Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Molecular trigger for Cerebral Cavernous Malformation identified

Researchers have identified the KLF4 protein as a crucial regulator in the development of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM), a disease characterized by vascular lesions that can lead to cerebral hemorrhage. The study suggests that blocking the development and progression of CCM could prevent mortality due to brain hemorrhage.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateNov 26, 2015

New way to find DNA damage

Researchers have developed a new way to detect chemical damage to DNA that can lead to genetic mutations and diseases. The method combines existing techniques to mark and copy DNA damage sites, preserving information on the location and type of damage.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2015

New class of DNA repair enzyme discovered

Scientists have identified a new class of DNA repair enzyme that can recognize and remove positively charged lesions, including bulky ones. This discovery expands the understanding of DNA damage repair pathways and offers insights into alternative mechanisms for repairing genetic information.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 2015

Even very small brain lesions increase risk for death

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that even very small brain lesions (less than 3 mm) detected by MRI triples the risk for stroke and death in asymptomatic patients. Having both small and larger lesions increases the risk to eight-fold, highlighting the importance of considering all lesion sizes in clinical practice.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 6, 2015

Brain lesions in children challenging to diagnose

A multidisciplinary team of Loyola University Medical Center physicians report a case of a 12-year-old boy with refractory seizures due to an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the brain. The case highlights the challenge in distinguishing different lesions based on imaging, emphasizing the importance of carefully analyzing available ...

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateJun 9, 2015

Potential new tool for cervical cancer detection and diagnosis

A team of researchers from Central South University in China have demonstrated that photoacoustic imaging can distinguish cancerous from normal tissue and evaluate the stage of cervical cancer with high accuracy. This technique is non-invasive, faster, cheaper, and more effective than conventional methods like colposcopy.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateDec 15, 2014

Can a blood biomarker predict the presence of intracranial lesions following mild traumatic brain injury?

A new study suggests that measuring glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the blood can predict the presence of intracranial lesions following mild traumatic brain injury. The study found GFAP to be a more reliable biomarker than S100β, which was not as effective in distinguishing between intracranial and extracranial lesions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateDec 11, 2014

The skin cancer selfie

Researchers have developed a gigapixel camera that can capture high-resolution images of the entire human body, allowing for earlier detection and potentially saving lives. The camera's resolution is significantly better than normal photography, making it suitable for telemedicine and expanding skin cancer screening to remote locations.

SourceOptica·DateOct 6, 2014

Photodynamic therapy vs. cryotherapy for actinic keratoses

A meta-analysis of four studies found that photodynamic therapy (PDT) is more effective than cryotherapy in clearing actinic keratoses (AKs), a common skin lesion caused by sun damage. At three months after treatment, patients treated with PDT had a 14% better chance of complete lesion clearance compared to those who received cryotherapy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateAug 27, 2014

3-in-1 optical skin cancer probe

Researchers have developed a 3-in-1 optical probe that combines spectroscopic techniques to detect cancerous skin lesions. The device may reduce unnecessary biopsies by providing a clear picture of which skin lesions are most likely cancerous, potentially saving lives.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateAug 5, 2014

Glow-in-the-dark tool lets scientists find diseased bats

Researchers have developed a new, non-destructive method to detect white-nose syndrome in bats by using ultraviolet light. The technique, which involves shining long-wave UV light at bat wings, produces a distinctive orange-yellow fluorescence that corresponds with microscopic skin lesions characteristic of the disease.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·DateMay 29, 2014

Can refined categorization improve prediction of patient survival in RECIST 1.1?

A recent analysis by the RECIST Working Group found that modeling target lesion tumor growth did not improve prediction of overall survival beyond other components of progression. The study also revealed that new lesions and non-target progressive disease were linked with worse overall survival in multivariate models.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·DateApr 15, 2014