Research found a significant link between women with lobular breast cancer and fathers with prostate cancer, with the risk of lobular cancer almost doubling when considering family history. The connection was independent of hormone receptor status.
Researchers at Newcastle University discovered that manipulating serotonin's actions can tip the balance towards healthy tissue regeneration and block scarring in mouse models of chronic liver disease. This approach targets the 5-HT2B receptor, which instructs scar-forming cells to switch off regeneration.
A study using disease-in-a-dish technology has grown neurons from Timothy Syndrome patients' skin cells, revealing defects in brain wiring and cellular calcium regulation. The findings support the link between the genetic mutation and developmental abnormalities, including reduced corpus callosum size.
UCSF researchers found that tissues can remember and activate T regulatory cells to defend against autoimmune diseases. The discovery may lead to new strategies for fighting autoimmunity and preventing transplant rejection.
Researchers found a gene mutation causing calcium channels to be defective, leading to impaired neuronal communication and development. The study used induced pluripotent stem cells to grow brain-like spheres from skin cells of patients with Timothy syndrome, which showed abnormalities in calcium levels and gene expression.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed synthetic helix-shaped molecules that target MRSA and E-coli with low toxicity. The 'flexicates' harness chirality to create targeted treatments.
Researchers identified a portion of the genome mutated during long-term culture of human embryonic stem cells, which may compromise their utility for regenerative medicine. The study highlights the importance of understanding genetic changes in hESCs and their potential impact on cell therapy applications.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new method to create nanoporous materials, which can be used for water purification and chemical sensors. The collective osmotic shock (COS) process enables the creation of porous structures with realistic industrial cross-over potential.
New research published in BMC Research Notes found that snow leopards in the central Himalayas have a much lower population size than previously estimated. Genetic analysis of snow leopard scat samples revealed only 19 out of 71 original samples were actually P. uncia, with most coming from nine individuals.
The Vaginal and Oral Interventions to Control the Epidemic (VOICE) study found that daily use of an antiretroviral-containing oral tablet or vaginal gel was not effective in preventing HIV infection among women. The study will continue to examine the safety and effectiveness of oral Truvada as a preventive measure for women.
DNA barcoding technology is being deployed to identify quack herbal medicines, reveal ancient Arctic life and expose what eats what in nature. The technique has sparked US Congressional hearings by exposing widespread 'fish fraud' and will be used to halt agricultural and forestry pests at borders.