3D imaging reveals inner workings of an “off-switch” for cancer

Through advanced imaging, scientists have identified the binding sites that certain molecules use to interact with brakes for cancer, revealing how drugs could be used to activate this “off-switch” and keep the disease in check.

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Could nasal swabs replace skin-prick allergy tests?

Although no one likes getting blood samples drawn or having their skin pricked, these are the most common methods of testing for allergies. Thanks to a new study, however, such uncomfortable pokes could soon be replaced with painless nasal swabs.

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Engineered proteins calm “cytokine storms” caused by severe infections

A “cytokine storm” is a dangerous kind of immune overreaction that can be triggered by infection or other treatments. Now, MIT researchers have engineered proteins that show early promise in mopping up these overzealous immune cells.

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Metastudy says aspirin lowers risk of some cancers, but questions remain

A new metastudy is suggesting aspirin may help prevent digestive cancers, but some experts are questioning how useful this kind of associational study is, particularly when a recent randomized clinical trial came to a very different conclusion.

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Blood pressure drug may prevent spasms caused by spinal cord injury

Scientists may have uncovered an effective new treatment for muscle spasms associated with spinal cord injuries, in the form of an existing blood pressure medication that proved capable of halting their progression in mice.

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Hydrogel scaffold may fast-track healing of torn ligaments and tendons

Rupturing tendons or ligaments like an anterior cruciate ligament in the knees can mean long stints on the sidelines, but a new type of synthetic material promises to help things along by acting as a scaffold to accelerate the regeneration of tissue.

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Experimental cancer drug appears more effective, less toxic than others

A new study has shown that an experimental class of cancer drugs has wider potential than previously thought. Researchers have found a new type of BET inhibitor that, in mouse tests, can target solid tumors more effectively and safely than others.

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Newly discovered chemical in willow trees kills various cancer cells

After giving the world aspirin more than a century ago, the bark of the willow tree has again been tapped for its life-saving potential, this time offering up a novel chemical that has proven capable of killing various cancer cells in the lab.

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Tarantula venom finds use in non-opioid pain relief drug

Opioid pain relievers not only produce potential side effects such as nausea and constipation, but they can also be highly addictive. Australian scientists have therefore created what could be a better medication, that is made using tarantula venom.

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DARPA program looks to use biotech to prevent jet lag and diarrhea

DARPA is planning to develop a travel adapter for the human body. Called the ADvanced Acclimation and Protection Tool for Environmental Readiness (ADAPTER), the new program aims to produce a device to help soldiers handle jet lag and diarrhea.

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