Model tumors identify best drugs for bowel cancer before treatment

Researchers have created model tumors using the tissues of patients with advanced bowel cancer and used them to predict how the disease will respond to specific drug therapies – before treatment begins. Found to be 83% accurate, the pioneering approach… Continue reading Model tumors identify best drugs for bowel cancer before treatment

Breast cancer ‘cells-of-origin’ & their vulnerability uncovered

Researchers have identified the likely ‘cells-of-origin’ that can lead to breast cancer in women who carry a mutated BRCA2 gene, and uncovered their vulnerability. Targeting the cells with an existing cancer drug slowed tumor progression, opening the d… Continue reading Breast cancer ‘cells-of-origin’ & their vulnerability uncovered

Rethinking cancer? Study reveals mutant protein’s role in tumor growth

A new study has, for the first time, settled the debate about how a mutated protein present in half of all human cancers drives tumor growth. The discovery will not only facilitate a rethink of the way cancer is treated but may lead to new and improved… Continue reading Rethinking cancer? Study reveals mutant protein’s role in tumor growth

“Explosive” cell death gene variant carried by millions of people

Researchers have found that millions worldwide carry a gene variant that controls ‘explosive’ cell death linked to inflammation. They say it may explain why some people are prone to developing inflammatory diseases and potentially lead to the developme… Continue reading “Explosive” cell death gene variant carried by millions of people

Repurposed blood cancer drug could remove need for lifelong HIV meds

A new study has repurposed an existing blood cancer drug, using it to eliminate dormant HIV-infected cells that can cause the infection to reactivate when suppressive antiretroviral treatment is interrupted. The drug could change the lives of people wi… Continue reading Repurposed blood cancer drug could remove need for lifelong HIV meds

“Unconventional” mechanism underlying Parkinson’s disease discovered

Researchers have discovered the mechanism by which the protein optineurin creates 'garbage bags' (green) around damaged mitochondria (red), marking them for removal

We may be one step closer to developing a treatment for Parkinson’s disease, thanks to new Australian research that has discovered how a protein called optineurin works in a distinct way to clear damaged mitochondria from the brain.

Continue Reading

Category: Medical, Science

Tags: , , ,

Continue reading “Unconventional” mechanism underlying Parkinson’s disease discovered

Molecule that mimics insulin opens new doors for a diabetes pill

Regular insulin injections to keep blood-sugar levels in check are a harsh reality for many sufferers of diabetes, but ongoing progress towards oral alternatives offer cause for optimism. Scientists in Australia have opened up some new possibilities in… Continue reading Molecule that mimics insulin opens new doors for a diabetes pill

Enzyme “sugar tag” blocks excess cell death behind chronic inflammation

Uncontrolled inflammation in the human body can drive a variety of serious health conditions, including cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, so discoveries around how it works can benefit the field of medicine in wide-ranging ways. A new example of this il… Continue reading Enzyme “sugar tag” blocks excess cell death behind chronic inflammation

Targeting “boot camp” enzyme could fight autoimmune diseases and cancer

A new understanding of the way the body teaches immune cells to fight off threats has raised hopes of advanced treatments for autoimmune conditions, and possibly other diseases such as cancer. The discovery centers on an enzyme that plays a key role in… Continue reading Targeting “boot camp” enzyme could fight autoimmune diseases and cancer

Live view of mysterious Parkinson’s protein points to new treatments

Artist's impression of degenerating neurons

For around a decade, scientists researching Parkinson’s disease have been probing a pathway involved in the way brain cells process energy, and now a mystery around the role of a particular protein has been solved. The team has produced an unprecedented “live action” view that shows how this protein is activated, providing researchers with a blueprint for therapies that help prevent cell death associated with the condition.

Continue Reading

Category: Medical, Science

Tags: , , , ,

Continue reading Live view of mysterious Parkinson’s protein points to new treatments