Add BrightSurf on Google Email

White blood cell booster may help cancer patients avoid deadly complications

A study led by Duke University researchers found that a white blood cell booster can significantly reduce the risk of chemotherapy-related complications characterized by fever and low white blood cell levels. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, involved over 3,000 patients and showed that patients taking the drug ...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 25, 2007

Spuds that like you -- in your summer salad

Spanish researchers found that pigs fed large quantities of raw potato starch had a healthier bowel and decreased levels of white blood cells. The study, published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, suggests a potential beneficial effect on overall immune system health.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateJun 24, 2007

Boosting newborns' immune responses

A study published in Blood found that the newborn immune system functions differently than adults, but one portion of the response is fully functional and can be harnessed to improve immunity. The researchers identified a specific Toll-like receptor, TLR8, that triggers a robust immune response in newborns.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalBlood·DateApr 25, 2006

White blood cell count, inflammation linked to cancer deaths

Researchers found that high white blood cell counts were associated with an increased risk of cancer mortality, even after controlling for other factors. The association was strongest for lung cancer and suggested that aspirin may have a greater protective effect against cancer for those with high WBC counts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 23, 2006

Oral rinse predictor of marrow transplant effectiveness

A new study has developed an oral rinse test that can detect the presence of white blood cells in patients undergoing bone marrow transplants. The test was found to be effective in predicting which patients are at risk of infection during their recovery, with a difference of less than four days being an indicator of susceptibility.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBone Marrow Transplantation·DateJun 22, 2005

Genomic analysis to become tool for studying trauma patients

Researchers created a genomic analysis tool to study critically ill patients, enabling physicians to predict treatment responses and develop new therapeutic strategies. The technology allows for the detection of significant gene activity differences between trauma patients and healthy individuals.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2005

Scientists disprove two tenets of common leukemia

Researchers using 'heavy water' tracked leukemia cell birth and death rates, revealing dynamic process with mortal cells that proliferate and die. The study found faster birth rates of leukemia cells correlate with poorer patient outcomes, paving the way for potential new methods of prediction and treatment guidance.

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 10, 2005

Nanotubes glow, even within biological cells

Researchers found that nanotubes were ingested by white blood cells and retained their fluorescent properties, allowing for selective detection. The discovery builds on a previous finding of unique fluorescent signatures from individual types of nanotubes.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 9, 2004

Cellular link between sleep apnea and atherosclerosis found

A study led by Dr. Lena Lavie found that sleep apnea patients have increased adhesion molecules and free radicals on their white blood cells, which contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Effective treatment with CPAP may not reverse this process, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceAmerican Society for Technion - Israel Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 2, 2002

Researchers distinguish new type of leukemia

Researchers distinguish a new type of leukemia called mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) that is genetically different from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The study used DNA microarrays to compare gene expression profiles and found clues about the origin of MLL, suggesting it is caused by arrested maturation of lymphocytes.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 3, 2001