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Study shows precision medicine improves outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients

A study published today by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Perthera, Inc., and colleagues in the AACR journal Clinical Cancer Research found for the first time that precision medicine can improve outcomes and provide clinically meaningful information to pancreatic cancer patients.

28 Jun 2018

Researchers find link between mutations in TRAF7 gene and multisystem disorder

A group of seven patients presenting with a similar disorder of unknown origin now know of a possible genetic root of their condition.

28 Jun 2018

Genetic biomarker can help predict survival outcomes in patients with certain gliomas

A DNA-level biomarker (MGMT promoter methylation) can be used to help predict survival outcomes in patients with high-risk, low-grade gliomas, according to a new study conducted through the NRG Oncology/RTOG collaborative clinical trials group and led by scientists at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

28 Jun 2018

Achieving the WHO’s Global Action Plan for Dementia

One year on from the WHO's Global Action Plan for Dementia, Dr. Matthew Norton from Alzheimer's Research UK discusses the steps that have been taken so far, and whether we are likely to meet the 2025 target.

28 Jun 2018

Geriatric assessments could fine-tune cancer care for older adults

In a move to improve cancer care for older adults, the American Society of Clinical Oncology is recommending that all patients age 65 and older receive a geriatric assessment when considering or undergoing chemotherapy.

28 Jun 2018

Rethinking current method paves way for new, personalized cancer diagnostics

All diseases have a genetic component. Advances in understanding the genetic mechanisms behind these disease enables the development of early diagnostic tests, new treatments, or interventions to prevent disease onset or minimize disease severity.

28 Jun 2018

Breast cancer studies not taking sufficient account of race, socioeconomic factors

Studies of breast cancer risk and treatment outcomes are not taking sufficient account of race/ethnicity, economic status, education level, health insurance status and other social factors, according to scientists at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

28 Jun 2018

FDA approves cannabis based drug for severe form of epilepsy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the 25th of June 2018 approved Epidiolex oral solution that is essentially cannabidiol or the active component of marijuana or cannabis. As of now the drug is approved for use in two rare forms of epilepsy - Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. The approval comes for individuals over two years of age.

28 Jun 2018

New conference to establish roadmap for treatment-focused research on smell and taste disorders

The Monell Center, in partnership with the University of Florida Center for Smell and Taste and the Rocky Mountain Taste and Smell Center at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, will host an interdisciplinary two-day conference in November 2018 to establish a roadmap for treatment-focused research on smell and taste disorders.

27 Jun 2018

Texas A&M research paves way for more DNA studies

Dr. Wonmuk Hwang, associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University, is researching the mechanics of DNA, the blueprint of the human body.

27 Jun 2018

Walnut consumption linked to lower prevalence of type 2 diabetes

A new epidemiological study representing more than 34,000 American adults suggests that those who consume walnuts may have about half the risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to adults who do not eat nuts.

27 Jun 2018

Study details role of dopamine in unlearning fear

Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science have discovered a circuit in the brain that is necessary for unlearning fear. Published in Nature Communications, the study details the role of dopamine in ensuring that rats stop being afraid when there isn't anything to be afraid of anymore.

27 Jun 2018

Study provides insight into development of autism in the human brain

In a study published in Stem Cell Reports, a McGill team of scientists led by Dr. Carl Ernst, researcher at the Douglas Hospital Research Centre, revealed a molecular mechanism that may play a role in the development of autism.

27 Jun 2018

New study finds way to help treat alcohol addiction and ease withdrawal symptoms

According to a new study by Scripps Research scientists, activating a receptor found in brain cells may help treat alcohol addiction and ease some withdrawal symptoms. The researchers studied the effects of activating the receptor in alcohol-addicted rats and reported the results today in the journal eNeuro.

27 Jun 2018

UPMC and Pitt announce launch of advanced genome sequencing center

UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh today announced the launch of an advanced genome sequencing center to support clinical diagnostics and research initiatives in precision medicine and immunotherapy.

27 Jun 2018

AI could improve clinical diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer

Researchers in Sweden have shown how data-driven AI could contribute to a better understanding of how prostate cancer develops, and even improve clinical diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

26 Jun 2018

Study finds byproduct of common prostate cancer drug can stimulate growth of tumor cells

A genetic anomaly in certain men with prostate cancer may impact their response to common drugs used to treat the disease, according to new research at Cleveland Clinic. The findings may provide important information for identifying which patients potentially fare better when treated with an alternate therapy.

26 Jun 2018

Special collection of papers highlights research on craniofacial genetics

Our faces can reveal a lot about us, and now scientists are revealing a lot about faces. PLOS Genetics announces a special collection of papers to highlight recent advances in our understanding of how faces form, curated by Seth Weinberg of the University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues.

26 Jun 2018

Microbiologists and plant scientists pinpoint genetic weakness in cholera pandemic's armor

While cholera rages across many regions of the world, a team of microbiologists and plant scientists has pinpointed a genetic weakness in the pandemic's armor, which could lead to future treatments.

26 Jun 2018

Scientists discover and characterize new toxin in cholera bacteria

The bacterium Vibrio cholerae was discovered more than 150 years ago but remains as one of the main causes of bacterial infectious disease globally, especially in low-income nations where it occurs endemic, and outbreaks of cholera disease can lead to major epidemics.

26 Jun 2018