A small segment of a human gene STING, stimulator of interferon genes, could hold the key to treating autoimmune diseases and cancer, according to a study by Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists. Dr. Pingwei Li, AgriLife Research biochemist and structural biologist, College Station; post doctorates Drs. Baoyu Zhao, and Fenglei Du and graduate student Pengbiao […]
Radiation oncology workforce study indicates potential threat to rural cancer care access
The newest study of America’s radiation oncology workforce finds that gender and race gaps have narrowed slightly, although persistent and growing geographic disparities point to a need for more equity in access to radiation therapy care. The survey, which drew responses from more than 1,100 physicians across the country, finds that fewer radiation oncologists are […]
Purina recalls cat food over potential choking hazard
While Nestle Purina PetCare said no animals have been affected so far, it is advising consumers to throw out already purchased three-ounce cans of Muse wet cat food Natural Chicken Recipe in Gravy. (FDA) The popular pet food brand Purina has issued a recall for one of its cat food products after customers complained of […]
Identification of potential target protein aggregates for treating Alzheimer’s
The aggregation of alpha-synuclein proteins in Parkinson’s disease and tau proteins in Alzheimer’s disease is intimately linked to the progression of these neurodegenerative diseases. These aggregates propagate from one neuronal cell to another, attaching themselves to the cells. They multiply during this propagation. It has already been shown that the propagation and amplification of these […]
Study uncovers why heart attack triggers arrhythmia in some, explores potential treatment
A team of researchers led by the University of California San Diego has identified a genetic pathway that causes some individuals to develop an abnormal heart rhythm, or arrhythmia, after experiencing a heart attack. They have also identified a drug candidate that can block this pathway. The team reported their findings in a study published […]
Patients with rare natural ability to suppress HIV shed light on potential functional cure
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified two patients with HIV whose immune cells behave differently than others with the virus and actually appear to help control viral load even years after infection. Moreover, both patients carry large amounts of virus in infected cells, but show no viral load in blood tests. While based on small […]
Study shows potential to develop brain tumour liquid biopsies
Scientists are making strides in developing liquid biopsies for brain tumours by detecting tumour DNA in the fluid from around the brain and spine. Liquid biopsies are fluid samples from patients, for example from the blood or urine, which provide a less invasive way to monitor disease compared to tumour biopsies. A less intrusive test […]
A potential new way to treat some of the most common blinding diseases
Many eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, exhibit increased permeability of blood vessels in the macular (central) portion of the retina leading to abnormal fluid accumulation and vision loss. Therapies targeting a specific cytokine, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), have transformed clinical care; however, not all patients respond well. A new report in […]
Canine melanoma study identifies genetic basis of disease, potential drug targets
As a veterinarian, Dr. Carolyn Duregger is familiar with the telltale signs of canine melanoma. So when she gave her own dog, Parker, a routine oral examination, the 1-centimeter-diameter discolored lump in the pup’s upper right gums took her breath away. “It’s an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis that I’ve seen many times. My stomach […]
Researchers develop potential drugs to help curb smoking
Washington State University researchers have created more than a dozen candidate drugs with the potential to curb smokers’ desire for nicotine by slowing how it is broken down in the body. The researchers hope the substances can help canadianpharmtabs.com people reduce their consumption of tobacco, if not quit altogether. The discovery, published in the Journal of […]