Analysis of male- and female-derived tumor samples revealed differences in prognostic biomarkers, genes that drive cancer, and in the regulation of key pathways that may predict response to treatment, according to results published in two studies in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Paul Boutros, Ph.D., MBA, and colleagues...
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Levels of sex hormone binding protein could predict risk of developing insulin resistance
New research presented at this year’s annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) reveals that concentrations of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) protein in the blood can be used to predict the development of insulin resistance, which can develop into type 2 diabetes (T2D). High-resolution model of six insulin molecules assembled in a hexamer. Credit: Isaac Yonemoto/Wikipedia The research conducted by Kristin...
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Study looks at brain networks involved with free will
Utilizing lesion network mapping, a recently developed technique for analyzing how the brain works, Ryan Darby, MD, assistant professor of Neurology at Vanderbilt, studied free will perception related to movement decisions. A diagram showing the regions associated with disorders of agency and volition, two components comprising free will. Credit: PNAS In the study, published online...
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Stick-On Solar-Powered Heart Monitor Fits on a Finger
Scientists at the Riken, a major Japanese research institute, and University of Tokyo have developed a remarkable ambient light-powered cardiac monitor that looks like a transparent bandage. The underlying technology makes possible other flexible body-worn sensors that don’t need to have an external electric source powering them, including temperature and sweat sensors. Because power is...
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The ‘dynamic duo’ of enzymes in the development of cancer
Mutated helicase enzymes shown to work together to disrupt telomere homeostasis and regulation of cell division. All strands of DNA have a non-coding region at the end of the strand known as the telomere. During each replication of the gene, when the cell divides, small nucleotides are lost leading to the gradual shortening of the telomere. In...
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Insomnia therapy may slow or reverse cortical gray matter atrophy in fibromyalgia
DARIEN, IL – Preliminary findings from a pilot study suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) may slow or even reverse the atrophy of cortical gray matter in patients who have co-morbid fibromyalgia. IMAGE: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS FROM A PILOT STUDY SUGGEST THAT COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY FOR INSOMNIA (CBT-I) MAY SLOW OR EVEN REVERSE THE...
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Pathomechanisms deciphered for the two most common age-related eye disorders
Population aging is a global phenomenon with profound medical implications. Tissue dysfunction associated with aging affects all vital organs, including the eyes. Various ocular structures are affected by aging, such as the macula, the functional center of the retina responsible for precise central vision. Idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iEMR) and macular hole (MH) affect millions of...
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Could less deadly therapies be a better way to keep cancer in check?
While many cancer therapies initially can be very successful, tumors often return and spread when remaining cancer cells develop resistance to treatment. To combat this tendency, Frédéric Thomas of the French National Centre for Scientific Research proposes that cancer researchers take a lesson from our own immune system and explore “natural adaptive therapies.” Such an...
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THE HEROES OF SCIENCE WHO ARE UNLOCKING THE BRAIN
AI Gardner and his brother-in-law built the house in Mount Kisco, New York, back in 1984—two stories, three bedrooms, with a sweet little porch overlooking a sunny backyard. At the time, Gardner had worked in construction management for years. He had, in fact, been mechanically inclined ever since he was a kid, when he helped...
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Mutations in trafficker protein linked to brain disorders.
Protein involved in the strengthening of synapses may have key role in neurodevelopmental disorders. Cerebellar purkinje cells with increased levels of ASTN2. Credit: Behesti et al. PNAS Communication between neurons is vital for efficient neural activity. This is highly regulated by the level of postsynaptic membrane surface proteins expressed, which adapts and changes in response...