Leigh MacMillan
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Roots of childhood brain tumors
Cells in the back of the developing brain can give rise to brain tumors, suggesting they may be a target for treatment. Read MoreJun 14, 2012
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DNA: From modification to mutation
Understanding how an environmental hazard damages DNA may shed light on processes of tumor formation. Read MoreJun 8, 2012
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Alzheimer’s protein structure suggests new treatment directions
The molecular structure of a protein involved in Alzheimer’s disease – and the surprising discovery that it binds cholesterol – could lead to new therapeutics for the memory-robbing disease. Read MoreMay 31, 2012
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Long live the therapeutic stem cells
Enhancing stem cell survival is key to improving cell-based therapies for regenerative medicine, and a new drug could help. Read MoreMay 17, 2012
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Intestinal artillery launches anti-bacterial attack
The epithelial cells that line the intestines have a newly discovered mechanism for protecting us against microbes: they fire anti-bacterial "bullets" into the gut. Read MoreMay 14, 2012
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Probing epilepsy’s molecular sparks
Understanding how mutations in neuronal receptors contribute to epilepsy could lead to improved therapies. Read MoreMay 10, 2012
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Better blood pressure-reducing drugs?
A newer version of an old class of blood pressure lowering drugs may offer advantages for obese patients with metabolic syndrome. Read MoreApr 30, 2012
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Neuronal clues to cholesterol-defect disorder
Antioxidants may be a beneficial treatment for an inherited genetic disorder. Read MoreApr 20, 2012
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Pathways to delirium in the ICU
Study suggests that the “kynurenine” biochemical pathway could be a target for reducing delirium and coma in critically ill patients. Read MoreApr 17, 2012
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Researchers spot Achilles’ heel in respiratory virus
A new viral protein structure could jump-start vaccine development for two leading causes of lower respiratory disease in children and elderly adults. Read MoreApr 13, 2012
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New tool hooks heart failure drugs
A new screening tool – using glowing fish embryos – could identify therapeutics for myocardial hypertrophy and heart failure. Read MoreApr 6, 2012
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Plant compound quells inflammation
Berberine, an herbal remedy for diarrhea and intestinal parasites, may be an effective treatment for gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases. Read MoreApr 6, 2012
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Obesity turns “good” cholesterol bad
Studies offer new insights into how obesity impairs the function of HDL, the “good” cholesterol. Read MoreMar 21, 2012
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iPOND method goes fishing for proteins
A new tool will allow researchers to identify proteins involved in DNA replication and damage repair, processes that go awry in cancer. Read MoreMar 19, 2012
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Immune system’s role in prematurity complication studied
Disruptions in immune system regulation may play a role in a deadly complication in premature infants. Read MoreMar 16, 2012
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Reversing lipid woes in cystic fibrosis
Abnormal levels of fatty acids in the blood and tissues of patients with cystic fibrosis may be reversed by supplementation with the fatty acids DHA and EPA. Read MoreMar 3, 2012
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‘Detangler’ binds, bends and cuts DNA
New details on the DNA-cutting activity of topoisomerase II, a target of anti-cancer drugs, could lead to better chemotherapeutic agents. Read MoreMar 2, 2012
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Studies pinpoint new anti-cancer drug target
Vanderbilt researchers have discovered a new molecular participant in the Wnt signaling pathway, which plays important roles in cell growth, development and cancer. Read MoreFeb 23, 2012
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Stem cells take heart
Signaling pathway discoveries suggest ways to induce stem cells to become cardiac muscle cells, which could be useful for regenerating damaged heart muscle. Read MoreFeb 20, 2012
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Memory intact in early psychosis
Brain deficits are not present in the early stages of schizophrenia, suggesting it may be possible to delay or prevent the development of brain abnormalities. Read MoreFeb 16, 2012