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Microchip reveals how tumor cells transition to invasion

Researchers have shed new light on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in cancer cells, using a microengineered device that acts as an obstacle course for cells. The study reveals that EMT upgrades cancer cells from an economy model to a fast sports car, allowing them to migrate aggressively to distant locations.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 17, 2014

Follow that cell

The NIH Follow that Cell Challenge seeks tools to monitor a cell's behavior and function over time, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and improved therapies for diseases. The challenge aims to generate creative ideas and methods for following a single cell's behavior, using multiple integrated measures.

Synthetic molecule makes cancer self-destruct

Researchers have created a synthetic ion transporter that can cause cancer cells to self-destruct by disrupting the delicate balance of ions within their cell membranes. The molecule, which was discovered after two decades of research, confirms a hypothesis that could lead to new anticancer drugs and benefit patients with cystic fibrosis.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 11, 2014

Editing HPV's genes to kill cervical cancer cells

Researchers at Duke University have successfully used CRISPR gene-editing to target and destroy two HPV genes responsible for cervical cancer cell growth. By hijacking the bacterial defense system, they were able to selectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells intact.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateAug 8, 2014

Clearing cells to prevent cervical cancer

Researchers found a significant reduction in cervical cancer risk after removing squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) cells, which are implicated as the origins of cervical cancer. The study showed that removal of SCJ cells altered recurrence patterns and may prevent precancerous growths.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJul 25, 2014

University of Houston researchers create new method to draw molecules from live cells

University of Houston researchers have developed a technique to extract biomolecules from live cells without killing them. The method uses magnetized carbon nanotubes to retrieve molecular information, allowing researchers to study single cells. This breakthrough could provide new avenues for diagnosing cancer and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2014

Physicists reveal random nature of metastasis

A new study suggests that cancer metastasis, the spread of tumors from one part of the body to another, may occur through pure chance. Researchers used statistical models to show that 'common' cancer cells circulating in the bloodstream could, on rare occasions, cause metastasis.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysical Biology·DateJul 17, 2014

UGA researchers use nanoparticles to enhance chemotherapy

Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a new formulation of cisplatin that significantly increases its ability to target and destroy cancerous cells. The modified version of cisplatin, called Platin-M, is designed to overcome resistance by attacking mitochondria within cancerous cells.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2014

Blocking cells' movement to stop the spread of cancer

Researchers at University College London have discovered a way to block the movement of cancer cells by targeting chemical signals that trigger their transformation into an invasive, liquid-like state. This breakthrough could lead to innovative techniques to stop cancer cells from spreading and causing secondary tumours.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJul 7, 2014

Game changer for leukemia therapy

Researchers have found that cancer cells decide whether to live or die after a short period of intense exposure to targeted therapy. This discovery presents a new treatment strategy with significant potential for reducing side effects in patients.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalLeukemia·DateJun 10, 2014

Cancer's potential on-off switch

A team of researchers suggests that an epigenetic switch could control rapid growth and differentiation in cancer cells, leading to the development of various cancers. This switch is thought to be reversible, allowing cells to change their characteristics and differentiate into new cell types.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAnticancer Research·DateMay 15, 2014

Detailed studies reveal how key cancer-fighting protein is held in check

Detailed studies at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital reveal the structural details of how p53 attaches to its regulatory protein BCL-xL, enabling scientists to design drugs that release p53 in cancer cells, triggering apoptosis. The findings have significant implications for developing new cancer-fighting treatments.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 15, 2014

Microchip-like technology allows single-cell analysis

Researchers at Duke University developed a chip-like device that can sort, store, and retrieve hundreds of thousands of individual living cells in minutes. This technology revolutionizes research by allowing fast and efficient control of individual cells, enabling the study of small but significant differences within populations.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2014