June 16, 2021
A recent study revealed that microRNAs in urine could be a promising biomarker to diagnose brain tumors. Their findings have indicated that regular urine tests could help early detection and treatment of brain tumors, possibly leading to improved patient survival.
June 2, 2021
A healthy diet around the time of conception through the second trimester may reduce the risk of several common pregnancy complications, suggests a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health. Expectant women in the study who scored high on any of three measures of healthy eating had lower risks for gestational diabetes, pregnancy-related blood pressure disorders and preterm birth. The study was conducted by Cuilin Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues at NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). It appears in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Healthy diet before and during pregnancy linked to lower risk of complications, NIH study suggests
June 1, 2021
Observational studies have suggested that increased vitamin D levels may protect against COVID-19. However, these studies were inconclusive and possibly subject to confounding. A new study suggests that genetic evidence does not support vitamin D as a protective measure against COVID-19.
June 1, 2021
Evidence of sleep-dependent low-frequency (less than 0.1 Hz) global brain activity in the clearance of Alzheimer's disease-related toxin buildup is presented in new research. This neuronal activity was more strongly linked with cerebrospinal fluid flow in healthy controls than higher risk groups and patients, and the findings could serve as a potential imaging marker for clinicians in evaluating patients.
Role of sleep-related brain activity in clearing toxic proteins and preventing Alzheimer's disease
June 1, 2021
A new discovery in Ewing sarcoma, an aggressive and often fatal childhood cancer, has uncovered the potential to prevent cancer cells from spreading beyond their primary tumour site. Researchers have learned that Ewing sarcoma cells -- and likely other types of cancer cells -- are able to develop a shield that protects them from the harsh environment of the bloodstream and other locations as they search for a new place to settle, or metastasize.
Childhood cancer discovery may stop tumor spread before it starts
June 1, 2021
An odor-based test that sniffs out vapors emanating from blood samples was able to distinguish between benign and pancreatic and ovarian cancer cells with up to 95% accuracy.
'Electronic nose' accurately sniffs out hard-to-detect cancers
June 1, 2021
Researchers have developed a microfilter device that can easily separate and capture trace amounts of cancer cells in blood. The palm-sized device is expected to contribute to the development of new cancer diagnostic technologies based on cancer cells in the blood, such as early detection by blood test, postoperative management, and recurrence monitoring.
Microfilter device capable of detecting trace amounts of cancer cells in one mL of blood
May 28, 2021
Scientists have recorded blood oxygen levels in the hippocampus and provided experimental proof for why the area, commonly referred to as 'the brain's memory center', is vulnerable to damage and degeneration, a precursor to Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's: Blood oxygen levels could explain why memory loss is an early symptom
May 27, 2021
The blood-brain barrier is impermeable to cholesterol, yet high blood cholesterol is associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. However, the underlying mechanisms mediating this relationship are poorly understood. A new study suggests that disturbances in the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids may play a role in the development of dementia.
Changes in how cholesterol breaks down in the body may accelerate progression of dementia
May 27, 2021
A review study advances knowledge about the connection between obesity-associated inflammation and cancer. The researchers suggest that inflammatory cells with immunosuppressive properties may act as a critical biological link between obesity and cancer risk, progression, and metastasis.
