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Scientists find blood-based biomarkers for inflammatory breast cancer

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified specific blood-based genomic biomarkers that distinguish inflammatory breast cancer from other subtypes. The study used an improved method of RNA sequencing, called TGIRT sequencing, which allowed for a more comprehensive overview of all RNA types and amou...

A new reagent makes living brains transparent for deeper, non-invasive imaging

Researchers at Kyushu University develop a new tissue-clearing reagent, SeeDB-Live, enabling repeated, reversible, and real-time imaging of living brains at greater depth and clarity. This breakthrough allows scientists to visualize neural activity in living mice and brain slices, offering new insights into brain dynamics and function.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

Metformin changes blood metal levels in humans

A Kobe University study found that metformin reduces copper and iron levels and increases zinc levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. This suggests a possible mechanism for the drug's beneficial effects beyond lowering blood sugar levels.

SourceKobe University·JournalBMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2025

Oncotarget | Serum microRNAs as new criteria for referral to early palliative care services in treatment-naïve advanced cancer patients

Researchers developed predictive models using serum microRNAs to identify patients at risk of requiring early palliative care. The study used serum samples from 178 patients with various types of cancer and found that miRNA-based models had higher accuracy than clinical models in predicting referral to a palliative care unit.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateDec 29, 2022

Exercise is medicine for cancer and every dose counts - even in late stages in the disease

A new study from Edith Cowan University found that a single bout of exercise can significantly suppress tumour growth in people with late-stage prostate cancer. The researchers observed increased levels of anti-cancer myokines after high-intensity exercise, which helped fight cancerous cells and stimulated anti-cancer processes.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalProstate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2022

Smoking and vaping had overlapping adverse health effects, dual product use may be worse

Two studies found that cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor have similar cardiovascular effects due to airway irritation. This irritation can lead to vascular damage and impaired blood vessel function. The research suggests that dual product use may be worse than single product use, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·DateOct 26, 2022

Alligators exposed to PFAS show autoimmune effects

A recent study found that alligators in the Cape Fear River basin have elevated levels of PFAS chemicals in their blood serum, leading to clinical and genetic indicators of immune system effects. The research team detected a significant association between PFAS exposure and autoimmune-like phenotypes in the affected alligators.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Toxicology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2022

Study confirms virus variants reduce protection against COVID-19

A new study by OHSU researchers found that blood serum from vaccinated or infected individuals shows significantly reduced defense against two widely circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. The findings emphasize the importance of vaccinations combined with maintaining public health measures to cut off the spread of the virus.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021