ScienceDaily: Human Biology News

A shot in the arm for old antibiotics

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:47:47 EDT

Slipping bacteria some silver could give old antibiotics new life, scientists report. This could pave the way for new therapies for drug-resistant and recurrent infections.

No danger of cancer through gene therapy virus, study suggests

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:22:22 EDT

The first modified adeno-associated virus was recently approved for clinical gene therapy in the Western world. Scientists say it appears that no cancer risk emanates from the virus used for gene delivery.

New resistance mechanism to chemotherapy in breast and ovarian cancer

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:38:38 EDT

A new study explains why tumors with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations stop responding to PARP inhibitor drugs.

Researchers demonstrate use of stem cells to analyze causes, treatment of diabetes

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:31:31 EDT

Scientists have generated patient-specific beta cells, or insulin-producing cells, that accurately reflect the features of maturity-onset diabetes of the young.

One step closer to a vaccine for a common respiratory disease

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:07:07 EDT

Young children and the elderly are especially susceptible to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The three-dimensional structure of respiratory syncytial virus has been solved by an international team from Finland and Switzerland.

Preventing eggs' death from chemotherapy: Scientists discover cause of immature eggs' death from cancer drug and how to prevent it

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:23:23 EDT

Young women who have cancer treatment often lose their fertility because chemotherapy and radiation can damage or kill their immature ovarian eggs, called oocytes. Now, scientists have found the molecular pathway that can prevent the death of immature ovarian eggs due to chemotherapy, potentially preserving fertility and endocrine function. Scientists achieved this in mice by adding a currently approved chemotherapy drug, imatinib mesylate, to another chemotherapy drug cisplatin.

Rett Syndrome protein surrenders some of its secrets

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:25:25 EDT

Discovery of a mutant gene responsible for a disease is a milestone, but for most conditions, it may be only a first step towards a treatment or cure. Understanding Rett Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder, is further complicated by the fact that the implicated gene controls a suite of other genes. Two papers, published in today's Nature Neuroscience and Nature, reveal key steps in how mutations in the gene for methyl CpG-binding protein cause the condition.

Protein essential for normal heart function identified

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:25:25 EDT

Scientists show that a protein called MCL-1, which promotes cell survival, is essential for normal heart function.

Exposure to low doses of BPA linked to increased risk of prostate cancer in human stem cells

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:21:21 EDT

Exposing developing tissue to low levels of the plastic bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, is linked to a greater incidence of prostate cancer in tissue grown from human prostate stem cells, a new study finds.

Possible treatment for one of the main symptoms of premature aging disease

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:12:12 EDT

Working with an animal model, scientists have discovered that a deficit in the production of pyrophosphate provokes excessive vascular calcification, one of the most important symptoms of the premature aging disease Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, also known as progeria. Excess calcium in the arterial wall is also a typical feature of physiological aging in the general population.

FGF21 hormone, key to control obesity, also protects against heart diseases in mice

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:12:12 EDT

A research group has found that FGF21, an endocrine factor which reduces glucose levels, protects against cardiac diseases in mice.

'Gene signature' test diagnoses benign thyroid growths

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:09:09 EDT

A new genetic test accurately and consistently diagnoses benign growths, or nodules, on the thyroid gland, according to a study from Chile.

Mapping translation sites in the human genome

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:52:52 EDT

Scientists have produced the first genome-wide investigation of cap-independent translation, identifying thousands of mRNA sequences that act as Translation Enhancing Elements, which are RNA sequences upstream of the coding region that help recruit the ribosome to the translation start site.

Obese male mice father offspring with higher levels of body fat

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:52:52 EDT

Male mice who were fed a high-fat diet and became obese were more likely to father offspring who also had higher levels of body fat, a new study finds. The effect was observed primarily in male offspring, despite their consumption of a low-fat diet, scientists reported.

Advances in genetic sequencing diagnose Paralympic hopeful's rare condition

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 15:52:52 EDT

National Paracycling Champion Tom Staniford has an extremely rare condition which, until now, has puzzled his doctors. He is unable to store fat under his skin -- yet has type 2 diabetes -- and suffered hearing loss as a child. Now, thanks to advances in genome sequencing, an international research team has identified Tom's condition and pinpointed the single genetic mutation that causes it.

Memory-boosting chemical identified in mice: Cell biologists find molecule targets a key biological pathway

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:48:48 EDT

Memory improved in mice injected with a small, drug-like molecule discovered by researchers studying how cells respond to biological stress.

