the animal welfare debate , and while it is a leader in humane care, any new regulations that restrict the use of research models could be a long-term headwind. The lack of a dividend  means investors are not paid to wait for the turnaround to materialize. Fundamental Data Go beyond the stock price with this deep dive into a company's core fundamentals. 🔖 Key Takeaways The decision to invest in Charles River today is a high-risk, high-reward bet on the timing and strength of a recovery in the biotech sector. For the Deep-Value, Cyclical Investor:  Charles River is one of the most compelling opportunities in the entire healthcare sector. The thesis is that you are buying a premier, market-leading company at a valuation that is far below its intrinsic worth due to a temporary industry downturn. For this investor, the current weakness is a rare opportunity to buy a "coiled spring"—a great business that is poised to rebound sharply when its end-markets recover. For the Conservative or Momentum Investor:  This is a stock to approach with extreme caution. The company is currently in the midst of a very challenging period with negative business momentum. This type of investor would be better served waiting on the sidelines until there is clear and sustained evidence of a recovery in biotech funding and a stabilization of the company's order book. Charles River Laboratories is a high-quality, wide-moat business that is facing a classic cyclical storm. Its indispensable role in the drug discovery ecosystem is not in question. For patient, value-oriented investors with a long time horizon, the current depressed valuation may offer one of the most attractive entry points into a best-in-class life sciences leader in years. However, this is a bet on a recovery that is not yet certain, and it will require patience and a tolerance for near-term volatility. This was the Charles River (CRL) Stock: The Indispensable Partner in Drug Discovery.   Want to know which healthcare stocks are part of the S&P 500?   Click here .

In the world of scientific discovery and advanced manufacturing, progress is impossible without precision. Every new drug developed, every environmental sample tested, and every semiconductor fabricated relies on the ability to measure and analyze substances with astonishing accuracy. For decades, one company has been the undisputed leader in providing the high-tech tools that make this precision possible: Agilent Technologies. Born from the legendary Silicon Valley pioneer Hewlett-Packard, Agilent is a global leader in the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets. It is the premier provider of the sophisticated analytical instruments, software, and services that are the essential backbone of modern laboratories. This has created a deeply entrenched, high-margin, and incredibly consistent business that has delivered excellent returns for long-term investors. But as the company navigates a challenging post-COVID environment and a cyclical downturn in some of its key end-markets, investors are asking if this quiet giant can continue its track record of success. Is Agilent a best-in-class compounder trading at a fair price, or are there new risks on the horizon? This in-depth analysis will dissect the investment case for the master of measurement. Content⁉️ 1️⃣ A Legacy of Silicon Valley Innovation 2️⃣ The Modern Agilent (A): Three Pillars of the Lab 3️⃣ Financials: A High-Quality, Shareholder-Friendly Compounder 🔖 Key Takeaways A Legacy of Silicon Valley Innovation To understand Agilent is to understand its deep roots in the innovative culture of Hewlett-Packard. Agilent was "born" in 1999, in what was at the time the largest initial public offering in Silicon Valley history, when HP spun off its Measurement, Chemical Analysis, and Medical businesses. The new company inherited HP's legendary reputation for engineering excellence and a culture of relentless innovation. The early years of the new millennium were a period of strategic transformation. Agilent further sharpened its focus, spinning off its semiconductor and electronic measurement businesses (the latter becoming Keysight Technologies in 2014). These moves were part of a deliberate, multi-year strategy to transform Agilent from a diversified technology conglomerate into a pure-play leader in the highly attractive life sciences, diagnostics, and applied markets. This focused strategy has been a resounding success. Agilent has used its deep expertise in analytical chemistry and its pristine balance sheet to execute a series of strategic "tuck-in" acquisitions that have bolstered its portfolio in high-growth areas like cell analysis (xCELLigence) and nucleic acid solutions. This history of disciplined strategic focus is a key part of the investment thesis. It has created the high-quality, market-leading business that investors see today. The Modern Agilent Technologies (A): Three Pillars of the Lab Today, Agilent’s business is organized into three distinct but complementary segments, all built around its core mission of providing trusted answers and insights to its customers. 