A technique that destroys tumors could save thousands of men from surgery. Laser therapy could eradicate the prostate cancer tumors of thousands of men Technique could spare many patients the trauma of surgery or radiotherapy Nearly half of men with early-stage prostate cancer saw their tumor destroyed Targeting prostate cancer with bursts of light could...
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Parkinson’s disease: Blocking brain enzyme corrects motor symptoms in mice
New drug research shows promising results in mice bred to develop the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. A team in Finland finds that blocking an enzyme called prolyl oligopeptidase clears the mice’s brains of an accumulated protein that is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease, halts further brain damage, and corrects movement impairment. While nobody knows...
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Understanding REM: When dreams and paralysis are uncoupled
During rapid eye movement sleep, most of us slip into a state of paralysis. Individuals with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, however, do not. Breaking research sheds light on the neural mechanisms behind this fascinating yet disruptive condition. Research into REM sleep behavior disorder may give clues to understanding Parkinson’s. Rapid eye movement (REM)...
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Artificial leaf copies nature to manufacture medicine
(Reuters) – Dutch scientists have developed an artificial leaf that can act as a mini-factory for producing drugs, an advance that could allow medicines to be produced anywhere there is sunlight. The work taps into the ability of plants to use sunlight to feed themselves through photosynthesis, something industrial chemists have struggled to replicate because...
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Hope for cancer fight as study shows FDA-approved diabetes drug ‘controls tumor growth in breast and prostate’
Metformin is an FDA-approved drug to control blood glucose in type 2 diabetics But a study by Massachusetts General Hospital found it also controls cancer The drug shuts off molecules needed for cancer to invade and grow in cells An FDA-approved drug normally used to treat diabetes could control the growth of certain cancers,...
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Want to improve your memory? Then go for a morning jog: Running stimulates your brain and also helps to keep you alert
Part of the brain responsible for alertness is activated during a run, a study found New research also found it helped to improve the senses, like playing the piano Scientists studied 11 runners as well as 11 inactive men to examine brain activity Going for an early morning run could help to keep you...
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Aluminium DOES cause Alzheimer’s: Expert says new findings confirm the metal plays a role in the devastating brain disease
Chris Exley is a professor in bioinorganic chemistry based at Keele University A link between between aluminium and Alzheimer’s has existed for many years But a lack of evidence has caused the scientific community to remain unsure However, his new research confirms the metal plays a role in cognitive decline A link between aluminium...
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Want to avoid arthritis? Then brush your teeth: Experts say bugs that cause gum infections also trigger the crippling joint pain
An infection can create proteins that cause the immune system to malfunction In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, this leads to inflammation and joint pain However, this process was also apparent in sample of patients with gum disease Brushing your teeth could prevent arthritis, new research suggests. Bugs known to cause gum infections also trigger...
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Star Trek’s Medical Tricorders Have Made It to the Final Round of XPrize
IN BRIEF Two teams have advanced to the final round of the Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE competition to create a medical tricorder inspired by the one in the “Star Trek” television series. A handheld diagnostic device could improve healthcare tremendously, giving people instant access to information about their vital signs, illnesses, and more. “I’M A DOCTOR,...
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Study: Extended use of pain relievers linked to hearing loss
Using an over-the-counter pain reliever for an extended time could contribute to a greater risk of hearing loss, finds a recent study. According to a news release by Harvard University, “The research team examined data from more than 54,000 women between the ages of 48 and 73 enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study. They analyzed information on...