New findings regarding DNA damage checkpoint mechanism in oxidative stress

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:56:56 EDT

Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown surveillance mechanism, known as a DNA damage checkpoint, used by cells to monitor oxidatively damaged DNA. DNA repair takes place approximately 10,000 times per cell, per day, through processes that are still only partially understood because of their complexity, speed, and the difficulty of studying complex interactions within living cells.

Geneticists solve mystery of EEC Syndrome's variable severity in children

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:26:26 EDT

By identifying a protein that acts as a genetic modifier, scientists have solved the mystery of why some infants are born with a grave syndrome consisting of cleft palate and major deformities of the skin and limbs, while other infants with the same predisposing genetic mutation bear little or no sign of the illness, called EEC.

Odors from human skin cells can be used to identify melanoma

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:33:33 EDT

Researchers identified odorants from human skin cells that can be used to identify melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. In addition a nanotechnology-based sensor could reliably differentiate melanoma cells from normal skin cells. Non-invasive odor analysis may be a valuable technique in the detection and early diagnosis of human melanoma.

Medieval leprosy genomes shed light on disease's history

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:26:26 EDT

Scientists have reconstructed a dozen medieval and modern leprosy genomes -- suggesting a European origin for the North American leprosy strains found in armadillos and humans, and a common ancestor of all leprosy bacteria within the last 4000 years.

Programming blood forming stem cells

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:43:43 EDT

By transferring four genes into mouse fibroblast cells, researchers have produced cells that resemble hematopoietic stem cells, which produce millions of new blood cells in the human body every day. These findings provide a platform for future development of patient-specific stem/progenitor cells, and more differentiated blood products, for cell-replacement therapy.

Culprit implicated in neurodegenerative diseases also critical for normal cells

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:43:43 EDT

The propensity of proteins to stick together in large clumps -- termed "protein aggregation" -- is the culprit behind a variety of conditions including Huntington's and Alzheimer's. With this notoriety, protein aggregation is considered to be a bad accident of nature. But new research shows that, when kept in balance, protein aggregation has beneficial functions that allow cells to organize themselves. The findings will be valuable as researchers design treatments for diseases that involve this process.

New fluorescent protein from eel improves key clinical assay

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:42:42 EDT

Unagi, the sea-going Japanese freshwater eel, harbors a fluorescent protein that could serve as the basis for a new clinical test for bilirubin, a critical indicator of human liver function, hemolysis, and jaundice, according to researchers. The discovery also sheds light on the mysterious and endangered Unagi that could contribute to its conservation.

Protein protects against breast cancer recurrence in animal model

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:42:42 EDT

Precisely what causes breast cancer recurrence has been poorly understood. But now a piece of the puzzle has fallen into place: Researchers have identified a key molecular player in recurrent breast cancer – a finding that suggests potential new therapeutic strategies.

Gene variants may predict who will benefit from breast cancer prevention drugs

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:41:41 EDT

In women at high risk for breast cancer, a long-term drug treatment can cut the risk of developing the disease in half. Researchers have identified two gene variants that may predict which women are most likely to benefit from this therapy.

Jammed molecular motors may play a role in the development of ALS

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:33:33 EDT

Delays in the transport of nutrients, proteins and neurotransmitters along the nerve axon could be a major factor in the development of the neurodegenerative disease ALS.

Hearing loss clue uncovered

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 09:38:38 EDT

Researchers have discovered how hearing loss in humans is caused by a certain genetic mutation.

New details of natural anticancer mechanism uncovered

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:40:40 EDT

Scientists have identified key triggers of an important cancer-blocking mechanism in cells. Termed “oncogene-induced senescence,” this mechanism can block most cancer types and is commonly experienced when incipient skin cancers turn instead into slow-growing moles.

Females fend off gut diseases -- at least among mice

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:21:21 EDT

At least among mice, females have innate protection from certain digestive conditions, according to a new study. While it's tricky to draw conclusions for human health, the findings could eventually help scientists better understand and treat the millions of people suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases.

Discovery of gene responsible for multiple intestinal atresia in newborns

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:21:21 EDT

Physicians have conducted a study that has led to the discovery of a gene that causes multiple intestinal atresia, a rare and life-threatening hereditary disorder that affects newborns. In addition to exploring novel therapeutic treatments for children with the disease, the discovery of the gene TTC7A will make it possible to develop a prenatal diagnostic test and a screening test for parents who are carriers.

Stem cells reach standard for use in drug development

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:17:17 EDT

Drug development for a range of conditions could be improved with stem cell technology that helps doctors predict the safety and the effectiveness of potential treatments. Researchers in the UK have been able to generate cells in the laboratory that reach the gold standard required by the pharmaceutical industry to test drug safety.

