Cannabis study reveals how CBD offsets the psychiatric side-effects of THC

Researchers have shown for the first time the molecular mechanisms at work that cause cannabidiol, or CBD, to block the psychiatric side-effects caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis.

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First prostate cancer therapy to target genes delays cancer progression

For the first time, prostate cancer has been treated based on the genetic makeup of the cancer, resulting in delayed disease progression, delayed time to pain progression, and potentially extending lives in patients with advanced, metastatic prostate cancer, reports a large phase 3 trial. This marks a significant advance for prostate cancer treatment, which has lagged behind other common cancers with regard to precision therapy, now the standard of care in breast, ovarian and lung cancers.

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Breast cancer: New data on cohort with recurrence score 26-100 shows 93% cancer-free rate at 5 years

In the prospective TAILORx trial, 93% of women with hormone-sensitive, HER2-negative, axillary node-negative breast cancer and a high Recurrence Score 26-100 were estimated to be cancer-free at five years. This outcome was much better than expected with endocrine therapy alone. The finding adds to limited data on outcomes with a high RS of 26-100, treated with taxane and/or anthracycline-containing chemotherapy plus endocrine therapy. It adds to the body of evidence supporting use of the RS.

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Biologists track the invasion of herbicide-resistant weeds into southwestern Ontario

A team led by biologists have identified the ways in which herbicide-resistant strains of the invasive common waterhemp weed have emerged in fields of soy and corn in southwestern Ontario. The resistance, first detected in 2010, spread thanks to two mechanisms: either pollen and seeds of resistant plants were physically dispersed by wind, water and other means, or resistance appeared through the spontaneous emergence of mutations that then spread.

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Gel-like fluid designed to prevent wildfires

Scientists and engineers worked with state and local agencies to develop and test a long-lasting, environmentally benign fire-retarding material. If used on high-risk areas, the simple, affordable treatment could dramatically cut the number of fires that occur each year.

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The flagellar hook: Making sense of bacterial motility

Researchers show how bacteria transmit motion from an inner motor to an outer tail through a flexible joint in the flagellum known as the hook. This finding could help in the fight against deadly bacterial infections. By better understanding how bacteria move, researchers may be able to improve disease prevention strategies.

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AI system accurately detects key findings in chest X-rays of pneumonia patients within 10 seconds

From 20 minutes or more to 10 seconds. Researchers from Intermountain Healthcare and Stanford University say 10 seconds is about how quickly a new system they studied that utilizes artificial intelligence took to accurately identify key findings in chest X-rays of patients in the emergency department suspected of having pneumonia.

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