Medical Nova Weekly: Top trends for 4/16-4/20
Collaborative research utilizes 'social networking' science to identify IQ gene
Everyone has been talking about a new study that links specific genes to both brain volume and IQ. But perhaps more interesting than the results of the study are the methods by which the data was compiled -- through the most extensive scientific collaboration on the brain to date. In a time when patent trolls and trade secrets seek to limit the free exchange of ideas, it is encouraging to see this group of over 100 institutions around the world working together to expand the communal knowledge base.
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Nanobubbles and nanoparticles improve chemotherapy
Recently, in several articles here on Patexia, we have commented on the importance of nanotechnology in medicine, including everything from lamprey robots to micro-surgeries. By finding novel ways to detect diseased tissue or providing effective, directed treatment, nanotechnology may be key to our future health care. For example, with nanobubbles, scientists will be able to pinpoint directed treatment at the cellular level, attacking cancer cells while avoiding normal tissue.
Scientists in Japan use stem cells to regenerate hair
A team of researchers from the Tokyo University of Science, Showa University School of Dentistry and Kitasato University School of Medicine in Japan has applied organ replacement regenerative tissue therapy concepts to bioengineer hair follicles from adult epithelial stem cells and dermal papilla cells. The team has demonstrated that these hair follicles can regenerate and are fully functional for hair growth.
10 distinct types of breast cancer identified, could lead to more targeted treatment
New research from the University of British Columbia and the British Columbia Cancer Agency reveals breast cancer genes that could change the way the disease is diagnosed and treated. The team and their collaborators analyzed the DNA and RNA of 2,000 breast tumor samples. This large number of samples allowed researchers to spot new patterns in the data. The researchers were able to classify breast cancer into 10 subtypes grouped by common genetic features, which could lead to more tailored treatments.