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Researchers target cancer's protective barrier

Cancer cells are notorious for their camouflage work, which enables them to escape immune targeting. Now scientists are learning how to strip away the disguise and allow the immune system to do its work, by targeting cells called myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) that shield the tumor. This would also enhance the effectiveness of newer cancer immunotherapies like Chimeric-Antigen Receptor T cell (CAR-T).

26 Aug 2019

Researchers take important step towards preventing cancer metastasis

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute, together with colleagues from the pharmaceutical company F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, have taken an important step towards the development of an agent against the metastasis of certain cancers.

23 Aug 2019

Using principles of mechanics and physics to identify state of individual cells

Researchers at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering have discovered a new way to identify the state of individual cells by bringing principles of mechanical engineering and physics to bear on processes that are now well understood at the macro level, but not yet at the cellular level: how stressors such as injury and disease force an organism into a new level of equilibrium -- a biological process of finding a "new normal" called allostasis.

20 Aug 2019

Researchers develop new gene editing system that could be used for anticancer immunotherapy

Dr. Mihue Jang and her group at the Center for Theragnosis of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology announced that they have developed a new gene-editing system that could be used for anticancer immunotherapy through the simultaneous suppression of proteins that interfere with the immune system expressed on the surface of lymphoma cells and activation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte, based on the results of joint research conducted with Prof. Seokmann Hong and his group at Sejong University.

20 Aug 2019

Researchers identify new transmembrane protein as chloride ion channel

In the human body the salt content of cells and their surrounding is regulated by sophisticated transport systems.

14 Aug 2019

Scientists identify hereditary pancreatic cancer risk mutation

Scientists studying a highly cancer-prone family have identified a rare, inherited gene mutation that dramatically raises the lifetime risk of pancreatic and other cancers.

12 Aug 2019

Research shows that water molecules do not co-migrate via potassium channel

Do only potassium ions pass through the selectivity filter of a potassium channel, or are there water molecules between the ions? This question has been a source of controversy for years.

12 Aug 2019

Nanoparticles' movements reveal whether they can hit intended cancer targets

Targeted drug-delivery systems hold significant promise for treating cancer effectively by sparing healthy surrounding tissues. But the promising approach can only work if the drug hits its target.

10 Aug 2019

Common feature that makes cancer cells appear bloated could be their potential weak spot

In a study using yeast cells and data from cancer cell lines, Johns Hopkins University scientists report they have found a potential weak spot among cancer cells that have extra sets of chromosomes, the structures that carry genetic material.

23 Jul 2019

Low estrogen causes muscle loss in women after menopause

Pioneering research shows the essential role played by the female hormone estrogen in preserving muscle bulk and strength in women.

19 Jul 2019

Getting rid of chronic infections by waking up sleeping bacteria

Researchers in the group of Jan Michiels (VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology) identified a mechanism of how sleepy bacteria wake up.

18 Jul 2019

How cell-free DNA can be targeted to prevent spread of tumors

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is DNA found in trace amounts in blood, which has escaped degradation by enzymes.

12 Jul 2019

How electrical stimulation promotes wound healing

Scientists have known for decades that electrical stimulation promotes healing of chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers and bedsores, but how it happens has been a mystery-until now.

9 Jul 2019

Study sheds light on complex caspase-1-induced cell death mechanisms

Most unnecessary or dangerous cells such as virus-infected cells commit suicide by activating an in-built suicide program.

5 Jul 2019

A small chemical change reverses prediabetes in obese mice

A small chemical change - shifting the position of two hydrogen atoms - makes the difference between mice that are healthy and mice with insulin resistance and fatty liver, major risk factors for diabetes and heart disease.

5 Jul 2019

HER2-positive breast cancer may be treated with imprinted nanospheres

A particularly aggressive, metastasizing form of cancer, HER2-positive breast cancer, may be treated with nanoscopic particles “imprinted” with specific binding sites for the receptor molecule HER2.

4 Jul 2019

Scientists discover new way to direct stem cells to heart tissue

In a world first, scientists have found a new way to direct stem cells to heart tissue. The findings, led by researchers at the University of Bristol and published in Chemical Science, could radically improve the treatment for cardiovascular disease, which causes more than a quarter of all deaths in the UK.

4 Jul 2019