Stem Cells
> New data in mice show that adult stem cells from immune system tissue in the smell-sensing region of the human nose could provide a source of cells to treat brain disorders in which nerve cells are lost or irreparably damaged. Release
> Under stressful conditions, neural stem cells in the adult hippocampus can produce not only neurons, but also new stem cells. Researchers believe that the brain structure actually adapts to environmental change. Item
> Stem cell scientific leader Rudolf Jaenisch, a founding member of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Professor of Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has been awarded the J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine. Release
Cancer Research
> Mom was right. Eat your broccoli. Here's why
> Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have uncovered a new role for a key cancer protein, cyclin D1, a finding that could pave the way for more effective radiation treatments of a variety of tumors. Researchers discovered cyclin D1 helps cancer cells to quickly repair DNA damage caused by radiation treatments, making the tumors resistant to the therapy. More here
> Blocking a common gateway to inflammation suppresses cancer, according to research at the University of California San Diego. Release
Genetics
> Mutations in genes essential to survival are behind so-called orphan diseases, explaining in part why these diseases are rare and often deadly, according to a study appearing in The American Journal of Human Genetics. Item
> A dramatically better computer tool for finding the genetic missteps that fuel cancer has been developed by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Researchers are using the new algorithm to help identify the chromosomal rearrangements and DNA insertions or deletions unique to cancer. Release
> Subtle genetic changes may cause some autism, according to researchers in Texas. More here