Cancer Research: Chasing invasive cancer cells with a laser ♦ Tiny drug-laden 'popping bubbles' lead triple attack treatment for liver cancer

Chasing invasive cancer cells with a laser What makes invasive cancer cells behave differently than the other cells in the tumor from which they arise? Let's turn them red with a laser and find out.

Tiny drug-laden 'popping bubbles' lead triple attack treatment for liver cancer A novel method for repositioning an FDA-approved anti-cancer compound has been discovered, which allows it to specifically target liver cancer tumors. A 'triple attack' technique combining chemotherapy, thermal ablation, and hyperthermia provided a highly targeted, yet minimally invasive approach.

Gene that protects breast cancer patients against 'chemo brain' discovered Variation of a gene may have a role in protecting cancer patients from developing chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment, commonly known as ‘chemo fog’ or ‘chemo brain,’.

Experimental 'urban garden' helps cancer survivors' lower risk for recurrence, chronic illness While there is substantial evidence that diet and body weight can impact cancer development, recurrence, and progression – for the estimated 14.5 million cancer survivors in the US, there are few resources available to help them optimize their dietary patterns and lifestyle behaviors after active cancer treatment is over.Cancer survivors who participated in a multifaceted urban garden intervention improved their health behaviors, significantly reduced their weight, and improved biomarkers of health – all major improvements related to a reduced risk for developing a secondary cancer or illnesses like diabetes or heart disease.

Cancer Research: Scientists discover how cells overpower cancer drug ♦ New catalyst yields more accurate PSA test ♦ Potential new therapeutic approach found for liver cell cancer

Potential new therapeutic approach found for liver cell cancer The growth factor receptor FGFR3 increases the rate of growth and aggressiveness of hepatocellular carcinomas (liver cell cancer). Inhibition of this receptor could be a new and effective way of treating patients.

Research breakthrough in fight against muscle wasting diseases It is estimated that half of all cancer patients suffer from a muscle wasting syndrome called cachexia. Cancer cachexia impairs quality of life and response to therapy, which increases morbidity and mortality of cancer patients. Currently, there is no approved treatment for muscle wasting, but a new study could be a game changer for patients, improving both quality of life and longevity

New catalyst yields more accurate PSA test Chemists have developed a catalyst that improves the sensitivity of the standard PSA test over 100-fold. The catalyst is made of palladium nanocubes coated with iridium

Gene responsible for metastasis of breast cancer to the bone identified Physicians currently have no tools to help them detect which breast cancer patients will suffer metastasis to the bone, a process that occurs in 15-20 percent of cases. A new study has uncovered a gene that allows breast cancer cells to invade bones and create new tumors, or to metastasize.

Scientists discover how cells overpower cancer drug Scientists have found how cells adapt to overcome cancer drugs designed to interfere with their genetic controls.These findings could help develop future therapies that override the survival mechanism in tumor types that don't respond

Cancer Research: A new virus in liver cancer ♦ Tumour suppressor genes curb growth in neighboring cells ♦ Researchers thwart cancer cells by triggering 'virus alert'

A new virus in liver cancer More than a cause of a simple infection, viruses are often involved in the development of serious diseases. Such is the case with liver cancer, which often develops in an organ that has been weakened by hepatitis B or C virus. Researchers have just identified the role of a new virus, hitherto unsuspected, in the occurrence of a rare type of liver cancer.

New strategy improves detection of genetic mutations in hereditary colorectal cancer Enhanced accuracy and reduced turnaround time of testing can provide vital information for patients suspected of having lynch syndrome and their family members, according to a new report.

New synthetic tumor environments make cancer research more realistic Tumors are notoriously difficult to study in their natural habitat -- body tissues -- but a new synthetic tissue environment may give cancer researchers the next-best look at tumor growth and behavior. Researchers have now developed a new technique to create a cell habitat of hydrogels which can realistically and quickly recreate microenvironments found across biology.

Tumor suppressor genes curb growth in neighboring cells Researchers have unraveled a role for tumor suppressor genes in restricting the growth of neighboring cell populations. The study might have implications for understanding the early events of tumorigenesis and the selection of the tumour-initiating cells.

Researchers thwart cancer cells by triggering 'virus alert' Working with human cancer cell lines and mice, researchers have found a way to trigger a type of immune system 'virus alert' that may one day boost cancer patients' response to immunotherapy drugs. An increasingly promising focus of cancer research, the drugs are designed to disarm cancer cells' ability to avoid detection and destruction by the immune system.

Women's Health: Mothers who smoke, give birth preterm more than triple their cardiovascular disease risk ♦ Prenatal cocaine exposure linked to adolescents engaging in sex by age 15

Mothers who,, give birth preterm more than triple their cardiovascular disease risk Mothers who smoke and have a preterm birth more than triple their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to research in more than 900,000 mothers. The researchers also discovered that CVD risk was even greater in smoking mothers with more severe or recurrent preterm births.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy linked to liver cancer, other diseases later in life In a new study of more than 125,000 pregnant women, researchers found that the risk of hepatobiliary cancer and immune-mediated and cardiovascular diseases later in life is higher in women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) than in women without this condition.

