Daily Archives:April 12, 2016
What if a surgically removed neck lymph node turns out to be cancer?
A rising epidemic in the United States is throat cancer, specifically a tumor called squamous cell carcinoma, induced by the human papilloma virus (HPV). Approximately 12,000 cases occur each year and the number is increasing. In this
Fighting chronic rejection of transplanted organs
In many diseases the only available cure is organ transplantation. However, if the transplanted organ does not derive from an identical twin (which is genetically identical to the recipient) it becomes rejected by the immune system of
How can lithium prevent stroke – Is the inner cell layer of our vessels the key?
Since decades, lithium is one of the most effective drugs for psychiatric diseases such as bipolar disorders; but lithium has a narrow therapeutic window. This means that lithium concentration in patients’ blood should be kept in a
Organic single crystal gains elastic flexibility
Organic fibrous materials, such as polymers, have attracted great attention due to their flexibility. On the other hand, organic single crystals are contrasting materials with less flexibility. Semiconducting films and fibers based on π-conjugated polymers have exhibited
Why do women go through menopause? Science offers a new solution to an old puzzle
Passing on our genes to the next generation is the key process in evolution that happens through natural selection. So why do women suddenly lose the ability to have children when they have at least a third
Does eating oily fish improve gestational and neonatal outcomes?
Fish is a source of long-chain polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids (LCPUFA), and its consumption is associated with prolonged length of gestation, decreased pre-term birth rates, increased birth weight. However, fish may contain a number of pollutants which
Electric fields drive macrophage healing functions
When the skin is cut, or otherwise injured, a spontaneous electrical current is created immediately at the wound and this promotes healing. Several studies have demonstrated how naturally generated electrical fields cause movement of skin epithelial cells,
The inert noble gases are anything but inert biologically
The noble gases (helium, neon, argon, krypton, and xenon) present an intriguing scientific paradox. They are extremely inert chemically, and very drastic conditions need to be employed to convert them into other compounds. However, they display a
