Researchers discover a novel approach that could lead to the treatment of devastating brain tumors
There could be a new approach to treating one of the most common and devastating forms of brain tumors in adults—Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). In a peer-reviewed study published by BMC Cancer, scientists from the University of Surrey show that a short chain of amino acids (the HTL-001 peptide) is effective at targeting and inhibiting the […]
First evidence of fossil fruit in Australia uncovers new species
A silicified 30-million-year-old fossil fruit could hold the clue to unlocking more information about screw palms (Pandanus) in Australia. A walk along most Queensland beaches will reveal screw palms scattered along the coast. With around 450 species recognized around the world and 15 species in Australia alone, there is little known about their fossil history…until […]
Inversions in the genome more common than previously thought
Researchers at EMBL Heidelberg found that inversions in the human genome are more common than previously thought, which impacts our understanding of certain genetic diseases. Our DNA acts like a blueprint for the cellular machinery that lets cells, organs, and whole organisms function. Mutations in the DNA can result in genetic diseases. Such genetic variation […]
Malaysia’s ‘mystery monkey’ appears to be a hybrid between a proboscis monkey and a silvery langur
An international team of researchers has found evidence that suggests Malaysia’s “mystery monkey” is a hybrid between a proboscis monkey and a silvery langur. In their paper published in the International Journal of Primatology, the group describes their analysis of pictures taken of the monkey and how they came to their assessment about its origins. […]
Weird Quantum Tunnelling Effect May Explain Spontaneous DNA Mutations
DNA mutations might be caused by a rather weird, but well-known, quantum mechanism called tunnelling. This challenges the notion that quantum behavior doesn’t happen in living cells, and could greatly influence our understanding of genetic mutations. DNA holds the secrets of life on earth. Its unique structure allows it to store, code, and transform chemical […]
Cutting calories and eating at the right time of day leads to longer life in mice
Studies in a variety of animals have shown that restricting calories can lead to a longer life and healthier life. One recipe for longevity is simple, if not easy to follow: eat less. Now, new research suggests that the body’s daily rhythms play a big part in this longevity effect. Eating only during their most […]
Two new Epstein-Barr virus vaccines induce neutralizing antibodies in mice
A team of researchers from the French health care company Sanofi, working with others has developed two new vaccines against Epstein-Barr infections. In their paper published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, the group describes attributes of the two vaccines and their effectiveness in mouse models. Epstein-Barr viral infections are known to cause mononucleosis and […]
Stem cell therapy protects against the side effects of cancer drugs
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (cancer drugs) are widely used to treat a variety of cancers; however, one serious side effect is the onset of type 1 diabetes. Now, researchers from Osaka University have discovered that stem cell therapy may protect against such side effects. One strategy by which tumor cells evade recognition by the immune system […]
Obesity linked to higher risk of broken bones in women
Research being presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Maastricht, the Netherlands (4-7 May), has found that obesity in women and overweight, particularly women with high waist circumference, are more susceptible to fractures than those with normal weight. In men, however, underweight, not overweight, is associated with a greater risk of broken bones. […]
Hope for 1st vaccine against virus driving ‘mono,’ cancers and maybe MS
Two experimental vaccines show promise in protecting against infection with the “mono” virus, which also causes cancer MS (multiple sclerosis) and has been implicated as a potential trigger of multiple sclerosis, a new paper reports. Tested only in animals so far, the vaccines block two pathways by which the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) takes root inside […]