Tracing activity of cancer-fighting tomato component Years of research have demonstrated that lycopene, the bioactive red pigment found in tomatoes, reduces growth of prostate tumors in a variety of animal models. When consumed, lycopene undergoes a change in its chemical structure that potentially influences health,
Drug could limit spread of deadly brain tumors In a significant breakthrough, researchers have identified a drug, propentofylline or PPF, that could help treat patients with deadly brain cancer. They report that PPF works to limit the spread of glioblastoma multiforme, or GBM -- the most common primary tumor of the brain and central nervous system -- by targeting a protein called TROY.
Kidney failure and its treatment may impact cancer risk Risk of kidney and thyroid cancers was especially high when kidney failure patients were on dialysis, researchers have discovered. Conversely, risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, melanoma, lung cancer, and certain skin cancers was highest following kidney transplantation, likely due to immunosuppressant medications. Kidney failure is on the rise and currently afflicts an estimated 2 million people worldwide.
Low sugar uptake in brain appears to exacerbate Alzheimer's disease A deficiency in the protein responsible for moving glucose across the brain's protective blood-brain barrier appears to intensify the neurodegenerative effects of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new mouse study. The research suggests that targeting the protein called GLUT1 could help prevent or slow the effects of Alzheimer's, especially among those at risk for the disease Continue Reading
Lycopene may ward off kidney cancer in older women A higher intake by postmenopausal women of the natural antioxidant lycopene, found in foods like tomatoes, watermelon and papaya, may lower the risk of renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer, scientists report. Continue Reading
Unexpected outcomes for elderly couples who stop driving Even if just one member of a couple stops driving, negative consequences result for both the driver and non-driver, a study concludes. The researcher recommends that the elderly and their adult children carefully discuss and plan for the transition to driving cessation.Continue Reading
Neuroscientists identify new way several brain areas communicate Neuroscientists have identified a new pathway by which several brain areas communicate within the brain's striatum. The findings illustrate structural and functional connections that allow the brain to use reinforcement learning to make spatial decisions. Knowing how these specific pathways work together provides crucial insight into how learning occurs. It also could lead to improved treatments for Parkinson's disease. Continue Reading
Poor heart function could be major risk for Alzheimer's disease Heart function has been associated with the development of dementia and Alzheimer's disease through a new study. Participants with decreased heart function, measured by cardiac index, were two to three times more likely to develop significant memory loss over the follow-up period Continue Reading
