Scientists discovered a small molecule, 6-thiodG, that can stop cancer cell growth and shrink tumors in mice. The compound works by disrupting the normal way cells maintain telomere length, triggering cell death.
Researchers found a class of compounds that could be effective in combating infections caused by enterovirus D68, which has been linked to polio-like symptoms. The study used X-ray crystallography to learn the structure of the virus and an anti-viral compound called pleconaril.
The cholera bacterium uses a tiny spear to stab and kill neighboring bacteria, then steals their DNA through horizontal gene transfer. This mechanism allows the bacterium to become more resistant to threats, including antibiotics.
Fat cells in the skin produce antimicrobial peptides that help protect against bacterial infections, contradicting previous assumptions about the immune response. The study's findings suggest that these peptides can provide a crucial first line of defense against infection.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that random mutations during stem cell divisions significantly contribute to cancer risk, accounting for approximately two-thirds of the variation. This finding emphasizes the importance of primary prevention strategies, such as lifestyle changes and eliminating environmental factors.
Scientists at UT Arlington have developed a new method for detecting trace amounts of estrogen in small samples, improving research into cancer and other diseases. The new method is sensitive enough to detect estrogens at levels as low as 10 parts per trillion, making it applicable to human health, medicine, and environmental analysis.
A team of researchers discovered a protein called Rqc2 that specifies which amino acids are added to stalled proteins, blurring the lines of what we thought proteins could do. The study suggests potential implications for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, ALS, or Huntington's.