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JCI online early table of contents: Jan. 4, 2009

Researchers identified a strategy to target human breast cancer stem cells by blocking the protein CXCR1. The approach selectively depleted cancer stem cells in mice xenotransplanted with human breast cancer cells, leading to reduced tumor growth and metastasis. This finding provides hope for women with breast cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 4, 2010

A motley collection of boneworms

Researchers have discovered up to 15 species of boneworms in Monterey Bay, which feed on dead whales and exhibit unique life cycles. The worms' ability to adapt to different environments and find food sources has led scientists to estimate their evolutionary origins, suggesting they may date back to the time of dinosaurs.

Going out on a limb

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a biologically active scaffold made from soluble fibers that can help replace lost or missing bone. The technology, which has shown promise in animal models, could also be used to regenerate other types of human tissues, including muscle, arteries, and skin.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateOct 19, 2009

A 200,000-year-old cut of meat

Archaeologists at Tel Aviv University have uncovered clues about the development of communal meat-cutting habits in early humans. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that our ancestors shared meat differently than later periods.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2009

Blood vessel builders

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing a novel approach to building vascular networks in engineered tissues using custom-designed synthetic molecules and embryonic stem cells. Their goal is to produce networks that can grow and maintain themselves like natural blood vessels, paving the way for improved human lives.

Did Tyrannosaurus rex suffer from a common bird disease?

Researchers discovered that Tyrannosaurus rex and its relatives had a potentially deadly infectious disease similar to trichomonosis, which causes swollen jaws and holes. The study found evidence of face-biting marks on many specimens and suggests that cannibalism or head-biting may have spread the disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 29, 2009

Diabetes weakens your bones

Research suggests that diabetes accelerates bone loss and impairs fracture healing due to increased levels of inflammatory molecules like TNF-α. This can lead to delayed bone fracture healing and an increased risk of fractures in diabetics.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateSep 28, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 14, 2009

Researchers have found that T cells from individuals with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) are resistant to cell death triggered by repeated stimulation of a cell surface protein complex, leading to uncontrolled expansion upon infection. Additionally, a molecular regulatory network controlled by the protein SPDEF governs alle...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 14, 2009

Early human hunters had fewer meat-sharing rituals

Researchers found that early human hunters in central Israel between 400,000 and 250,000 years ago were skilled at big-game hunting like later stone-age hunters, but shared meat differently. The earlier humans were less efficient and specialized when it comes to carving flesh from their prey.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2009

Bipedal humans came down from the trees, not up from the ground

Research suggests humans and African apes have distinct wrist bone features that indicate independent evolution of knuckle-walking behavior in two separate lineages. A study examining juvenile and adult wrist bones found key features associated with knuckle walking present in 96% of chimpanzees, but only 6% of gorillas.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2009