Australian and US researchers have developed a way to discover elusive cancer-promoting genes, and have already identified one that appears to promote aggressive breast cancers. The University of Queensland and Albert Einstein College of Medicine team has developed a statistical approach to reveal many previously hard-to-find genes that contribute to cancer. Associate Professor Jess Mar, of UQ’s...
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Scientists report new modeling of brain signaling
The release of neurotransmitters and hormones in the body is tightly controlled by complex protein machinery embedded in cell membranes. Manipulating that machinery with drugs could improve treatment of disorders ranging from diabetes to Parkinson’s disease. Progress has been slow, however, because of the lack of an animal model to test the effects of potential...
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Molecular envoys pave the way for pancreatic cancer to invade the liver
Pancreatic cancer usually spreads to the liver. The identification of signals from cells adjacent to pancreatic tumours that boost liver colonization might suggest ways to block this deadly form of cancer invasion. Pancreatic cancer is rapidly lethal, and the five-year post-diagnosis survival rate in the United States is 8%1. At diagnosis, the cancer has usually...
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The influence of a single neuron on its network
The contribution of a single neuron to brain function might seem negligible. But a map of the influence of single neurons reveals a complex pattern that prevents redundancy and enables clear messaging. When a drop hits a pool of liquid, concentric cascading ripples form. Studying these ripples gives us information about the properties of the...
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Structures of STING protein illuminate this key regulator of inflammation
The STING protein aids intracellular defences by triggering inflammation. Studies that uncover how STING is activated might lead to strategies for targeting this protein in the treatment of cancer or autoimmune diseases. The branch of the immune system called innate immunity has a pivotal role in host defence by recognizing general hallmarks of disease-causing agents....
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Researchers uncover new facets of HIV’s ‘arms race’ with human defense system
A new study reveals details about the evolutionary contest between HIV and the human immune system that could one day improve treatment. Research led by Shan-Lu Liu of The Ohio State University demonstrates the important role of one protein in allowing HIV to flourish within human cells despite the immune system’s efforts to beat it...
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Could medical marijuana help grandma and grandpa with their ailments?
Medical marijuana may bring relief to older people who have symptoms like pain, sleep disorders or anxiety due to chronic conditions including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, neuropathy, spinal cord damage and multiple sclerosis, according to a preliminary study released today that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 71st Annual Meeting in...
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Tracking food leads to losing pounds
Those who tracked food and weight lost pounds in new Duke study DUKE UNIVERSITY DURHAM, N.C. — Without following a particular diet, overweight people who tracked daily food consumption using a free smartphone app lost a significant amount of weight in a new Duke University study. The results were achieved using automated, free tools, rather than expensive in-person interventions, suggesting a...
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Avoiding overuse wrist injuries
It may seem hard to believe, considering that you use your hands and wrists to do almost everything, but some of the most common wrist injuries are caused by overuse and repetitive motion. Dr. Sanj Kakar, a Mayo Clinic orthopedic hand and wrist surgeon, says you have to get creative to avoid overuse injuries from activities that are hard to avoid. It can happen while...
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The Future of Skin Care Is About the Invisible and Reversible Changes
Hi-tech skin care is going to get better and better. Here’s what experts are excited about. Advancements in technology aren’t always about doing something new. Sometimes it’s about doing something old, but better, faster, and easier. From instant, reversible nose jobs to virtual dermatology, the science of skin care is bringing new innovations to skin treatments and technology. When it comes to the new discoveries...