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CtIP protein plays a critical role in DNA repair

La Jolla, CA-In order to preserve our DNA, cells have developed an intricate system for monitoring and repairing DNA damage. Yet precisely how the initial damage signal is converted into a repair response remains unclear. Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have now solved a crucial piece of the complex puzzle.

28 Dec 2009

Study suggests Fanconi Anemia and Bloom's Syndrome proteins may act in common DNA repair pathway

A new study establishes a molecular link that bridges two rare inherited disorders and explains why these diseases result in genetic instability. The research, published by Cell Press in the December 24th issue of the journal Molecular Cell, may lead to a better understanding of the complex mechanisms that enable cells to repair damaged DNA.

28 Dec 2009

Disinfectants can promote growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Using disinfectants could cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics as well as the disinfectant itself, according to research published in the January issue of Microbiology.

28 Dec 2009

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine identify a critical component, Jarid2

Like a child awaiting the arrival of Christmas, embryonic stem cells exist in a state of permanent anticipation. They must balance the ability to quickly become more specialized cell types with the cellular chaos that could occur should they act too early (stop shaking those presents, kids!).

28 Dec 2009

Study shows vitamin C can facilitate the generation of embryonic stem cells from adult cells

Famous for its antioxidant properties and role in tissue repair, vitamin C is touted as beneficial for illnesses ranging from the common cold to cancer and perhaps even for slowing the aging process. Now, a study published online on December 24th by Cell Press in the journal Cell Stem Cell uncovers an unexpected new role for this natural compound: facilitating the generation of embryonic-like stem cells from adult cells.

28 Dec 2009

Test tube experiments show slight changes in protein chemistry can eliminate Huntington's disease in mice

In Huntington's disease, a mutated protein in the body becomes toxic to brain cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that a small region adjacent to the mutated segment plays a major role in the toxicity. Two new studies supported by the National Institutes of Health show that very slight changes to this region can eliminate signs of Huntington's disease in mice.

28 Dec 2009

Discovery of beta cell defending enzyme raises hope for new treatments against diabetes

Cells in your body are constantly churning out poisonous forms of oxygen (oxidants) and mopping them up with a countervailing force of proteins and chemicals (anti-oxidants).

28 Dec 2009

Findings may shed light on the origins of autism and attention deficit disorders

Like a spotlight that illuminates an otherwise dark scene, attention brings to mind specific details of our environment while shutting others out. A new study by researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies shows that the superior colliculus, a brain structure that primarily had been known for its role in the control of eye and head movements, is crucial for moving the mind's spotlight.

28 Dec 2009

Discovery of protein transport promotes new research on spinal defects

Spinal cord disorders like spina bifida arise during early development when future spinal cord cells growing in a flat layer fail to roll up into a tube. In the Dec. 6 issue of Nature Cell Biology, researchers from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine team with colleagues at the University of California, Berkeley to report a never-before known link between protein transport and mouse spinal cord development, a discovery that opens new doors for research on all spinal defects.

27 Dec 2009

Self-seeding process of cancer cells can enhance tumor growth, says study

Cancer progression is commonly thought of as a process involving the growth of a primary tumor followed by metastasis, in which cancer cells leave the primary tumor and spread to distant organs.

27 Dec 2009

Scientists uncover a central process in memory encoding

Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have made a major discovery in how the brain encodes memories. The finding, published in the December 24 issue of the journal Neuron, could eventually lead to the development of new drugs to aid memory.

24 Dec 2009

E2F1 transcription factor inhibition reduces EGFR expression and invasive potential of melanoma cells

Inhibition of transcription factor E2F1 reduced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and reduced the invasive potential but not proliferation of metastatic melanoma cells, according to a brief communication published online December 23 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

24 Dec 2009

Study reveals genomic switches separate autoimmune disorders in different clusters

Genomic switches can predispose an individual to one set of autoimmune disorders but protect the same person against another set of them, scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have found.

24 Dec 2009

Key molecular switch linked to HD identified

Scientists have identified a key molecular switch that may drive the onset of Huntington's disease (HD), an incurable neurodegenerative disorder that leads to severe disruptions in muscle coordination and cognitive function. The research, published by Cell Press in the December 24 issue of the journal Neuron, enhances the understanding of HD pathogenesis and may direct new strategies for treating this devastating brain disease.

24 Dec 2009

Potential new therapeutic option for prevention of PD-associated neuropathology

Scientists have identified a synergistic interaction that disrupts normal intracellular transport mechanisms and leads to the accumulation of neuron-damaging clumps of protein associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by a specific loss of neurons in the midbrain and brainstem. The research, published by Cell Press in the December 24 issue of the journal Neuron, identifies a new potential therapeutic option for preventing PD-associated neuropathology.

24 Dec 2009

Changes in sleep patterns predict onset of puberty, says new study

Are your 11- and 12-year-olds staying up later, then dozing off at school the next day? Parents and educators who notice poor sleeping patterns in their children should take note of new research from Tel Aviv University ― and prepare themselves for bigger changes to come.

24 Dec 2009

Researchers unveil complete genetic make-up of cavity-causing bacterium

Researchers have uncovered the complete genetic make-up of the cavity-causing bacterium Bifidobacterium dentium Bd1, revealing the genetic adaptations that allow this microorganism to live and cause decay in the human oral cavity.

24 Dec 2009

Learning disabilities: Understanding the problem and managing the challenges

"Trying to address learning disabilities with innovative teaching methods and creative school financing is not the answer," said Etta Brown, a licensed educational psychologist, veteran social worker and author of "Learning Disabilities, Understanding the Problem and Managing the Challenges" from Langdon Street Press (www.understandingld.com).

24 Dec 2009

New compound may halt drug-resistant lung cancer

The ability to make, test, and map the atomic structure of new anti-cancer agents has enabled a team of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists to discover a compound capable of halting a common type of drug-resistant lung cancer.

24 Dec 2009

Brain training may enhance specific ability, but no scientific proof exists for overall mental fitness

Many brain training products claim to be able to keep us mentally fit. Some products even claim that brain training can prevent dementia in old age. But there is no scientific proof that games or other brain exercises can have this effect.

24 Dec 2009

Medical Science News

CtIP protein plays a critical role in DNA repair

Study suggests Fanconi Anemia and Bloom's Syndrome proteins may act in common DNA repair pathway

Disinfectants can promote growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine identify a critical component, Jarid2

Study shows vitamin C can facilitate the generation of embryonic stem cells from adult cells

Test tube experiments show slight changes in protein chemistry can eliminate Huntington's disease in mice

Discovery of beta cell defending enzyme raises hope for new treatments against diabetes

Findings may shed light on the origins of autism and attention deficit disorders

Discovery of protein transport promotes new research on spinal defects

Self-seeding process of cancer cells can enhance tumor growth, says study

Scientists uncover a central process in memory encoding

E2F1 transcription factor inhibition reduces EGFR expression and invasive potential of melanoma cells

Study reveals genomic switches separate autoimmune disorders in different clusters

Key molecular switch linked to HD identified

Potential new therapeutic option for prevention of PD-associated neuropathology

Changes in sleep patterns predict onset of puberty, says new study

Researchers unveil complete genetic make-up of cavity-causing bacterium

Learning disabilities: Understanding the problem and managing the challenges

New compound may halt drug-resistant lung cancer

Brain training may enhance specific ability, but no scientific proof exists for overall mental fitness

How can microdialysis benefit drug development

Global and Local Efforts to Take Action Against Hepatitis

Addressing Important Cardiac Biology Questions with Shotgun Top-Down Proteomics

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