All Entries in the "Health" Category
Golden bullet for cancer? Nanoparticles provide targeted version of photothermal therapy for cancer
Nanocages that efficiently convert light to heat are the basis for a targeted form of phototherapy that would destroy tumors without making cancer patients sick. Continue Reading
Better genetic test for autism? Chromosomal microarray analysis picks up more abnormalities than current tests
A large study from Children’s Hospital Boston and the Boston-based Autism Consortium finds that a genetic test that samples the entire genome, known as chromosomal microarray analysis, has about three times the detection rate for genetic changes related to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) than standard tests. Continue Reading
Unlocking the opium poppy’s biggest secret: Genes that make codeine, morphine
Researchers have discovered the unique genes that allow the opium poppy to make codeine and morphine, opening the door to alternate methods of producing these effective painkillers either by manufacturing them in a lab or controlling the production of these compounds in the plant. Continue Reading
Stem cell research shows promise for tissue-engineered vascular grafts
Researchers are the first to fully characterize a special type of stem cell, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) that exist in circulating blood, to see if they can behave as endothelial cells in the body when cultured on a bioengineered surface. The results show promise for a new generation of tissue-engineered vascular grafts which could improve the success rate of surgery for peripheral arterial disease. Continue Reading
Human cells exhibit foraging behavior like amoebae and bacteria
When cells move about in the body, they follow a complex pattern similar to that which amoebae and bacteria use when searching for food, researchers have found. Continue Reading
Tumors may respond to extreme and moderate heat
Aided by ultrasound guidance, treating tumors with extreme heat or moderate heat may provide a possible therapeutic option, according to early research. Continue Reading
Scientists identify microRNA as possible cause of chemotherapy resistance
Scientists may have uncovered a mechanism for resistance to paclitaxel in ovarian cancer, microRNA-31, suggesting a possible therapeutic target for overcoming chemotherapy resistance. Continue Reading
Novel stroke treatment passes safety stage of clinical trial
A clinical research trial of a new treatment to restore brain cells damaged by stroke has passed an important safety stage, according to the neurologist who led the effort. Continue Reading
Brain mechanism may explain alcohol cravings that drive relapse
New research provides exciting insight into the molecular mechanisms associated with addiction and relapse. The study uncovers a crucial mechanism that facilitates motivation for alcohol after extended abstinence and opens new avenues for potential therapeutic intervention. Continue Reading
Hormone thought to slow aging associated with increased risk of cancer death
Older men with high levels of the hormone IGF-I (insulin-like growth factor 1) are at increased risk of cancer death, independent of age, lifestyle and cancer history, according to a new study. Continue Reading
Low oxygen levels in body linked to cancer-aiding protein
A professor of biochemistry who was researching protein kinase C gamma in the lens of the human eye found her work taking a fascinating turn when she discovered a correlation between the protein Coonexin46 and hypoxia — a deficiency of oxygen which kills normal tissue cells. The researcher believes the findings will lead to serious advancements in treating retinoblastoma, a cancer that forms in the tissue of the retina. Continue Reading
Cancer mortality has declined since initiation of ‘war on cancer’
A new American Cancer Society study finds progress in reducing cancer death rates is evident whether measured against baseline rates in 1970 or in 1990. The study finds a downturn in cancer death rates since 1990 results mostly from reductions in tobacco use, increased screening allowing early detection of several cancers, and modest to large improvements in treatment for specific cancers. Continue Reading
Bone marrow can harbor HIV-infected cells
Antiviral drugs have reduced AIDS to more of chronic disease rather than a death sentence, but why is the disease so hard to cure? New research shows that bone marrow, previously thought to be resistant to the virus, can contain latent forms of the infection. Targeting these reservoirs of latent cells may open the door to new treatments. Continue Reading
Anti-depressants bring higher risk of developing cataracts
Some anti-depressant drugs are associated with an increased chance of developing cataracts, according to a new statistical study. Continue Reading
Ritalin boosts learning by increasing brain plasticity
Doctors treat millions of children with Ritalin every year to improve their ability to focus on tasks, but scientists now report that Ritalin also directly enhances the speed of learning. Continue Reading
Virus infections may be contributing factor in onset of gluten intolerance
Recent research findings indicate a possible connection between virus infections, the immune system and the onset of gluten intolerance, also known as celiac disease. Continue Reading
Low levels of vitamin D linked to muscle fat, decreased strength in young people
A ground-breaking study found an astonishing 59 percent of study subjects had too little vitamin D in their blood. Nearly a quarter of the group had serious deficiencies of this important vitamin. Since vitamin D insufficiency is linked to increased body fat, decreased muscle strength and a range of disorders, this is a serious health issue. Continue Reading
Low levels of vitamin D linked to muscle fat, decreased strength in young people
A ground-breaking study found an astonishing 59 percent of study subjects had too little vitamin D in their blood. Nearly a quarter of the group had serious deficiencies of this important vitamin. Since vitamin D insufficiency is linked to increased body fat, decreased muscle strength and a range of disorders, this is a serious health issue. Continue Reading
Offering hope for tissue regeneration
Researchers have discovered how cells communicate with each other during times of cellular injury. The findings shed new light on how the body repairs itself when organs become diseased, through small particles known as microvesicles, and offers hope for tissue regeneration. Continue Reading
Possible vaccine for mesothelioma proven safe
Researchers have demonstrated the safety of a potential vaccine against mesothelioma, a rare cancer associated primarily with asbestos exposure. The vaccine, which infuses uses a patient’s own dendritic cells with antigen from the patient’s tumor, was able to induce a T-cell response against mesothelioma tumors. Continue Reading
New way to control disease-spreading mosquitoes: Make them hold their urine
Researchers have found a protein that may lead to a new way to control mosquitoes that spread dengue fever, yellow fever and other diseases when they feed on humans: Prevent them from urinating as they feed on blood. Continue Reading
Sea squirt offers hope for Alzheimer’s sufferers
Plaques and tangles in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients mark its slow, inexorable progression. Finding new drugs to prevent plaques is currently the best hope for sufferers. However, efficient drug screens that detect plaque formation are often impossible due to their slow formation. Researchers have now identified the sea squirt, our closest invertebrate relative, as a potential new resource for drug development. Continue Reading
Secondhand smoke raises risk of hardened arteries among 13-year-olds
Frequent exposure to environmental tobacco smoke among 13-year-olds is associated with an increased risk of future blood vessel hardening and greater risks of other heart disease factors, according to new research. Continue Reading
Glue, fly, glue: Caddisflies’ underwater silk adhesive might suture wounds
Like silkworm moths, butterflies and spiders, caddisfly larvae spin silk, but they do so underwater instead on dry land. Now, researchers have discovered why the fly’s silk is sticky when wet and how that may make it valuable as an adhesive tape during surgery. Continue Reading
Late baby teeth may mean more orthodontic visits: Genes associated with early tooth development identified
Several genes affect tooth development in the first year of life, according to a new study. The research shows that the teeth of babies with certain genetic variants tend to appear later and that these children have a lower number of teeth by age one. Additionally, those children whose teeth develop later are more likely to need orthodontic treatment. Continue Reading