1. The Life Sciences and Applied Markets Group (LSAG) This is Agilent’s largest and most foundational segment. LSAG is a global leader in providing sophisticated analytical instruments, software, and consumables that are the workhorses of the modern laboratory. Its portfolio includes: Mass Spectrometry (Mass Spec):  These highly advanced instruments are used to identify and quantify the chemical components of a sample with incredible precision. Liquid and Gas Chromatography (LC & GC):  These are essential techniques used to separate the components of a mixture for analysis. Cell Analysis:  A high-growth area where Agilent provides instruments to study live cells in real-time. The customers for this segment are incredibly diverse, from pharmaceutical companies using Agilent’s instruments for quality control, to food and beverage companies testing for contaminants, to environmental labs analyzing for pollutants. This diversity provides a high degree of stability to the business. 2. The Agilent CrossLab Group (ACG) This is arguably the strategic heart of the company and a powerful competitive differentiator. The CrossLab Group is a services-focused business that operates on a classic "razor-and-blade" model. After selling a high-tech instrument (the "razor") from its LSAG segment, the ACG segment provides the high-margin, recurring revenue stream of consumables (the "blades") and services needed to keep that instrument running. This includes everything from sample preparation supplies and chromatography columns to on-site maintenance, repairs, and enterprise-level lab management services. This segment is a brilliant business strategy. It creates a sticky, long-term relationship with customers and generates a highly predictable stream of high-margin, recurring revenue that grows as the installed base of Agilent instruments expands. 3. The Diagnostics and Genomics Group (DGG) This is Agilent’s most clinically-focused segment, leveraging its core technologies to provide tools for the diagnostics and genomics markets. Pathology:  Agilent is a leader in providing instruments and reagents for cancer diagnostics, particularly for staining tissue samples to help pathologists identify and characterize tumors. Genomics:  The company provides a range of products for genetic analysis. Nucleic Acid Solutions:  This is one of the company’s highest-growth areas. Agilent is a key contract manufacturer of synthetic nucleic acids, which are the essential active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for a new class of therapies, including RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR-based gene editing. Financials: A High-Quality, Shareholder-Friendly Compounder Agilent’s leadership position and its powerful recurring revenue model have translated into a financial profile of exceptional quality and consistency. Consistent, Mid-Single-Digit Core Growth:  The company has a long track record of delivering reliable mid-single-digit core revenue growth, which it supplements with strategic, "tuck-in" acquisitions. This provides a durable and predictable growth algorithm. High and Expanding Profitability:  Agilent consistently generates high operating margins, a result of its premium product portfolio, its high-margin services and consumables business, and a culture of disciplined operational management. Disciplined and Shareholder-Friendly Capital Allocation:  Agilent generates strong and reliable free cash flow and has a clear, balanced strategy for deploying it: Reinvestment and M&A:  The top priority is to reinvest in the business through internal R&D and to pursue its proven "tuck-in" acquisition strategy. A Growing Dividend:  Agilent has a strong track record of growing its dividend at a double-digit rate, making it a great holding for dividend growth investors. Share Repurchases:  The company also consistently returns capital to shareholders through a steady share buyback program. This combination of reliable growth, high profitability, and a balanced approach to capital returns makes Agilent a classic blue-chip, compounder stock. Fundamental Data Go beyond the stock price with this deep dive into a company's core fundamentals. 🔖 Key Takeaways The decision to invest in Agilent Technologies is a decision to buy a best-in-class, blue-chip leader that is an essential partner to the global scientific community. It is an investment in a high-quality, long-term compounder that provides foundational exposure to the future of healthcare and technology. For the Conservative, Long-Term Growth Investor:  Agilent is a quintessential "core holding." You are investing in a company with a wide and durable economic moat, a clear and consistent track record of execution, and a powerful recurring revenue model. It is one of the highest-quality companies in the life sciences sector and an ideal stock to buy and hold for the long term, particularly during periods of market weakness. For the Dividend Growth Investor:  Agilent is an excellent choice. The combination of a reasonable starting yield and a commitment to double-digit dividend growth, all backed by strong free cash flow, is a perfect formula for a dividend growth portfolio. Agilent Technologies has built an exceptional and deeply entrenched business on a legacy of engineering excellence. Its indispensable role in providing the tools for scientific discovery, combined with its powerful services and consumables model, has created a highly resilient and profitable enterprise. While the company is not immune to the cyclical nature of its end markets, its diversification, its strong financial discipline, and its clear commitment to shareholders make it one of the most compelling long-term investments in the entire healthcare and technology sectors. This was the Agilent Technologies (A) Stock: The Measurement Master of the Modern Lab.   Want to know which healthcare stocks are part of the S&P 500?   Click here .

