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Study paves way for therapies against myeloid-derived suppressor cells that collude with cancer

Some cells excite the immune system. Others soothe it. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are one type of soothing cell, and previous work shows that cancer may specifically boost production of MDSCs as a way to tamp down immune response against tumors. At least that's how it works in mice.

3 Feb 2017

Johns Hopkins scientists reveal extra centrosomes can promote tumor formation in mice

When a cell is dividing, two identical structures, called centrosomes, move to opposite sides of the cell to help separate its chromosomes into the new cells.

28 Jan 2017

Timing of chemotherapy can have big effect on inflammation, study shows

The time of day that breast cancer chemotherapy drugs are given affects the amount of damaging inflammation in the body, a new study in mice suggests.

24 Jan 2017

Novel noninvasive method precisely tweaks brain activity in rats using ultrasound pulses

Biomedical engineers at Johns Hopkins report they have worked out a noninvasive way to release and deliver concentrated amounts of a drug to the brain of rats in a temporary, localized manner using ultrasound.

23 Jan 2017

Study reveals brain activity may be key to link between stress and heart disease

Increased activity in a deep-lying region of the brain called the amygdala is associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, according to a study published in The Lancet. The amygdala is known to process emotions such as fear and anger and the finding sheds light on the possible mechanism by which stress can lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD), say the study authors.

12 Jan 2017

A Chain of Life for a Rare Neurodegenerative Disease

Researchers in Japan have improved a potential treatment for a rare genetic disease, decreasing its negative toxic effects by threading it onto a dumb-bell-shaped chain and holding it in place until it reaches its target.

22 Dec 2016

Dual treatment strategies lengthen lives of mice with skin cancer

By combining two treatment strategies, both aimed at boosting the immune system's killer T cells, Johns Hopkins researchers report they lengthened the lives of mice with skin cancer more than by using either strategy on its own.

21 Dec 2016

Study provides new insights into fundamental characteristics of dendritic cells

Dendritic cells represent an important component of the immune system: they recognize and engulf invaders, which subsequently triggers a pathogen-specific immune response.

17 Dec 2016

How old is your heart?

There have been a number of ways to measure the biological health and age of your heart, which has been done conventionally in the past. Blood pressure is one indicator. Other risk indicators include family history of heart disease, level of cholesterol and exercise testing, where you can get heart rate...

From iHeart - VitalSines International Inc. 1 Dec 2016

FDG PET-CT imaging helps assess anatomical structure and metabolic activity in patients with GLILD

A new proof of concept study has shown that an imaging technique more commonly used to assess cancer patients may also be of help in assessing disease and treatment effects in patients with inflammatory diseases.

30 Nov 2016

UAB researchers show how aging and excess dietary fat lead to heart failure

In mouse experiments, University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers have shown how aging and excess dietary fat create signals that lead to heart failure after a heart attack.

17 Nov 2016

Leishmaniasis infection rates increase among ecotourists, soldiers in the U.S.

Driven by burgeoning ecotourism and military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, a parasitic infection called leishmaniasis is showing up in more U.S. patients, often stumping doctors.

15 Nov 2016

New research uncovers role of spleen in long-term anxiety following psychological stress

Scientists are uncovering clues to what might be unfolding in the relationship between the brain and immune system in those who suffer from long-term repercussions of stress.

14 Nov 2016

New Australian research shows how immune system avoids attacking own tissues with antibodies

New Australian research has shown how the immune system avoids attacking its own tissues with antibodies - whilst still maintaining a strong defence against invaders.

11 Nov 2016

Scientists discover previously unknown mechanism that prevents autoimmune disease

A previously unknown safety mechanism in our immune system keeps the body free from autoimmune diseases.

1 Nov 2016

Gene therapy may be effective method for treating Niemann-Pick disease, type C1

For the first time, National Institutes of Health researchers have demonstrated in mice that gene therapy may be the best method for correcting the single faulty gene that causes Niemann-Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1).

26 Oct 2016

Neu5Gc common in red meat increases risk of tumor formation

Neu5Gc, a non-human sialic acid sugar molecule common in red meat that increases the risk of tumor formation in humans, is also prevalent in pig organs, with concentrations increasing as the organs are cooked, a study by researchers from the UC Davis School of Medicine and Xiamen University School of Medicine has found.

19 Oct 2016

Study finds new therapeutic target to prevent progression of rare blood cancer

In a laboratory study, Upstate Medical University researcher Golam Mohi, Ph.D., his graduate student Yue Yang, and colleagues, have found that the loss of gene EZH2 promotes the development of Myelofibrosis (MF) in mice.

7 Oct 2016

Discovery of immune antibody could lead to development of improved influenza vaccines

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute investigators report they have discovered a type of immune antibody that can rapidly evolve to neutralize a wide array of influenza virus strains - including those the body hasn't yet encountered.

14 Sep 2016

Scientists uncover new role of ChAT enzyme in regulating blood pressure

In a study published today in the prestigious journal Nature Biotechnology, scientists from The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Karolinska Institutet discovered that T-cells capable of producing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine can regulate blood pressure.

13 Sep 2016