Cancer Research

The protein IKKalpha (IKKα) regulates the cell cycle of keratinocytes and plays a key role in keeping these specialized skin cells from becoming malignant, researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center report in Cancer Cell. Keratinocytes originate in the basal layer of the epidermis to replace skin cells at the surface that have been shed. As keratinocytes gradually move up through the skin layers, they differentiate and eventually form the top layer of the skin, which is composed of squamous cells. The cycle ends through terminal differentiation, in which cells lose…

Space is extremely cold, near absolute zero, and it is a vacuum, so no oxygen, plus there is the threat of lethal radiation from stars. It is considered the most hostile of environments, where unprotected humans would last for a fraction of a second. But research by Ingemar Jönsson and colleagues in Current Biology shows that some animals — the tardigrades, or 'water-bears' — can do away with space suits and can survive exposure to open-space vacuum, cold and radiation just fine. I don't need no stinking spacesuit ... This is the first time that any animal has been tested for survival…

LONDON, September 8 /PRNewswire/ -- An effective new method of diagnosing bowel (also known as colorectal, or large bowel) cancer using 'light' may soon be available, according to research presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference (BPC) in Manchester. The technique, known as 'photodynamic diagnosis', is already used to diagnose and treat other types of cancers, for example, certain skin cancers. A photosensitive drug, which is attracted specifically to cancer cells, is put onto the body. When a blue light is applied to the area, it activates the drug and shows any abnormal cells as…

The 'Mediterranean' Diet is effective in chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, hypertension or osteoporosis,say researchers at the University of Granada. It may be possible to prevent 80% of cardiovascular diseases and 40% of different types of cancer through diet, physical exercise and other healthy habits so the scientists at UGR are specifically analyzing how cells react against aggressions which cause pancreatic alterations and result in cancer. The researchers at the Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos (Institute of Nutrition and Food…

Mammalian fatty acid synthase is one of the most complex molecular synthetic machines in human cells. It is also a promising target for the development of anti-cancer and anti-obesity drugs and the treatment of metabolic disorders. Now researchers at ETH Zurich have determined the atomic structure of a mammalian fatty acid synthase. Their results have just been published in Science magazine. Synthesis of fatty acids is a central cellular process that has been studied for many decades. Fatty acids are used in the cell as energy storage compounds, messenger molecules and building blocks for the…

Staying healthy is a tasteless job. Linseed is said to protect against cancer, for example, but not many people like the taste. Researchers have now isolated the valuable components of the flax seeds so when they are incorporated in bread, cakes or dressings, they support the human organism without leaving an unpleasant aftertaste. Seriously? Cake that protects against cancer and noodles that lower cholesterol? Throw in cigars that clear our arteries and we'll join the health food bandwagon right now. Research scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging…

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, September 5 /PRNewswire/ -- - Update on the Regulatory Strategy for Belinostat in PTCL COPENHAGEN, Denmark, September 5 /PRNewswire/ -- TopoTarget A/S (OMX: TOPO) announced that a positive reply from the FDA was received on a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) for a phase III trial for belinostat in PTCL (Peripheral T-Celle Lymphoma). This pivotal trial is to enrol approximately 120 patients and is to begin in Q4 2008. In June Fast Track designation was granted for the development of belinostat in this indication which supports TopoTarget's rapid market entry strategy.…

LUGANO, Switzerland, September 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The 33rd ESMO Congress in Stockholm, the premier European congress in Oncology, serves as a meeting place for medical oncologists, as well as a focal point to exchange ideas with colleagues from other disciplines. The Congress Centre will be the venue for interdisciplinary interaction, a teaching ground, and a place to discuss critical issues for European oncology such as cancer research in Europe, the training of young oncologists and better integration of medical oncology with other specialties and patient advocacy groups. Highlights of…

The National Medal of Science is the nation's highest honor for science and engineering. President George W. Bush has named the recipients of the 2007 National Medal of Science, the nation's highest honor for science and engineering. Honorees will receive the medals at a White House ceremony on Sept. 29, 2008. "The 2007 National Medal of Science laureates have contributed to American science with their superb research," said Arden L. Bement, Jr., director of the National Science Foundation (NSF). "Their legacies have impacted our lives in numerous ways, from developing new therapies for…

PHILADELPHIA and LONDON, September 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Thomson Reuters, the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals, announced today that the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has joined the community of scientists worldwide using BIOMARKERcenter, the first comprehensive resource for biomarker intelligence to provide pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostic, and research organizations with a framework for assessing and tracking a potential biomarker for use at any stage of research or development. Specifically, the National Cancer Institute's…