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Alternative cellular ‘fuels’ boost immunity

A recent study published in Immunity has found that ketone bodies, produced by the liver during fasting or low glucose levels, power immune cells and improve T cell function. This discovery may pave the way for personalized dietary recommendations to augment treatments for infection, cancer, and other diseases.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Breakthrough in combating multiple myeloma: For the 1st time in the world researchers destroyed most cancer cells in the bone marrow using a targeted system containing RNA therapy

A breakthrough treatment targeting bone marrow cancer cells destroyed 90% of multiple myeloma cells in laboratory tests and 60% in human tissue samples. Researchers developed lipid-based nanoparticles containing RNA molecules that silence the CKAP5 gene, inhibiting cancer cell division.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 27, 2023

Why we lose fat and muscle during infection

Researchers found that CD4+ T cells initiate fat wasting, while CD8+ T cells induce muscle wasting, which surprisingly helps the mice fight infection and survive. The study sheds light on the complex relationship between immune cells and wasting responses.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 24, 2023

Team from Korea University medicine explores ways to overcome cisplatin resistance and alleviate pain in cancer treatment

Researchers from Korea University Medicine have discovered a potential therapeutic target for overcoming cisplatin resistance and neuropathic pain in cervical cancer. By inhibiting TRPV1, they found that resistant tumors became vulnerable to cisplatin, improving the outlook for patients.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Efficient boron neutron capture therapy for brain tumor with novel boron carrier

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a novel boron agent that selectively accumulates in brain tumor cells, exhibits enhanced blood retention, and can be administered at low doses. The agent, PBC-IP, shows promising results in preclinical studies, highlighting its potential for radiotherapy in treating glioblastoma.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

Estrogen and PARP inhibitor combination for advanced ER+ breast cancer shows promise in preclinical models

A new study by researchers at Dartmouth Cancer Center shows that a combination of estrogen and PARP inhibitors can effectively treat advanced ER+ breast cancer by damaging cancer cells and preventing DNA repair. The treatment strategy has been shown to be effective regardless of BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

Tumor monocyte content predicts immunochemotherapy outcomes for esophageal cancer

A study found that high tumor monocyte content is linked to improved outcomes in esophageal cancer patients treated with a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The degree of tumor mutational burden also predicts survival outcomes, suggesting a potential biomarker for selecting patients likely to benefit from immunochemotherapy.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 10, 2023

When at first you don’t succeed: Tobacco researchers to test whether switching medications helps people to quit smoking after an unsuccessful first attempt

A randomized trial will be conducted to test whether sticking with the initial medication or switching to a different one increases quitting success. The study aims to provide guidance for clinicians on handling relapses and may explore the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as an alternative to traditional cigarettes.

A new generic treatment for multiple types of cancer

Researchers have developed a new technique to generically treat several kinds of cancer, showing tumors grew almost three times less and survival rates reached 100% after just one injection. The method targets cancer cells with alpha radiation, sparing healthy tissue.

SourceRIKEN·JournalChemical Science·DateJun 27, 2023

Researchers urge caution in gene editing early human embryos following findings that it could have unexpected and dangerous consequences Further research to refine gene editing technology is needed

Researchers have discovered that gene editing technologies may introduce unintended mutations and damage to DNA in early human embryos. The study found that most cells repair breaks in the DNA using non-homologous end joining, which can lead to additional genetic abnormalities.

DNA test could broaden access to cervical cancer screening

Rice University engineers developed a low-cost, point-of-care DNA test for HPV infections that can be used to screen for cervical cancer. The test, which requires just two pieces of equipment and delivers results in 45 minutes, has the potential to make cervical cancer screening more accessible in low- and middle-income countries.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

City of Hope scientists develop universal donor stem cell therapy to treat degenerative brain diseases in a preclinical study

Researchers at City of Hope have developed a universal donor stem cell therapy that can treat degenerative brain diseases such as Canavan disease and Alzheimer's. The therapy, which uses an 'off-the-shelf' approach, has shown promising results in preclinical studies, reducing toxic accumulation of metabolites and improving motor function.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

Bhopal explosion may have heightened risk of disability and cancer among future generations

Research suggests that the Bhopal gas disaster had long-term intergenerational effects on health and education. Men exposed in utero to toxic gas had a higher risk of disabilities and cancers, while those born later had reduced educational attainment. The sex ratio of births also changed among children born near the incident site.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2023