Scientists uncover novel strategy to target common type of cancer

Researchers have identified a protein critical for the survival of a particular type of tumor cell, according to a study published today in eLife. The findings, originally posted on bioRxiv, suggest that targeting a protein called Werner syndrome helicase (WRN) could represent a novel opportunity for treating a subgroup of cancer patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumors. MSI is a […]

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Why screen time can disrupt sleep—scientists uncover how certain retinal cells respond to artificial illumination

For most, the time spent staring at screens—on computers, phones, iPads—constitutes many hours and can often disrupt sleep. Now, Salk Institute researchers have pinpointed how certain cells in the eye process ambient light and reset our internal clocks, the daily cycles of physiological processes known as the circadian rhythm. When these cells are exposed to artificial light late into the […]

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Scientists uncover how rare gene mutation affects brain development and memory

Researchers from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, have found that a rare gene mutation alters brain development in mice, impairing memory and disrupting the communication between nerve cells. They also show memory problems could be improved by transplanting a specific type of nerve cell into the brain. The findings were published today in Neuron. “Mutations in hundreds […]

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New tools could uncover important answers for Alzheimer’s researchers

Alzheimer’s disease currently affects more than 5.5 million Americans and is one of the costliest diseases to treat, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Characterized by a buildup of plaque in the brain, few animal models exist that researchers could use to study this devastating disorder. Now, a team of researchers from the University of Missouri, publishing in PLOS ONE, developed […]

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