Pioneering High-Impact Science Across the Globe with Hermes and Athena

One notable study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences by a team from Universität Rostock utilized the Hermes imaging system to investigate the effects of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma (CAP) on Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSCs)¹. The study demonstrated enhanced MSC migration following CAP treatment, highlighting the therapeutic potential of CAP in tissue regeneration. The Hermes system’s accuracy in wound healing assays was pivotal in monitoring and measuring cellular responses, underscoring its role in advancing regenerative medicine.

Similarly, researchers from UCL- University College London utilized the Hermes and Athena systems in a study published in Nature Microbiology to delve into the immune evasion mechanisms of Omicron subvariants of SARS-CoV-2². The high-resolution fluorescent images captured by the Hermes system and the meticulous quantification of key biomarkers by Athena software were crucial in revealing how these subvariants evade the immune system, providing critical insights for combating the virus.

Further more, researchers from Comenius University in Bratislava employed the Hermes system for advanced fluorescence microscopy in a study published in Nature Scientific Reports. This research explored the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) from a novel wireless charging system on human cell lines³. By meticulously analyzing cell morphology, viability, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and oxidative stress, the study provided valuable insights into the potential health impacts of EMF exposure amidst the proliferation of wireless technologies.

In another pioneering study by the MIGAL Galilee Research Institute, published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, the Hermes system, along with Athena software, was used to uncover a novel vascular health mechanism involving an eicosapentaenoic acid-derived lactone oxylipin⁴. This research demonstrated how the EPA-L metabolite significantly dilates hypertensive arterioles, offering new therapeutic avenues for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders by enhancing endothelial function.

An example for using Hermes and Athena platforms for medical studies using disease models is found in a recent BioRxiv preprint by a group from The Weizmann institute of science. This group presents a novel zebrafish model of Kaposiform Lymphangiomatosis (KLA) that replicates key clinical features of the disease through conditional expression of the NRAS mutation, and demonstrates that Trametinib can reverse these phenotypes⁵. Using Hermes and Athena AI-based high-throughput drug screening, they identified Cabozantinib and GSK690693 as promising compounds, which were shown to normalize lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) sprouting and block NRAS pathways in KLA patient-derived cells. This automated screening approach using Zebrafish models significantly accelerate the discovery of potential treatments for KLA.

These examples illustrate the profound impact of Hermes and Athena in high-impact scientific research, enabling significant advancements in understanding complex biological processes and contributing to the development of novel therapeutic strategies worldwide.

Looking to advance into high content screening? Contact us today to see how Hermes & Athena can promote your research.