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MicroRNA could help treat cancer and asthma

Researchers at Purdue University found that microRNA miR-223 can help control inflammatory disease by regulating the NF-kB pathway, which is critical in human bronchial epithelial cells. Supplementing this microRNA to epithelial cells may provide a new treatment option for asthma and cancer.

SourcePurdue University·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 20, 2018

Starving cancer cells of sugar -- does it work?

A new study reveals that starvation of sugar can trigger a unique signaling function in cancer cells, leading to cell death. By manipulating this property, researchers propose a potential combination therapy to target cancer metabolism and selectively kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalScience Signaling·DateJan 25, 2018

Key to immune system's memory revealed

Researchers at Monash University have identified a novel molecular 'blueprint' that enables the immune system to fight disease by 'remembering' past infections. This discovery potentially opens new avenues for improving vaccines and therapies, including those targeting cancer and autoimmune diseases.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 19, 2017

New research linking cancer-inhibiting proteins to cell antennae

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new mechanism by which cancer-inhibiting proteins regulate signaling molecules. The study found that primary cilia, or cellular antennae, play a crucial role in balancing PDGFRα signaling, preventing excessive receptor activation that can lead to brain and gastrointestinal t...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateDec 14, 2017

A new gene therapy transplantation technique could improve treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

A new gene therapy transplantation technique could improve treatment of neurodegenerative diseases by generating genetically engineered microglia-like cells in the brain. This technique has been tested on an experimental model for a metabolic disease and may have future therapeutic applications for other neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 6, 2017

Routing gene therapy directly into the brain

Scientists have made a breakthrough in treating neurodegenerative disorders and lysosomal storage diseases by transplanting hematopoietic stem cells directly into the brain, achieving therapeutic benefits faster than traditional methods. This innovative technique could pave the way for new treatments for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and o...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 6, 2017

How do doctors make decisions when managing care for critically & terminally ill patients?

A recent study examined the intubation decision-making process of 73 hospital-based doctors from three academic medical centers. The researchers found that mental models of doctors who deviated from patient preferences focused on reversibility, inferred consent, and comfort levels. This variation highlights the need for well-structured...

New treatment investigated for brain tapeworm infection

Researchers investigate pretreatment with etanercept to manage post-treatment inflammation in neurocysticercosis, a major cause of epilepsy worldwide. Etanercept suppresses inflammatory pathways involved in treatment-induced inflammation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 30, 2017

Urban American-Indian, Alaskan natives may have lower survival following invasive cancer

The study found that urban American-Indian and Alaskan Native individuals had a higher risk of mortality from prostate and breast cancer, with AIANs facing an 87% increased risk for prostate cancer-specific mortality. The community's unique history of social and environmental injustices may be contributing to these disparities.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 29, 2017

Many cancer survivors are living with PTSD

A recent study found that approximately one-fifth of cancer patients develop PTSD several months after diagnosis. Researchers emphasize the need for early identification and treatment to improve psychological well-being and quality of life.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateNov 20, 2017

Sexual function concerns not always reflected in prostate cancer treatment choices

A recent study by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers found that more than half of men with prostate cancer prefer preserving sexual function, but this preference was not strongly linked to the choice of treatment strategy. Active surveillance is widely recognized as the best option for preserving sexual function, ye...

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 25, 2017