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Two bacterial species collaborate to drive development of colon cancers

Patients with an inherited form of colon cancer harbor two bacterial species that collaborate to encourage development of the disease, and the same species have been found in people who develop a sporadic form of colon cancer, a study led by a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy research team finds.

1 Feb 2018

Harvard scientists identify molecular machinery responsible for dopamine release in the brain

Studied for decades for its critical role in movement control and reward-seeking behaviors, the neurotransmitter dopamine has been the focus of numerous efforts to understand its activity, particularly when it goes awry in disorders such as Parkinson's and addiction.

1 Feb 2018

Study identifies new potential target for treatment of blood disorders

UCLA researchers, in collaboration with the University of Iowa, discovered the contribution of a specific gene in the proper development of blood cells that give rise to hematopoietic stem cells.

1 Feb 2018

Scientists identify new approach to enhance bone healing

When a patient breaks a bone, there's a possibility the fracture won't heal properly or quickly -- even with the aid of pins, plates or a cast.

1 Feb 2018

Exploring the Future of Breast Cancer Risk Assessment

An interview with Dr Gareth Evans about the future of breast cancer screening and the implementation of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profiling.

1 Feb 2018

Scientists discover the genetic cause of immune disorders

Scientists from the Cincinnati Children’s have successfully identified a gene mutation that affects T cell function and promotes immune disorders.

1 Feb 2018

Researchers develop gene therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Researchers have successfully identified the genetic cause of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and have shown success in trials of a new gene therapy.

1 Feb 2018

Steven R. Brant shines light on genetic causes for IBD

Whether he is sailboat racing on the Chesapeake Bay or researching genetic causes for inflammatory bowel disease, Steven R. Brant values one quality above all others: a strong team.

31 Jan 2018

Scientists discover role of two specific HOX genes in colon cancer development

In breakthrough colon cancer research, scientists at Christiana Care Health System's Center for Translational Cancer Research of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute have discovered that over-expression of HOXA4 and HOXA9 genes in colon cancer stem cells promotes cell replication and contributes to the overpopulation of stem cells that drives colon cancer development.

31 Jan 2018

Researchers advance understanding of abnormal mineral accumulation in arteries

A team of researchers from McGill University has advanced the scientific understanding of abnormal mineral accumulation in arteries, a complication often seen in patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetes. Mineralized arteries may affect heart functions, leading to death in some instances.

31 Jan 2018

Stealth gene shuttles open up new avenues to treat aggressive cancers

Viruses have their own genetic material and can infect human cells in a very specific manner. They will then reproduce as directed by their own genes but using the resources of the host cell.

31 Jan 2018

Discovery of molecular nets may lead to new treatment approach for heart failure

Local researchers have discovered that a group of molecules, called chondroitin sulfate, normally found only in connective tissues such as the cartilage, accumulates and causes inflammation in the hearts of patients with heart failure.

31 Jan 2018

Vigorous physical activity and fitness needed to cut heart disease risk in teenagers

Guidelines for teenagers should stress the importance of vigorous physical activity and fitness to cut the risk of heart disease, new research suggests. Current NHS guidelines say people aged 5 to 18 should do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day to improve their current and future health.

31 Jan 2018

Inhaled carbon dioxide triggers group of neurons responsible for arousal

Breathing too much carbon dioxide can be deadly, but it can happen during sleep if a particular sleeping position causes an obstructed airway or because of a medical condition like sleep apnea.

30 Jan 2018

Expert panel releases updated guidelines for lung cancer molecular testing

Lung cancer treatment often pairs targeted therapies with genetic alterations driving the disease. This makes detecting these genetic alterations an essential step in diagnosis.

30 Jan 2018

Researchers use gene therapy that lengthens telomeres to cure pulmonary fibrosis in mice

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a potentially lethal disease associated with the presence of critically short telomeres, currently lacking effective treatment.

30 Jan 2018

Scientists discover how gene mutation affects T cell function to promote immune disorders

Scientists discovered how a gene mutation affects T cell function to promote immune disorders and then tested a treatment based on the discovery - successfully fixing donated immune cells from a 16-year-old boy with an abnormally low level of white blood cells called lymphopenia.

30 Jan 2018

Researchers discover link between rheumatoid arthritis and bacteria in milk

A strain of bacteria commonly found in milk and beef may be a trigger for developing rheumatoid arthritis in people who are genetically at risk, according to a new study from the University of Central Florida.

30 Jan 2018

Study provides novel insights into evolutionary pathways of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a form of cancer associated with the highest mortality rates in the world. Genetic changes that could explain his aggressiveness and early metastasis had not been found yet.

30 Jan 2018

Study lays groundwork for using PD-1 inhibitors against aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer

One type of immunotherapy removes a genetic blindfold that cancer uses to hide from the immune system. These "PD-1 inhibitors", including drugs like pembrolizumab, nivolumab and atezolizumab, have proven useful and have even in some cases revolutionized the treatment of common adult cancers ranging from melanoma, to lung cancer, to kidney cancer and more.

30 Jan 2018