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MD Anderson study uncovers early genetic changes in premalignant colorectal tissue

Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered mutations that may fuel early cancer growth in precancerous colorectal tissue from high-risk patients.

Their study, published in Cancer Prevention Research, is the first to use advanced genetic sequencing techniques to characterize genetic changes in precancerous polyps and nearby tissue that has not yet transformed into polyps. In addition to mutations at very early stages of cancer development, the findings identify potential drug targets for colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention.

Cell Labelling via Photobleaching: A precious ally for scientific research

Major work led by Santiago Costantino (researcher, Hôpital de Maisonneuve-Rosemont and associate professor, Université de Montréal), Dr. Claudia Kleinman, investigator at the Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital and Assistant Professor at McGill University, and a multidisciplinary team of collaborators, gives birth to a unique method that enables instant, specific labeling of individual cells, Cell Labelling via Photobleaching (CLaP). This method will become a precious ally in a wide range of scientific research, with particular applications for genomics.

Exercise, future anticancer therapy?

Montreal (Quebec), May 24, 2016 - At age 70, Alfred Roberts plays hockey twice a week. Nothing special, right? Except that for three years he has had advanced prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones. "I've always been active. Hockey keeps me in shape and keeps my mind off things. I've got friends that have played until age 80, and my goal is to beat them!" said the veteran stick handler.

How does obesity cause disease in organs distant from those where fat accumulates?

Barcelona, Spain: Obesity is on the rise throughout the world, and in some developed countries two-third of the adult population is either overweight or obese. This brings with it an increased risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and osteoarthritis. Many of these conditions do not appear to affect the parts of the body where the excess fat accumulates, but rather to involve body systems that are remote from the fat accumulation.

Dietary experiments in mice point the way to early detection of cancer in humans

Barcelona, Spain: Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the Western world, mainly because it is usually diagnosed too late. Finding ways to identify those people who are at increased risk of developing colon cancer is therefore crucial, a researcher will tell the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics today.

Crucial interaction between fire and mankind explored in new research

A pioneering team of international researchers have devised a 'manifesto for fire science' to explore the pivotal relationship that exists between mankind and fire, on a global stage.

The team, brought together by Dr Claire Belcher from the University of Exeter's wildFIRE Lab and colleagues, delves into the complex relationship that fire has had with our planet and humans over millennia, from the first fires through to its role in the industrial revolutions worldwide.

More migration data needed for better policy

Population researchers have called on governments to collect and share more information about migration to keep better track of the millions of people who move from one country to another each year.

Record numbers of people have fled the ongoing conflict in Syria, bringing global attention to international migration.

Professor James Raymer from The Australian National University (ANU) said it was impossible to accurately determine how many people were moving and settling in new countries.

Many young adult female cancer survivors need more information and support to preserve their fertility

A new study indicates that many young adult female cancer survivors do not receive adequate information about their fertility as part of their survivorship care after completing treatment, despite having concerns about their ability to bear children in the future. Published early online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the findings point to the need for better resources to support survivors in making informed decisions about their reproductive options after treatment is completed.

ESF lists top 10 new species for 2016

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK -- A hominin in the same genus as humans and an ape nicknamed "Laia" that might provide clues to the origin of humans are among the discoveries identified by the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) as the Top 10 New Species of 2016.

Investigational CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib is active against a range of cancer types

Bottom Line: The investigational anticancer therapeutic abemaciclib, which targets CDK4 and CDK6, showed durable clinical activity when given as continuous single-agent therapy to patients with a variety of cancer types, including breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), glioblastoma, and melanoma, according to results from a phase I clinical trial.

Journal in Which the Study was Published: Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Novel strategy may improve seasonal flu vaccine effectiveness

New findings describe a novel strategy for predicting how circulating influenza viruses will evolve, an approach that may help scientists create better seasonal influenza vaccines.

New strategy could yield more precise seasonal flu vaccine

MADISON, Wis. -- During the 2014-15 flu season, the poor match between the virus used to make the world's vaccine stocks and the circulating seasonal virus yielded a vaccine that was less than 20 percent effective.

While this year's vaccine is a much better match to the circulating seasonal strains of influenza, the shifty nature of the virus and the need to pick the viruses used to make global vaccine stocks well before the onset of the flu season can make vaccine strain selection a shot in the dark.

Evidence of link between cancer & light therapy inconclusive but warrants consideration

(BOSTON, May 23, 2016) -- Two new studies raise enough questions about a possible link between childhood cancer and light therapy for newborn jaundice that clinicians should exercise caution in prescribing the treatment for infants whose jaundice is likely to resolve on its own, a pediatric oncologist from Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center argues in an editorial published today by the journal Pediatrics.

Are childhood stroke outcomes associated with BP, blood glucose, temperature?

Infarct (tissue damage) volume and hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) were associated with poor neurological outcomes after childhood stroke but hypertension and fever were not, according to an article published online by JAMA Neurology.

After pediatric patients experience an arterial ischemic stroke, there are no evidence-based guidelines available for the best management of blood pressure, blood glucose levels and temperature.

Telephone-based cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improves menopause symptoms

SEATTLE -- Chatting on the phone with a "sleep coach" and keeping a nightly sleep diary significantly improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia in women through all stages of menopause, according to a new study published today in JAMA Internal Medicine.

The study also found that such phone-based cognitive behavioral therapy significantly reduced the degree to which hot flashes, or vasomotor symptoms, interfered with daily functioning.