3D model to help researchers study pelvic floor disorder linked to childbirth Researchers have developed the first-ever 3D complete computer model to help study treatment for pelvic organ prolapse, a mysterious condition often linked to childbirth that causes distress and discomfort and requires surgery for more than 200,000 women a year

Prenatal cocaine exposure linked to adolescents engaging in sex by age 15 Since 1994, researchers have studied mothers -- some who used cocaine while pregnant and others who did not -- to understand how the drug affected their children's cognitive and social development . Their latest findings suggest a link between prenatal cocaine exposure and an adolescent's likelihood to have sexual intercourse before age 15.

3/1/15 Health News: Statins reduced risk of liver cancer ♦ Can coffee reduce your risk of MS? ♦ Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease reversed in Rats ♦ Plus More

Statin use associated with reduced risk of liver cancer  In a nested-case control study of individuals living in the UK, a part of the world with a relatively low incidence of liver cancer, statin use is associated with a decreased risk of liver cancer Continue Reading

Can coffee reduce your risk of MS?   Drinking coffee may be associated with a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a new study  Continue Reading

Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease reversed in rats  A controlled-release oral therapy has been developed by scientists that reversed type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease in rats, according to a study. "Given these promising results in animal models of  type 2 diabetes we are pursuing additional preclinical safety studies to take this mitochondrial protonophore approach to the clinic" said the researchers.Continue Reading

African Americans who fled the South during great migration led shorter lives  Millions of African Americans moved from the South in the early 20th century to seek better job opportunities and higher wages, but a new study on the historic Great Migration shows that with improved economic conditions came a greater risk of mortality Continue Reading

GLP-1 secretion is reduced in overweight, pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes  The world's largest study looking at the secretion of the gut hormone GLP-1 has found that the secretion is reduced among overweight and obese people, people with pre-diabetes and newly diagnosed people with type 2 diabetes. Continue Reading

Cancer News:12 ways to cut your cancer risk ♦ Antibiotics as new cancer treatments ♦ Hepatitis-liver cancer connection ♦ New way to use electric fields to deliver cancer treatment

12 ways to cut your cancer risk

There are many more things people can do to reduce their risk for cancer. February 4 is the World Cancer Day. World Health Organization reports that 14,000,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year and about 8,200,000 dies from cancer and its complications annually.  In the next 20 years, cases of newly diagnosed cancer are expected to increase 70% and Continue Reading

Antibiotics as new cancer treatments? Conversation with schoolgirl sparks idea

A way to eradicate cancer stem cells, using the side-effects of commonly used antibiotics, has been discovered by a University of Manchester researcher following a conversation with his young daughter. Continue Reading

Hot on the trail of hepatitis-liver cancer connection

Using whole genomic sequencing, scientists have for the first time demonstrated the profound effect that chronic hepatitis infection and inflammation can have on the genetic mutations found in tumors of the liver, potentially paving the way to a better understanding of Continue Reading

New way to use electric fields to deliver cancer treatment

A team of researchers has devised a new way to target tumors with cancer-fighting drugs, a discovery that may lead to clinical treatments for cancer patients. Called iontophoresis, the technique delivers chemotherapy to select areas.Continue Reading

New Rules Make Chicken Safer ♦ Idiosyncratic' brain patterns in autism ♦ Increase in falls among the elderly ♦ Citrus scent inhibits liver cancer

FSIS RELEASES NEW SALMONELLA, CAMPYLOBACTER PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR POULTRY

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that its new pathogen performance standards for Salmonella and Campylobacter in ground poultry and chicken parts will prevent about 50,000 illnesses each year. USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) proposed changes to the Salmonella and Campylobacter Verification Testing Program create brand-new standards for Salmonella and Campylobacter in chicken breasts, legs and wings, and.. Continue Reading

Researchers discover 'idiosyncratic' brain patterns in autism

New research suggests that the various reports -- of both over- and under-connectivity -- may, in fact, reflect a deeper principle of brain function. The study shows that the brains of individuals with autism display unique synchronization patterns, something that could impact earlier diagnosis of the disorder and future treatments Continue Reading

Study suggests increase in falls among the elderly

Over a 12-year period, the prevalence of falls among older adults appeared to be on the rise, a new American nationally representative study says Continue Reading

Citrus scent inhibits liver cancer

As main component of essential oils, terpenes can inhibit the growth of different cancer cells. Researchers have analyzed this process in liver cancer cells in detail. Their shed light upon the molecular mechanisms that resulted in cancer cells stop growing, following the application of (-)-citronellal, and they proved that the olfactory receptor OR1A2 is the crucial molecule for that purpose. In future, the olfactory receptor could serve as target for liver cancer diagnosis and therapy Continue Reading