From hot springs to HIV, same protein complexes are hijacked to promote viruses

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:26:26 EDT

Biologists have discovered a striking connection between viruses such as HIV and Ebola and viruses that infect organisms called archaea that grow in volcanic hot springs. Despite the huge difference in environments and a 2 billion year evolutionary time span between archaea and humans, the viruses hijack the same set of proteins to break out of infected cells.

Epigenetic factor likely plays a key role in fueling most common childhood cancer

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:35:35 EDT

Changes in an epigenetic mechanism that turns expression of genes on and off may be as important as genetic alterations in causing pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia, according to a new study.

Master regulator in cancer metastasis discovered

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:31:31 EDT

In the process of metastasis, the movement of cancer cells to different parts of the body, a specific master regulator gene plays a central role: a transcription factor named Sox4 activates a sequence of genes and triggers the formidable process. Inhibition of Sox4 and subsequent processes may prevent metastasis in cancer patients.

Ötzi the Iceman's dark secrets: Protein investigation supports brain injury theory

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 08:41:41 EDT

After decoding the Iceman's genetic make-up, a research team has now made another major breakthrough in mummy research: Using just a pinhead-sized sample of brain tissue from the world-famous glacier corpse, the team was able to extract and analyze proteins to further support the theory that Ötzi suffered some form of brain damage in the final moments of his life.

Duck genome provides new insight into fighting bird flu

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 19:57:57 EDT

The duck genome consortium has completed the genome sequencing and analysis of the duck (Anas platyrhynchos), one principal natural host of influenza A viruses, which caused a new epidemic in China since this February. This work reveals some noteworthy conclusions and provides an invaluable resource for unraveling the interactive mechanisms between the host and influenza viruses.

Rare mitochondrial mutations –- maybe not so rare? Comprehensive analysis of mitochondrial DNA will aid early diagnosis

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 20:44:44 EDT

Scientists have discovered that supposedly rare mutations in the mitochondria, the ‘power plants’ of human cells responsible for creating energy, account for more than 7% of patients with a mitochondrial disease manifesting itself as a respiratory deficiency.

How do immune cells detect infections?

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:05:05 EDT

Researchers are using computer simulations to shed light on how immune cells may identify foreign antigens.

Non-invasive first trimester blood test reliably detects Down's syndrome and other genetic fetal abnormalities

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 08:52:52 EDT

New research has found that routine screening using a non-invasive test that analyzes fetal DNA in a pregnant woman's blood can accurately detect Down's syndrome and other genetic fetal abnormalities in the first trimester. The results suggest that the test is superior to currently available screening strategies and could reshape standards in prenatal testing.

Math technique de-clutters cancer-cell data, revealing tumor evolution, treatment leads

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:09:09 EDT

Scientists have developed a mathematical method of simplifying and interpreting genome data bearing evidence of mutations, such as those that characterize specific cancers.

The swing of architect genes

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:47:47 EDT

Architect genes are responsible for organizing structures of the body during embryonic development. Some of them, namely the Hox genes, are involved in the formation of forelimbs. They are activated in two successive waves, enabling the formation of the arm, then the hand. Scientists are uncovering the workings of this complex process.

Molecular Velcro for chromosome stability

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:08:08 EDT

Scientists have functionally dissected the molecular processes that ensure the stability of chromosomes. They show how three proteins interact on the repetitive sequences at the chromosomal ends (the telomeres) to form a powerful protein scaffold required for telomere homeostasis.

Nuclear testing from the 1960s helps scientist determine whether adult brains generate new neurons

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:06:06 EDT

The birth of new neurons in the adult brain sharpens memory in rodents, but whether the same holds true for humans has long been debated. A new study reveals that a significant number of new neurons in the hippocampus -- a brain region crucial for memory and learning -- are generated in adult humans. The researchers used a unique strategy based on the amount of carbon-14 found in humans as a result of above-ground nuclear testing more than half a century ago.

Unusual antibodies in cows suggest new ways to make medicines for people

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:05:05 EDT

Humans have been raising cows for their meat, hides and milk for millennia. Now it appears that the cow immune system also has something to offer. A new study focusing on an extraordinary family of cow antibodies points to new ways to make human medicines.

Evolutionary history of a cancer-related gene

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 10:17:17 EDT

Scientists have described how a genetic duplication that took place in the vertebrate ancestor some 500 million years ago encouraged the evolution of the ASF1b gene; a gene essential for proper cell division and related to some types of cancer such as breast cancer.

Genetic mutation inherited from father's side linked to early puberty

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 19:05:05 EDT

Researchers have identified that a genetic mutation leads to a type of premature puberty, known as central precocious puberty.

