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Twin brains reveal similar progressions of neuropathological changes

Despite widespread use of a single term, Alzheimer's disease is actually a diverse collection of diseases, symptoms and pathological changes.

3 Mar 2014

Scientists uncover key mechanism of gene regulation

In the cells of humans and other organisms, only a subset of genes are active at any given time, depending largely on the stage of life and the particular duties of the cell. Cells use different molecular mechanisms to orchestrate the activation and deactivation of genes as needed.

3 Mar 2014

Scientists map key elements of immune overreaction triggered by influenza virus infection

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have mapped key elements of a severe immune overreaction—a "cytokine storm"—that can both sicken and kill patients who are infected with certain strains of flu virus.

3 Mar 2014

Light-activated drug delivery holds promise for treating cancer

Researchers from UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed an innovative cancer-fighting technique in which custom-designed nanoparticles carry chemotherapy drugs directly to tumor cells and release their cargo when triggered by a two-photon laser in the infrared red wavelength.

3 Mar 2014

3D structure of enzyme helps defend against bacteria

An essential weapon in the body's fight against infection has come into sharper view. Researchers at Princeton University have discovered the 3D structure of an enzyme that cuts to ribbons the genetic material of viruses and helps defend against bacteria.

3 Mar 2014

People with learning disabilities have lower life expectancy, suffer physical disabilities, chronic conditions

People with learning (intellectual) disabilities have a lower life expectancy than the general population and are more likely to suffer physical disabilities and chronic conditions.

3 Mar 2014

Deficient hygiene routines make it difficult to eradicate multi-resistant bacterium

A previously unknown multi-resistant bacterium has been sticking around at a Swedish University Hospital for ten years.

3 Mar 2014

Despite prevention strategies, suicide rates among young men remain high

Suicide among young men is a major public health concern in many countries, despite great efforts to find effective prevention strategies.

3 Mar 2014

New web portal to speed discovery of genes responsible for rare disorders

A new web portal - called PhenomeCentral - is being launched today to connect clinicians and scientists worldwide in an effort to speed the discovery of genes responsible for rare disorders.

3 Mar 2014

Sunburn causes melanoma through direct and indirect processes

Melanoma is particularly dangerous because it can form metastases in vital organs such as the lungs, liver or brain. UV radiation is considered to be the most significant triggering factor.

3 Mar 2014

Same food may trigger both allergies, say experts

Some children who outgrow one type of food allergy may then develop another type of allergy, more severe and more persistent, to the same food. A new study by pediatric allergy experts suggests that health care providers and caregivers carefully monitor children with food allergies to recognize early signs of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a severe and often painful type of allergy that has been increasing in recent years.

3 Mar 2014

Leading experts focus on challenges and opportunities affecting fight against cancer

A panel of leading health, economics and policy experts today discussed the prospects for a future where cancers are rendered manageable or even eradicated and the variables affecting progress toward that goal so that cancer patients are able to lead normal, productive lives - and thus be "free from" their cancers.

3 Mar 2014

Researchers find unusual mutation strongly linked to rare liver cancer that affects teens

In the race for better treatments and possible cures, rare diseases are often left behind. In a collaboration of researchers at The Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the New York Genome Center (NYGC), an unusual mutation has been found that is strongly linked to one such disease: a rare liver cancer that affects teens and young adults.

3 Mar 2014

Research: Beneficial and toxic roles of brain glycogen

In 2007, in an article published in Nature Neuroscience, scientists at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) headed by Joan Guinovart, an authority on glycogen metabolism, reported that in Lafora Disease (LD), a rare and fatal neurodegenerative condition that affects adolescents, neurons die as a result of the accumulation of glycogen-chains of glucose.

3 Mar 2014

Higher intake of fish increases number of large HDL particles, says study

Increasing the intake of fatty fish increases the number of large HDL particles, according to a recent study completed at the University of Eastern Finland. People who increased their intake of fish to a minimum of 3-4 weekly meals had more large HDL particles in their blood than people who are less frequent eaters of fish.

3 Mar 2014

Study of Gulf War veterans finds link between poor sleep quality and reduced gray matter

A new study of Gulf War veterans found an association between poor sleep quality and reduced gray matter volume in the brain's frontal lobe, which helps control important processes such as working memory and executive function.

3 Mar 2014

Study explores risks associated with using herbal cannabis for treatment of rheumatic conditions

Patients with rheumatic conditions are in need of symptom relief and some are turning to herbal cannabis as a treatment option. However, the effectiveness and safety of medical marijuana to treat symptoms of rheumatic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or fibromyalgia is not supported by medical evidence.

3 Mar 2014

Study establishes innovative approaches to improve vision of young children with brain tumor

Robert Avery, DO, MSCE, of Children's National Health System and colleagues are establishing innovative approaches with technology and medication to improve the vision of young children who have visual pathway glioma, a type of brain tumor.

3 Mar 2014

Scientists unveil role of microRNAs in regulating neuroblastoma, pointing to new therapeutic possibilities

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common and lethal types of childhood cancers. In a paper published online today in OncoTarget, a researcher at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio unveils the important role of microRNAs in regulating neuroblastoma development, pointing to new therapeutic possibilities.

3 Mar 2014

Max Planck scientists identify new mechanisms in cellular stress response

When an organism is exposed to life-threatening conditions, it sounds the alarm and a cellular emergency program, the heat shock response, is initiated.

3 Mar 2014

Medical Research News

Twin brains reveal similar progressions of neuropathological changes

Scientists uncover key mechanism of gene regulation

Scientists map key elements of immune overreaction triggered by influenza virus infection

Light-activated drug delivery holds promise for treating cancer

3D structure of enzyme helps defend against bacteria

People with learning disabilities have lower life expectancy, suffer physical disabilities, chronic conditions

Deficient hygiene routines make it difficult to eradicate multi-resistant bacterium

Despite prevention strategies, suicide rates among young men remain high

New web portal to speed discovery of genes responsible for rare disorders

Sunburn causes melanoma through direct and indirect processes

Same food may trigger both allergies, say experts

Leading experts focus on challenges and opportunities affecting fight against cancer

Researchers find unusual mutation strongly linked to rare liver cancer that affects teens

Research: Beneficial and toxic roles of brain glycogen

Higher intake of fish increases number of large HDL particles, says study

Study of Gulf War veterans finds link between poor sleep quality and reduced gray matter

Study explores risks associated with using herbal cannabis for treatment of rheumatic conditions

Study establishes innovative approaches to improve vision of young children with brain tumor

Scientists unveil role of microRNAs in regulating neuroblastoma, pointing to new therapeutic possibilities

Max Planck scientists identify new mechanisms in cellular stress response

Leveraging the power of automation to boost research

Automating research - solutions and best practices

How can microdialysis benefit drug development

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