A new study reveals that a key signaling mechanism can turn healthy cells into tumors and lead to colon cancer. The researchers identified the role of beta-catenin in this process and found that it is involved in essentially all cases of colon cancer.
A six-month study found that elderly and young women who owned pets had lower blood pressure readings than those without pets. Pet owners experienced physiological benefits comparable to those derived from human companionship, suggesting that pets can play an important role in moderating age-related increases in blood pressure.
A study comparing day care and non-day care groups found that families with access to day care reported higher well-being and lower stress levels. The program provided cost-efficient support, enabling caregivers to continue employment while caring for loved ones.
High-volume logging in Central Africa threatens unique forests and wildlife like gorillas and elephants, WCS warns. The U.S. needs to increase funding and presence to protect the region's forests, according to Wildlife Conservation Society expert Michael Fay.
Researchers detected calcifications in the carotid arteries of 5% of new patients, with many having multiple risk factors for atherosclerosis. The findings suggest that routine dental X-rays could be a valuable tool in detecting patients at risk for stroke.
Scientists have identified a key genetic pathway responsible for 90 percent of colon cancers, which could lead to the development of targeted therapies. The mutation of the APC gene disrupts normal cell regulation, causing uncontrolled growth and cancer.
Neurotrophin-4 triggers abnormalities in early brain development in unborn rats, mimicking human conditions such as epilepsy and mental retardation. The study suggests that neurotrophin-4 can cause too many cells to migrate to a specific layer of the cerebral cortex.