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Bleed like hell

Researchers found that platelets must undergo a process called mitochondrial necrosis, where they release calcium and reactive oxygen species, causing the cell to collapse. This programmed death allows platelets to transition into super-activated states, which accelerate blood clotting.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateAug 9, 2016

A newly discovered way for cells to die

Scientists at Rockefeller University have identified a new way for cells to die in the linker cell of Caenorhabditis elegans, resembling neuronal death in humans. The discovery suggests that this process might be involved in neurodegenerative disorders and could serve as a target for future drugs.

New drug hope for mesothelioma

Researchers have discovered a new drug, HRX9, that targets the HOX gene family and induces apoptosis in mesothelioma cells. The study found that treatment with HRX9 resulted in complete loss of tumor blood vessels and widespread cancer cell death, offering new hope for patients.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalBMC Cancer·DateMar 14, 2016

Researchers discover new mechanism in adrenal gland tumors

A study by Helmholtz Munich researchers identified a key role of the protein BMP7 in promoting cell division and migration in pheochromocytoma cells. Targeting this signaling pathway with specific substances may lead to an increase in apoptosis, providing a new approach for treatment.

Production of iPS cells: Discovery of the fifth element

A team of researchers has identified netrin-1 as a molecule that can favour the production of induced pluripotent stem cells, which have huge potential applications in regenerative medicine. The discovery may ultimately enable the creation of new organs from patient cells, eliminating rejection risks and ethical concerns.

Discovering a new force driving cell contraction during development and organogenesis

Researchers at the Center for Genomic Regulation have identified a new mechanism that generates forces to drive cell movements during development, replacing previous theories of shape changes. This discovery contributes to understanding organ development and maintenance by highlighting the role of volume changes and programmed cell death.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 9, 2015

Omics methods: Towards a better prediction of the effects of substances at very low doses

Scientists use advanced omics technologies to analyze the effects of substances on human cells, revealing potential health risks at very low concentrations. The study identifies changes in protein patterns and metabolism at non-toxic levels, which could inform the development of new risk assessment methods.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 16, 2015

UTMB researchers uncover powerful new class of weapons in the war on cancer

Researchers at UTMB have discovered three small-molecule compounds that activate Bax and induce high levels of cell death in lung cancer cells without harming noncancerous tissues. These findings represent a new class of anticancer drugs with a unique therapeutic target for the treatment of cancers expressing Bax, including lung cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2014

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

Coral, human cells linked in death

A new study reveals that humans and corals have a shared biomechanical pathway responsible for triggering cellular self-destruction. This finding has important implications for understanding the early evolution of multicellular life, conservation of corals, and development of new drugs to fight diseases like cancer.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014