Scientists discover how HIV kills immune cells; Findings have implications for HIV treatment

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 14:44:44 EDT

Untreated HIV infection destroys a person's immune system by killing infection-fighting cells, but precisely when and how HIV wreaks this destruction has been a mystery until now. New research reveals how HIV triggers a signal telling an infected immune cell to die. This finding has implications for preserving the immune systems of HIV-infected individuals.

Targeting an aspect of Down syndrome

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:29:29 EDT

Researchers have determined how a gene that is known to be defective in Down syndrome is regulated and how its dysregulation may lead to neurological defects, providing insights into potential therapeutic approaches to an aspect of the syndrome.

New gene that is essential for nuclear reprogramming

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:15:15 EDT

Researchers are still fascinated by the idea of reprogramming the cells of any tissue, turning them into cells with the capacity to differentiate into cells of a completely different type -- pluripotent cells -- and they are still striving to understand how it happens. Now, researchers in Spain discovered a new gene called TRF1 that is essential for nuclear reprogramming.

Neuronal regeneration and the two-part design of nerves

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 09:07:07 EDT

Researchers have evidence that a single gene controls both halves of nerve cells, and their research demonstrates the need to consider that design in the development of new treatments for regeneration of nerve cells.

Genetic editing shows promise in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 15:39:39 EDT

Using a novel genetic "editing" technique, biomedical engineers have been able to repair a defect responsible for one of the most common inherited disorders, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, in cell samples from Duchenne patients.

Zebrafish help identify mutant gene in rare muscle disease

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:54:54 EDT

Zebrafish with very weak muscles helped scientists decode the elusive genetic mutation responsible for Native American myopathy, a rare, hereditary muscle disease that afflicts Native Americans in North Carolina.

Biomarker could help scientists choose the right cell line when conducting stem cell experiments

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:54:54 EDT

Stem cells that strongly express a gene called WNT3 are biased to develop into cells and tissues including pancreas, liver and bladder. This discovery suggests that other genes may serve as biomarkers for selecting stem cells with a preference for turning into different tissue types. Such markers would make it easier for stem cell scientists to choose the right cell line to start with when generating specific tissues for study.

Scientists find potential new clues for identifying breast cancer risk

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:54:54 EDT

New research provides critical insights into how normal breast precursor cells may be genetically vulnerable to develop into cancer. Scientists discovered that a particular class of normal breast precursor cells have short chromosome ends (known as telomeres). As a result, these cells would be expected to be prone to acquiring mutations that lead to cancer if they managed to stay alive. These findings suggest new indicators for identifying women at higher risk for breast cancer.

Detecting disease with a smartphone accessory

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:39:39 EDT

Engineers have created a new optical sensor that plugs in to a smartphone and, using disposable microfluidic chips, allows for inexpensive in-the-field diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancer linked to AIDS.

Test to improve stem cell safety

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 09:47:47 EDT

Scientists have developed a test to identify unsafe stem cells. It is the first safety test specifically for human induced pluripotent stem cells.

Innate immunity: When DNA is out of place

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 09:46:46 EDT

In animal cells, DNA molecules are normally restricted to the cell nucleus and the mitochondria. When DNA appears outside these organelles – in the so-called cytosol - it most probably originates from a bacterial pathogen or a DNA virus. This is why cytosolic DNA triggers a strong response by the innate immune system. However, various types of insult can also lead to the release into the cytosol of the cell’s own DNA. In this case, the resulting immune response may precipitate an autoimmune disease.

Enhancer RNAs alter gene expression: New class of molecules may be key emerging 'enhancer therapy'

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 09:38:38 EDT

In a pair of distinct but complementary papers, researchers illuminate the functional importance of a relatively new class of RNA molecules. The work suggests modulation of “enhancer-directed RNAs” or “eRNAs” could provide a new way to alter gene expression in living cells, perhaps affecting the development or pathology of many diseases.

New kind of antibiotic may be more effective at fighting tuberculosis, anthrax, and other diseases

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 16:38:38 EDT

Diseases such as tuberculosis, anthrax, and shigellosis -- a severe food-borne illness -- eventually could be treated with an entirely new and more-effective kind of antibiotic, say scientists who found 46 previously untested molecules that target and disrupt an important step in the process of protein synthesis in bacteria. These molecules render bacteria incapable of replicating.

New strategy for defeating neuroblastoma

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 16:37:37 EDT

Researchers have found a promising strategy for defeating neuroblastoma -- a malignant form of cancer in children -- that focuses on the so-called MYCN protein. A specific chemical molecule helps to break down MYCN, which either kills the cancer cell or makes it mature into a harmless neuron.