Scientists have discovered that cancer uses a hidden hormone to switch off the body’s natural defenses, allowing tumors to grow unchecked. By uncovering this secret signal, they found a way to block it and restore the immune system’s ability to fight back. The breakthrough not only hints at powerful new cancer treatments but also suggests the same pathway could someday be used to calm autoimmune diseases.
Read moreFor decades, scientists have puzzled over why smoking makes Crohn’s disease worse but seems to protect people from ulcerative colitis. Now, researchers at RIKEN have discovered that smoking creates metabolites like hydroquinone that allow mouth bacteria—especially Streptococcus mitis—to settle in the gut. These bacteria spark an immune response that reduces inflammation in colitis but worsens Crohn’s. The findings open the door to new therapies using probiotics or targeted compounds that mimic smoking’s protective effects without its deadly risks.
Read moreResearchers have identified a potential approach to stop the growth of the most common type of brain tumor in children.
Read moreAs more and more youth use electronic cigarettes, combined with research showing the health consequences of vaping — including nicotine addiction — researchers found that non-menthol flavors attract youth and adults to use e-cigarettes and that the use of flavored e-cigarettes contributes to multiple pathways linked to higher e-cigarette use among youth.
Read moreRestricting youth access to flavored tobacco products holds the promise of reducing their overall tobacco use, according to a new study.
Read moreResearchers have uncovered new details about several proteins implicated in tumor growth and metastasis, opening a potential avenue for the development of treatments for diseases such as breast cancer.
Read moreResearchers report a discovery that helps scientists understand why some tumors lack immune cell infiltration and are therefore unresponsive to newer PD-1 targeted therapies.
Read moreA new study indicates a way for cancer immunotherapy to spur a more robust immune response. Such knowledge could lead to the development of better cancer vaccines and more effective immunotherapy drugs called checkpoint inhibitors.
Read moreA new study reports how an experimental drug agent stops cancer cells from growing. A little over a decade ago, scientists first reported pentagamavumon-1 (PGV-1), an analogue of a molecule found in turmeric and that has been since discovered to have anti-cancer effects. In the new study, tests on cancer cells and animals reveal that these anti-cancer effects come from PGV-1 inhibiting a series of enzymes responsible for the metabolism of reactive oxygen species. This finding is expected to clarify how modifications to PGV-1 will lead to its use for cancer treatment.
Read moreScientists have discovered a strange structure inside our cells that helps to prevent cancer by ensuring genetic material is sorted correctly as cells divide. The discovery could improve treatment for breast cancer and possibly other cancers.
Read more