Health News

X-ray laser can solve protein structures from scratch

Date: Nov-26-2013
A study shows for the first time that X-ray lasers can be used to generate a complete 3-D model of a protein without any prior knowledge of its structure.An international team of researchers working at the Department of Energy's (DOE) SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory produced from scratch an accurate model of lysozyme, a well-studied enzyme found in egg whites, using the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) X-ray laser and sophisticated computer analysis tools.The experiment proves that X-ray lasers can play a leading role in studying important biomolecules of unknown structure.

Study provides first class 1 evidence for cognitive rehabilitation in MS

Date: Nov-26-2013
Kessler Foundation researchers published the results of the MEMREHAB Trial in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, providing the first Class I evidence for the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis (MS). The article, Chiaravalloti N, Moore NB, Nikelshpur OM, DeLuca J: An RCT to treat learning impairment in MS. Neurology 2013(81), was released as an epub ahead of print on November 8. It was accompanied by an editorial: Filippi M, Rocca MA: Let's rehabilitate cognitive rehabilitation for MS. Neurology 2013(81):1-2.

'Immune gene' discovered in Neanderthals

Date: Nov-26-2013
A research group at Bonn University and international collaborators discovered a novel receptor, which allows the immune system of modern humans to recognize dangerous invaders, and subsequently elicits an immune response. The blueprint for this advantageous structure was in addition identified in the genome of Neanderthals, hinting at its origin. The receptor provided these early humans with immunity against local diseases. The presence of this receptor in Europeans but its absence in early men suggests that it was inherited from Neanderthals.

A hallmark for the development of testicular tumors found in the aberrant regulation of small non-coding RNA

Date: Nov-26-2013
Researchers from the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) in Barcelona, Spain, have studied the role of a peculiar class of small non-coding RNAs that are mainly expressed in the human male germline. Whereas messenger RNAs transmit the genetic information required for protein synthesis, non-coding RNAs are functional molecules that are never translated into proteins and have important roles in diverse cellular processes.

Esophageal cancer surgery: 'poor outcomes' with certain symptoms

Date: Nov-26-2013
A new study published in the journal Cancer reveals that patients suffering from esophageal cancer may experience different "clusters" of symptoms months after surgery, and that patients with certain clusters may be at increased risk of death from the disease.Esophageal cancer is defined as cancer of the esophagus, also known as the gullet or food pipe.According to the American Cancer Society, there are expected to be 17,930 new cases of esophageal cancer in the US this year, with 15,210 deaths from the condition.Researchers who conducted this most recent study, led by Dr.

Vaccine promises longer survival for brain tumor patients

Date: Nov-26-2013
There is encouraging news from Cedars-Sinai Medical Group - 50% of patients participating in an experimental treatment for aggressive brain tumors have survived longer than 5 years since diagnosis.Presenting their findings at the Fourth Quadrennial Meeting of the World Federation of Neuro-Oncology in San Francisco this month, the researchers reported eight of the original 16 participants in the study had defied the odds by surviving 5 years.The original trial was testing a new immune system therapy against the most malignant form of tumor - glioblastoma multiforme.

Scientists grow artificial skin from stem cells of umbilical cord

Date: Nov-26-2013
Scientists have developed a breakthrough technique to grow artificial skin - using stem cells taken from the umbilical cord. The new method means major burn patients could benefit from faster skin grafting, the researchers say, as the artificial skin can be stored and used when needed.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 410,000 burn injuries in the US in 2008, of which around 40,000 required hospitalization.Patients who have suffered severe burns may require skin grafts.

Holiday weight gain may be affected by political correctness

Date: Nov-26-2013
It's that time of year when Americans start focusing on holiday celebrations, many of which will involve high-caloric food. As the festivities proceed, so do countless tips for keeping off extra weight this season. But, there is one factor most people likely won't consider -- political correctness.Research from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business suggests you could be choosing unhealthy options to serve your guests because you don't want to offend someone else.

Link discovered between allergies and increased risk of blood cancers in women

Date: Nov-26-2013
A team of scientists looking into the interplay of the immune system and cancer have found a link between a history of airborne allergies - in particular to plants, grass and trees - with risk of blood cancers in women.Notably, the study did not find the same association in men, which suggests a possible gender-specific role in chronic stimulation of the immune system that may lead to the development of hematologic cancers. The findings are published online ahead of the December print issue of the American Journal of Hematology.

Notch signaling pathway keeps immature T cells on the right track

Date: Nov-26-2013
The lab of Avinash Bhandoola, PhD, professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, has studied the origins of T cells for many years. One protein called Notch, which has well-known roles in the development of multiple tissues, plays an essential role in triggering T-cell development. T cells are immune cells that are made in the thymus, a small organ situated under the breastbone near the heart. However, T cells, like all blood-cell types, originate from blood-producing stem cells in the bone marrow.