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Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a biologically important type of molecule that consists of a long chain of nucleotide units. Each nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base, a ribose sugar, and a phosphate.

New research gives unprecedented view of colorectal cancer genetic makeup

Researchers provided a comprehensive genomic characterization of colorectal carcinoma, a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, through whole-genome sequencing of 2,023 samples, identifying novel driver genes, molecular subgroups, and potential clinical implications.

15 Aug 2024

Engineering extracellular vesicles for potential treatment of type 1 diabetes

Within each of us lies an army of cells whose topmost duty is protecting against external pathogens and internal threats such as proliferating cancer cells.

14 Aug 2024

Midlife and early senior years marked by dramatic molecular shifts

If it's ever felt like everything in your body is breaking down at once, that might not be your imagination. A new Stanford Medicine study shows that many of our molecules and microorganisms dramatically rise or fall in number during our 40s and 60s.

14 Aug 2024

Early detection key to beating ovarian cancer

'Symptom triggered testing', prompted by symptoms such as pain, abdominal bloating/swelling, and feeling full soon after starting to eat, can pick up early stage aggressive ovarian cancer in 1 in 4 of those affected, finds a data analysis, published online in the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer.

14 Aug 2024

Novel vaccination strategy shows promise in boosting immunity and controlling influenza spread in pigs

Study demonstrates that a novel prime/boost vaccination protocol using live-attenuated influenza vaccines effectively induces strong immune responses in pigs, offering a promising approach for future influenza vaccination strategies.

13 Aug 2024

New breast cell atlas sheds light on genetic ancestry's role in cancer development

Researchers at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center have completed the most extensive mapping of healthy breast cells to date.

12 Aug 2024

Brain circuits connecting stress to gut bacteria reveal new pathways for immune regulation

Researchers have discovered a brain-gut circuit that links stress to changes in gut bacteria, revealing that emotional states can directly influence immune function through the duodenal glands.

11 Aug 2024

Enzyme blockade improves memory updating in older mice

Everyone has moments of forgetfulness from time to time, especially as we get older. But older adults don't just have difficulty remembering new information.

9 Aug 2024

DeepPBS: A geometric AI model for accurate prediction of protein-DNA binding specificity

A new artificial intelligence model developed by USC researchers and published in Nature Methods can predict how different proteins may bind to DNA with accuracy across different types of protein, a technological advance that promises to reduce the time required to develop new drugs and other medical treatments.

9 Aug 2024

Columbia study reveals bacteria create free-floating genes, challenging genetic code norms

Since the genetic code was first deciphered in the 1960s, our genes seemed like an open book. By reading and decoding our chromosomes as linear strings of letters, like sentences in a novel, we can identify the genes in our genome and learn why changes in a gene's code affect health.

9 Aug 2024

Cross-reactive T cells link SARS-CoV-2 to autoimmune triggers in MIS-C

Research identifies cross-reactive T cells targeting both SARS-CoV-2 and human SNX8 protein, providing insights into the autoimmune mechanisms driving MIS-C in children.

8 Aug 2024

Sensory nerves drive breast cancer growth and spread, study reveals

Cancer doesn't grow in a vacuum - each tumor grows in a particular microenvironment within the body and spreads through a tangled web of vasculature and nerves.

7 Aug 2024

KAUST researchers uncover LINE-1 RNA’s role in triggering bone repair

Around half of the human genome is composed of DNA fragments originating from ancient viruses. These "transposable elements" (TEs) are now known to play various roles in modulating gene expression and disease development.

7 Aug 2024

Understanding the age gap in leukemia survival rates

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) affects both children and adults, but children have better chances to be cured, with long-term survival rates over 85% compared to 50-75% in adults. Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital conducted a comprehensive study to understand the biological causes driving this difference. The work, published today in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, provides a blueprint for understanding B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), the most common form of the disease.

7 Aug 2024

METRNL protein identified as key player in cancer progression

A protein called Meteorin-like (METRNL) in the tumor microenvironment saps energy from T cells, thereby severely limiting their ability to fight cancer, according to new research directed by investigators at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and its Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. Finding ways to block the effects of METRNL signaling on tumor-infiltrating T cells may allow these immune cells to regain the energy necessary to eliminate tumors.

7 Aug 2024

Study uncovers roles of certain brain cells in Alzheimer's plaque formation

A study in Nature Neuroscience found that both neurons and oligodendrocytes contribute to amyloid-β plaque burden in Alzheimer's disease, highlighting new therapeutic targets.

7 Aug 2024

Study reveals impact of climate change on enterovirus outbreaks

Outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), which causes fever and rash in young children, typically occur in the summer months.

6 Aug 2024

Beckman Coulter Life Sciences and Illumina Accelerate Oncology Research with Launch of TruSight Oncology 500 DNA/RNA Application

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From Beckman Coulter Life Sciences - Flow Cytometry 6 Aug 2024

Valproic acid shows promise in reducing COVID-19 severity and hospitalization

Researchers found that valproic acid (VPA), especially when combined with DHA, significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and severity, potentially activating antiviral mechanisms. Epidemiologic data support VPA's role in reducing COVID-19 severity and hospitalization rates.

6 Aug 2024

UCLA launches groundbreaking clinical trial for vaccine targeting aggressive pediatric brain cancer

In an effort to combat one of the most lethal forms of pediatric brain cancer, researchers at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are launching a first-of-its-kind clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a cancer vaccine targeting H3 G34-mutant diffuse hemispheric glioma, a highly aggressive brain tumor that is typically found in adolescents and young adults.

5 Aug 2024