In the 1959 novella Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes (and the 1968 film Charly), 32-year-old Charlie Gordon, a janitor at a New York City bakery, undergoes experimental surgery that has boosted the intelligence of a laboratory mouse, Algernon. Soon, Charlie is devouring books, asking questions, and even solving problems at work. But then Algernon dies, and...
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The cancer revolution: How you can benefit from a new test which could mean no more chemo, an end to unnecessary surgery and a drug that offers men a vital lifeline
Cancer experts from around the globe met up for a major conference in Chicago Clinicians shared the results of pioneering new treatments for the disease Among those to benefit from new techniques is Mike Brandon from Bristol He underwent therapy in the US for a form of leukaemia untreatable in the UK Cancer experts from around...
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‘Artificial’ kidney that could mean thousands won’t need dialysis or a transplant
Implant that mimics functions of the human kidney could begin trials this year It could be a life-saving option for patients with chronic kidney disease If successful it would save patients from dialysis or needing a transplant A coffee cup-sized implant that mimics the functions of the human kidney could be a life-saving option for patients...
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Thermoresponsive Hydrogel Bandage Conforms to Wound Shape and Stimulates Healing
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a thermoresponsive hydrogel bandage. The hydrogel is liquid at room temperature but changes into a semi-solid gel at body temperature when in contact with a wound, meaning it conforms to the wound shape. The gel contains an amino acid sequence that stimulates the body’s own healing process. The researchers hope that the...
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Study identifies protein’s role in mediating brain’s response to stress
A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators has identified a critical role for a protein called Kruppel-like factor 9 (Klf9) in the brain’s response to stress, which has implications for protecting against the effects of stress in conditions like major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In their paper published in Cell Reports, the...
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Scientists eradicate cancer cells through dual targeting of DNA repair mechanisms
Proteins are commonly known as BRCA—short for BReast CAncer susceptibility gene- serve a critical role in cellular DNA repair, but when mutated they allow genetic errors to replicate, facilitating cancer development. If the BRCA repair system is disabled in cancer cells, the cells simply turn to backup repair mechanisms and adapt to alternative repair pathways,...
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Recipe for perfect balance of breaks and repairs in our genome could help fight cancer
Scientists at the University of Sheffield have discovered what keeps the perfect balance of breaks and repairs in our DNA—something which could help improve the success of chemotherapy and combat neurodegeneration associated with aging. Our genome, where precious genetic information is stored, is challenged with thousands of breaks every day. Cells possess an army of...
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New Study Shows Antibiotics Could Be Replaced With Viruses
Antibiotics have changed the world since their invention in the early 20th century, but their usefulness might be coming to an end. Bacteria are evolving resistances to most antibiotics, making these increasingly useless for fighting diseases. A new study gives hope that scientists can find an effective replacement for antibiotics: viruses. We often think of viruses as deadly...
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From designer microbes to stem cells, researchers are investigating new strategies to treat bowel disease
The University of Toronto’s David McMillen and his research team are creating a new life form to ward off disease – a bespoke, gut-dwelling microbe engineered to release drugs when needed. ut organoids are three-dimensional balls of intestinal tissues grown in the lab from stem cells that allow researchers to examine the role different types of cells play in...
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Scientists unravel molecular mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease
Detailed brain cell analysis has helped researchers uncover new mechanisms thought to underlie Parkinson’s disease. The study, published in Nature Communications, adds to our growing understanding of the causes of Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, and could influence drug design in the future. For years, scientists have known that Parkinson’s disease is associated with a build-up of alpha-synuclein protein...