MIT model could improve some drugs' effectiveness
A new MIT model can predict structural changes in antibodies to enhance their effectiveness. The team has already created a new version of a cancer treatment drug with improved binding affinity.
Science News for September 23, 2007
Discovery of widespread tumor growth gene holds promise for effective anti-cancer treatment
Italian scientists have discovered a new target for anti-tumor therapy in cancer, finding that the Trop-2 gene is expressed in the vast majority of human cancers. The gene's over-expression was found in between 65% and 90% of tumor types analyzed.
Planning for 2020: increasing elderly population poses huge challenges in cancer care
The increasing elderly population will pose significant challenges in cancer care, including inadequate training of healthcare professionals and inappropriate ageist attitudes. Improved technology may help address some issues, but a digital divide and escalating costs threaten the accessibility of cancer treatment.
Study shows vitamin C is essential for plant growth
Scientists have discovered a new enzyme that produces vitamin C in plants, revealing the antioxidant's critical role in plant growth. The findings also suggest that vitamin C is necessary for plants to grow, contradicting previous assumptions.