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Understanding protein evolution

Highlighting an important but unexplored area of evolution, scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have found evidence that, over hundreds of millions of years, an essential protein has evolved chiefly by changing how it moves, rather than by changing its basic molecular structure. The work has implications not only for the understanding of protein evolution, but also for the design of antibiotics and other drugs that target the protein in question.

30 Sep 2013

Study reveals new findings on role of psychotherapy in regulating serotonin receptors

A paper published in the current issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics provides new findings on the role of psychotherapy in regulating serotonin receptors.

30 Sep 2013

Study examines new method for beating PTSD related to childhood sexual abuse

A new method for overcoming post-traumatic stress disorder related to childhood sexual abuse has been tested and findings are published in the current issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.

30 Sep 2013

Men with prostate cancer experience more harm than good from routine PSA screening

Prostate cancer screening using the prostate-specific antigen test is widely used in France despite a lack of evidence showing that it reduces cancer deaths. Now, researchers have shown that men experience more harm than good from routine PSA screening, according to research to be presented today (Monday) by Professor Mathieu Boniol, at the 2013 European Cancer Congress.

30 Sep 2013

Biology of tumour more important than primary site, say researchers

Identifying the molecular profile of a tumour where the primary site is unknown is crucial to the choice of treatment, the 2013 European Cancer Congress, will hear on Monday.

30 Sep 2013

Scientists discover two new compounds that could help treat CF patients having common mutation

Cystic fibrosis is a lethal genetic disorder that in France affects one child per 4,500 births. An international team led by scientists at the Institut Fédératif de Recherche Necker-Enfants Malades (CNRS/Inserm/Université Paris Descartes), led by Aleksander Edelman, has recently discovered two new compounds that could be used to treat patients carrying the most common mutation.

30 Sep 2013

Study suggests relationship between smoking history, response to inhibiting PD-L1/PD-1 pathway

New results from a trial of an antibody that helps the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells have shown particularly encouraging responses in patients who are smokers or former smokers.

30 Sep 2013

GW SPHHS awarded three grants to research on critical public health problems

The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services has been awarded three large grants for projects that will look for innovative solutions to some of the nation's most pressing public health challenges.

30 Sep 2013

Chinese and Western medicine combination could offer new hope for cancer treatments, therapies

Combining traditional forms of Chinese and Western medicine could offer new hope for developing new treatments for liver, lung, colorectal cancers and osteosarcoma of the bones.

30 Sep 2013

Oxytocin helps humans accept others, study finds

Oxytocin - often referred to as the 'love hormone' because of its ability to promote mother-infant attachment and romantic bonding in adults - could also make us more accepting of other people, as found in new research, "Oxytocin Sharpens Self-other Perceptual Boundary," by Neuropsychoanalysis Foundation research grantee Valentina Colonnello Ph.D. published online today in Psychoneuroendocrinology.

30 Sep 2013

Health expenditure link to cancer survival in Europe

The more an EU national government spends on health, the fewer the deaths after a cancer diagnosis in that country, according to new research to be presented to the 2013 European Cancer Congress today (Sunday) and published simultaneously in the leading cancer journal Annals of Oncology.

30 Sep 2013

Department of Defense backs tissue-engineering research for soldiers, civilians

A $75 million Department of Defense grant to improve technologies to treat soldiers injured on the battlefield and advance care for the public will involve bioengineers at Rice University and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

30 Sep 2013

Diabetic patients at greater risk of breast, colon cancer

Diabetes is linked to an increased risk of developing cancer, and now researchers have performed a unique meta-analysis that excludes all other causes of death and found that diabetic patients not only have an increased risk of developing breast and colon cancer but an even higher risk of dying from them.

30 Sep 2013

New treatment methods aim to help people reduce binge-eating behavior

Two new treatment methods under investigation at Drexel University aim to help people reduce binge-eating behavior.

30 Sep 2013

Colorectal cancer in younger people appears to be more aggressive

Younger patients with colorectal cancer that has spread (metastasised) to other parts of the body represent a high-risk group that is less likely to respond to anti-cancer treatments.

29 Sep 2013

Colorectal cancer screening in European countries highly effective in reducing mortality

Screening for colorectal cancer in European countries is highly effective in reducing mortality from the disease. Some of the resources currently being devoted to breast and prostate screening programmes, where the evidence of effectiveness is much less clear-cut, should be reallocated to the early detection of CRC, the 2013 European Cancer Congress will hear today (Sunday).

29 Sep 2013

Doing yoga during menopause linked to less insomnia

Taking a 12-week yoga class and practicing at home was linked to less insomnia-but not to fewer or less bothersome hot flashes or night sweats. The link between yoga and better sleep was the only statistically significant finding in this MsFLASH (Menopause Strategies: Finding Lasting Answers for Symptoms and Health) Network randomized controlled trial.

29 Sep 2013

Biochemists discover promising vitamin D-based treatment that can halt MS

A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is a hard lot. Patients typically get the diagnosis around age 30 after experiencing a series of neurological problems such as blurry vision, wobbly gait or a numb foot. From there, this neurodegenerative disease follows an unforgiving course.

29 Sep 2013

Study provides new insights into type 1 diabetes pathology

Joslin researchers have identified immune cells that promote growth of beta cells in type 1 diabetes. This study provides further evidence of a changed role for immune cells in type 1 diabetes pathology. The study appears online today and will also appear in the January issue of Diabetes.

29 Sep 2013

Researchers discover severe health consequences of folic acid deficiency

Researchers from the universities of Calgary and Cambridge, UK, have discovered that a mutation in a gene necessary for the metabolism of folic acid not only impacts immediate offspring but can also have detrimental health effects, such as spina bifida and heart abnormalities, on subsequent generations.

29 Sep 2013