The integration of health monitoring into everyday wearables continues to rapidly advance, driven largely by artificial intelligence. Sleep is a critical health metric, yet the gold standard for measurement, Polysomnography (PSG) , is known for its limitations, including high cost and inconvenience. Consequently, there is intense scientific interest in validating consumer devices. A recent study published in PLoS One  addressed a significant gap in research by assessing the performance of the HUAWEI WATCH GT2  against PSG in a Chinese clinical population—a focus previously dominated by Western brands like Apple and Fitbit. The study, which evaluated the GT2's accuracy across various sleep disorders, utilized participants recruited between March 2021 and April 2023. The device measures sleep status by leveraging heart rate and movement variation signals. The core finding confirms the Huawei Smartwatch  demonstrates high agreement in sleep tracking accuracy  for general sleep/wake detection. The overall accuracy for distinguishing sleep from wake states reached 87.3%. For sleep/wake detection, the device's performance "almost reached" the standards expected of research-grade actigraphy. This supports the wearable’s potential as a low-cost tool for tracking general sleep health in real-world settings. The GT2 tracks four sleep stages: awake, light sleep (N1 and N2 combined), deep sleep (N3), and REM sleep. While the agreement was high for sleep/wake classification, the sources caution that the device is not yet a suitable replacement for PSG in diagnosing sleep disorders . Specifically, the smartwatch demonstrated certain systemic biases: it significantly overestimated Total Sleep Time (TST) by about 28.5 minutes and Sleep Efficiency (SE) by 5.9 percentage points, while underestimating Wake After Sleep Onset (WASO) by about 37 minutes. Misclassifications were also high when classifying PSG REM epochs as light sleep. Huawei utilizes its proprietary TruSleep™ technology  for sleep stage detection, relying on the principles of heart rate variability and motion data. Furthermore, the brand continues to emphasize advanced health tracking capabilities, with sources reviewing new features that include the addition of blood pressure monitoring  to its smartwatches alongside enhanced sleep tracking. It is important for consumers and healthcare professionals to be aware of the tendency toward overestimation of sleep stages by the device. The study authors also noted key limitations, including the proprietary nature of the device's algorithm—which requires revalidation with every software update—and the limited scope of the single-center study. Overall, the data on the Huawei Smartwatch Sleep Tracking Accuracy  shows that while consumer wearables are becoming increasingly reliable for daily health monitoring, clinical diagnosis still requires the Polysomnography (PSG) gold standard . 🔖 Sources Huawei smartwatch nearly matches gold-standard sleep test HUAWEI Band 8 Principles behind sleep tracking Accuracy of the Huawei GT2 Smartwatch for Measuring Physical Activity and Sleep Among Adults During Daily Life: Instrument Validation Study Huawei Smartwatch With Blood Pressure Monitoring Expected to Debut in India Soon

Image from: https://www.nature.com/ T he medical community is celebrating a monumental achievement as the Nobel Prize  in medicine was awarded Monday to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi for their pivotal discoveries concerning Peripheral Immune Tolerance . This trio's work details the immune system’s own mechanisms to keep itself in check and prevent the disastrous “self-attack” that characterizes autoimmune diseases. The award, announced by a panel at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, recognizes how these scientists unraveled an additional, essential way the body controls its immune responses, supplementing the initial training (central tolerance) T cells receive in the thymus. Brunkow, 64, Ramsdell, 64, and Sakaguchi, 74, will share the prize money of 11 million Swedish kronor (nearly $1.2 million). The groundbreaking path began in 1995 with Dr. Sakaguchi, a distinguished professor at Osaka University in Japan, who discovered a previously unknown T cell subtype now recognized as Regulatory T cells  or T-regs. The next crucial piece of the puzzle arrived in 2001, when Brunkow (a senior program manager at the Institute for Systems Biology) and Ramsdell (a scientific adviser for Sonoma Biotherapeutics) discovered a culprit mutation in a gene named Foxp3 . Working together at a small biotech company, Brunkow and Ramsdell investigated why a particular strain of mice suffered from an over-active immune system. They quickly realized the significance of the Foxp3  gene alteration—it caused a “massive change to how the immune system works”—and recognized its potential role in human health, including a rare human autoimmune disease. Just two years later, Sakaguchi successfully linked these findings, demonstrating that the Foxp3  gene controls the development of those critical T-regs. These T-regs, in turn, act as vital “security guards,” locating and curbing other forms of T cells that might otherwise overreact and attack the body’s own tissues. According to Olle Kämpe, chair of the Nobel Committee, these discoveries “have been decisive for our understanding of how the immune system functions and why we do not all develop serious Autoimmune Diseases ”. This work has profoundly impacted immunology research, opening a new field where scientists around the world are now striving to use Regulatory T cells  to develop specific treatments for autoimmune diseases and even cancer. Dr. Sakaguchi expressed his hope that this renewed focus would ensure research further progresses so that their findings can be used directly in treatment. Mary E. Brunkow, who initially thought the Nobel call from Sweden was “spam,” called the award a “nice surprise”. The announcement of the 2025 Nobel Prizes continues this week with physics on Tuesday. 🔖 Sources Nobel Prize in medicine goes to 3 scientists for work on peripheral immune tolerance Nobel Prize for medicine awarded to immune system researchers Medicine Nobel goes to scientists who revealed secrets of immune system ‘regulation’ The medicine Nobel Prize goes to 3 scientists for work on peripheral immune tolerance