الاثنين، 21 يناير 2013

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

'Quadruple helix' DNA discovered in human cells

Posted: 20 Jan 2013 12:00 PM PST

In 1953, Cambridge researchers Watson and Crick published an article describing the interweaving "double helix" DNA structure -- the chemical code for all life. Now, in the year of that scientific landmark's 60th Anniversary, Cambridge researchers have published another article demonstrating that four-stranded "quadruple helix" DNA structures -- known as G-quadruplexes -- also exist within the human genome.

One form of neuron turned into another in brain

Posted: 20 Jan 2013 12:00 PM PST

A new finding by stem cell biologists turns one of the basics of neurobiology on its head -- demonstrating that it is possible to turn one type of already differentiated neuron into another within the brain.

Mature T cells can switch function to better tackle infection

Posted: 20 Jan 2013 11:58 AM PST

Helper cells of the immune system can switch to become killer cells in the gut. The fate of mature T lymphocytes might be a lot more flexible than previously thought. New research shows for the first time that mature CD4+ helper T lymphocytes can be re-programed to become killer-like CD8+ T lymphocytes and gain killing functions. 

Blood-based biomarkers may lead to earlier diagnosis of Parkinson's disease

Posted: 20 Jan 2013 11:58 AM PST

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition. At present, it is usually diagnosed only when motor features are present. Hence, there is a need to develop objective and measurable biomarkers to improve PD diagnostics during its earlier stage, prior to its motor onset. In this pilot study, researchers identified and tested the first blood-based circulating microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers for PD.

Molecular switch enabling immune cells to better fight disease

Posted: 20 Jan 2013 11:58 AM PST

Scientists have discovered the mechanism that enables CD4 helper T cells to assume the more aggressive role of killer T cells in mounting an immune attack against viruses, cancerous tumors and other damaged or infected cells. The finding could enable the development of more potent drugs for AIDS, cancer and many other diseases based on using this mechanism to trigger larger armies of killer T cells against infected or damaged cells.

Scientists find protein that reins in runaway network

Posted: 20 Jan 2013 11:58 AM PST

Marked for death with molecular tags that act like a homing signal for a cell's protein-destroying machinery, a pivotal enzyme is rescued by another molecule that sweeps the telltale targets off in the nick of time.

Genetic basis of high-risk childhood cancer points to possible new drug treatment strategy

Posted: 20 Jan 2013 11:58 AM PST

Scientists have identified a possible lead in treatment of two childhood leukemia subtypes known for their dramatic loss of chromosomes and poor treatment outcomes.

Tumors evolve rapidly in a childhood cancer, leaving fewer obvious treatment targets

Posted: 20 Jan 2013 11:58 AM PST

An extensive genomic study of the childhood cancer neuroblastoma reinforces the challenges in treating the most aggressive forms of this disease. Unexpectedly, the scientists found relatively few recurrent gene mutations.

Epigenetics explains rheumatism? Genes and their regulatory 'tags' conspire to promote rheumatoid arthritis

Posted: 20 Jan 2013 11:58 AM PST

In one of the first genome-wide studies to hunt for both genes and their regulatory "tags" in patients suffering from a common disease, researchers have found a clear role for the tags in mediating genetic risk for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The scientists say they were able to spot tagged DNA sequences that may be important for the development of RA.
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