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Rare disease is a lens on cancer

Researchers used a rare genetic childhood disease to reveal how cancer cells hijack a metabolic cycle to benefit themselves. The study found that silencing the ASS1 gene, which is lacking in some patients, can be beneficial for cancer growth and could lead to new treatments.

Fishermen discards could increase prevalence of turtle disease in Turks and Caicos

Research finds that fishermen in Turks and Caicos Islands are increasing the local prevalence of a disease affecting turtle populations worldwide by selectively harvesting healthy creatures and throwing back infected animals. The study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, suggests that this practice has the opposite effect of cul...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateAug 27, 2015

Molecular spies to fight cancer

Scientists have successfully tested a new tumor diagnosis method that uses molecular spies to detect diseased cells and visualize tumors. The method, which combines antibody-based detection with pre-targeting technology, has the potential to improve cancer treatment by using internal radiation.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalChemical Science·DateAug 3, 2015

Duality in the human genome

Scientists at Max Planck Institute find millions of gene forms, 85% genes without predominant form, and 4,000 disease genes. The dual nature of human genomes reveals individual diversity in interactions between genes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2014

Ferroptosis, a novel form of non-apoptotic cell death, holds great therapeutic potential

Researchers have discovered ferroptosis, a regulated form of necrosis that occurs in various pathological conditions. Ferroptosis inhibitors, such as Liproxstatin-1, offer novel therapeutic opportunities to mitigate diseases previously thought to be untreatable.

Study identifying cell of origin for large, disfiguring nerve tumors lays groundwork for development

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified the specific type of cell that gives rise to large, disfiguring plexiform neurofibromas, a finding that could lead to new therapies for preventing tumor growth. The study suggests ways to develop treatments by understanding the steps leading to tumor development.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 11, 2014

Researchers find organic pollutants not factor in turtle tumor disease

A new study by researchers from NIST and the Hollings Marine Laboratory found that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are not linked to fibropapillomatosis, a disease causing tumors in green sea turtles. The team detected halogenated phenols in turtle tissues, suggesting these compounds may be coming from algae in their diet.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 15, 2014

Remodelling damaged nuclei

Researchers have identified a key chemical that can repair damaged cell nuclei, a breakthrough in treating Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), a rare and devastating ageing disease. The compound, Remodelin, also shows promise in reducing DNA damage and improving cellular health.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 2014

A better way to purify peptide-based drugs

A new method for purifying peptide-based drugs has been developed by a chemist at Michigan Technological University, separating perfect peptides from those that don't make the grade in just two hours. The process reduces waste and is cheaper than existing methods, offering a promising alternative for treating diseases like cancer and HIV.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateFeb 17, 2014

New research findings on onset of uterine fibroids provide potential for novel treatments

Scientists have identified the molecular mechanisms underlying the onset of common leiomyomata, a type of benign tumour that affects millions of women. The study suggests that complex chromosomal rearrangements may underlie the development of these tumours, and highlights potential avenues for novel pharmacological treatments.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 7, 2013

Fishing for solutions

Researchers have generated mutations in almost 40% of zebrafish genes, creating a resource for understanding physical and biochemical consequences of genetic variation. The study aims to reveal the function of each gene in zebrafish to shed light on human disease.

Defining the new normal in aging

Researchers argue that traditional notions of healthy and successful aging fall short for many Canadians living with chronic diseases. Instead, they advocate for supporting older adults to live well according to their own definitions of health.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNursing Inquiry·DateFeb 27, 2013

Archived Guthrie cards find a new purpose

Researchers have discovered that archived Guthrie cards hold valuable epigenetic information about newborns, which can be used to predict future health outcomes. The study found that these marks are present at birth and remain stable into early childhood, offering a unique window into the development of diseases.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 22, 2012