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ALK fusion variants could influence NSCLC crizotinib response

In non-small-cell lung cancer patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangement treated with crizotinib, progression-free survival varies according to the ALK fusion variant.

1 Jul 2016

Virtual reality games fail to outplay card and ball games in stroke rehabilitation

Researchers have found inexpensive recreational activities such as playing cards or ball games are as effective add-on therapies to conventional stroke rehabilitation as virtual reality interventions.

1 Jul 2016

New technique can help identify aggressive forms of DCIS

When a woman is diagnosed with the earliest stage of breast cancer, how aggressive should her treatment be? Will the non-invasive cancer become invasive? Or is it a slow-growing variety that will likely never be harmful?

1 Jul 2016

Sheffield researchers identify novel function of C9orf72 protein linked to ALS and FTD

Scientists from the University of Sheffield have discovered a novel function of the C9orf72 protein which is linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) - giving a new insight into the most common genetic cause of the degenerative diseases.

1 Jul 2016

Itaconate can suppress pro-inflammatory activity of macrophages

An international group of scientists from US, Canada, Germany and Russia has revealed a substance produced in humans that can suppress the pro-inflammatory activity of macrophages - specific cells of immune system.

1 Jul 2016

Kataegis linked to better prognosis for breast cancer patients

Kataegis is a recently discovered phenomenon in which multiple mutations cluster in a few hotspots in a genome. The anomaly was previously found in some cancers, but it has been unclear what role kataegis plays in tumor development and patient outcomes.

1 Jul 2016

Study uses patterns of resting-state brain waves to identify quick language learners

Ever wonder why some people seem to learn new languages faster? The secret might lie in the brain activity they generate while relaxing.

1 Jul 2016

Exposure to air pollution may increase risk of kidney disease

While air pollution is known to cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, a new study indicates that it also likely causes damage to the kidneys.

30 Jun 2016

Researchers uncover how dysfunction of brain circuit may contribute to memory loss

Two interconnected brain areas - the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex - help us to know where we are and to remember it later.

30 Jun 2016

Likelihood of Zika virus outbreak not high in the U.S.

University of Alabama at Birmingham Division of Infectious Diseases professor emeritus David Freedman, M.D., is not concerned about a widespread Zika virus outbreak in the United States.

30 Jun 2016

Study shows low incidence of cancer in patients with large colorectal polyps

For the majority of patients with large or difficult to remove colorectal polyps (growths in the colon), the incidence of cancer is actually lower than previously thought, and using more advanced endoscopic techniques that spare the colon may be a better, safer alternative to a traditional operation in certain cases, according to study results published online in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons in advance of print publication.

30 Jun 2016

Drexel researchers develop computer game and mobile app to help people lose weight

Can a computer game train your brain to resist sweets? That's the question Drexel University researchers hope to answer with one of two new studies launching this month. They have developed a computer game and smartphone app to help people control unhealthy eating habits and ultimately lose weight.

30 Jun 2016

Researchers test experimental Zika virus vaccine in mice

An experimental vaccine against Zika virus developed by Brazilian and US researchers has been tested successfully in trials with mice.

30 Jun 2016

Online information can increase feelings of worry and fear among women at risk of ovarian cancer

Researchers at Cardiff University have found that online information about ovarian cancer can cause as much worry as comfort for women at high risk of developing the disease, in a new study published in ecancer.

30 Jun 2016

New study may help develop effective medication for severe pain

The nerve cells that transmit pain signals in the body are called nociceptors. When activated they release pro-inflammatory neuropeptides. In order to recognise harmful external influences, nociceptors are equipped with a wide range of receptors.

30 Jun 2016

Novel therapeutic approach may be effective for disrupting bacterial biofilms

Biofilms are communities of bacteria that adhere to a surface and are nearly impossible to eradicate when they are pathogenic, or disease-causing.

30 Jun 2016

Appetite hormone CART helps increase insulin secretion, reduce glucagon production

The study shows that the appetite hormone CART not only controls the sensation of satiety, but it also helps increase insulin secretion and decrease glucagon production.

30 Jun 2016

Inhibition behavior may help predict binge drinking habits among young adults

While there are a number of studies on alcohol misuse, most of the research has been focused on the adult population. Alcohol is the most widely used drug among young adults between the ages of 18 to 25.

30 Jun 2016

Study finds better way to evaluate operating skills of orthopaedic residents

In a small study to determine the best way to assess the operating skills of would-be orthopaedic surgeons, Johns Hopkins researchers found that tracking the trainees’ performance on cadavers using step-by-step checklists and measures of general surgical skills works well but should be coupled with an equally rigorous system for tracking errors.

30 Jun 2016

Researchers observe language learning skills through brain imaging

Learning a new language is a difficult task. It requires skills for memorizing new words, learning how to put those words together in a grammatical way, and integrating them with existing linguistic knowledge.

30 Jun 2016