ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

High concordance between EGFR mutations from circulating-free tumor DNA and tumor tissue in non-small cell lung cancer

Posted: 23 Aug 2014 06:43 AM PDT

Epidermal growth factor receptor mutations found in the circulating free tumor DNA from the plasma of advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients correlates well with the epidermal growth factor receptor mutations from patient-matched tumor tissue DNA, researchers report.

Novel oncogenic RET mutation found in small cell lung cancer

Posted: 23 Aug 2014 06:43 AM PDT

For the first time, an oncogenic somatic mutation at amino acid 918 in the rearranged during transfection protein has been identified in small cell lung cancer tumors and enforced expression of this mutation within small cell lung cancer tumor cell lines produced increased intracellular signaling and cell growth.

Deletion predicts survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Posted: 23 Aug 2014 06:43 AM PDT

Bcl-2-like protein 11 deletion in advanced non-small cell lung cancer is associated with shorter progression free survival in epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor or chemotherapy treated Asian patients. Also, Bcl-2-like protein 11 deletion independently predicts overall survival of advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Study of self-awareness in MS has implications for rehabilitation

Posted: 23 Aug 2014 06:43 AM PDT

Persons with MS may be able to improve their self-awareness through task-oriented cognitive rehabilitation, a study shows. Self-awareness is one's ability to recognize cognitive problems caused by brain injury. This is the first study of self-awareness in MS that includes assessment of online awareness, as well as metacognitive awareness.

It does not always need to be antibiotics: healthy pig breeding

Posted: 23 Aug 2014 06:43 AM PDT

The application of antibiotics can be reduced in pig breeding by using antimicrobial peptides, researchers have found. Researchers investigated the application of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) as substitutes for antibiotics in liquid sperm preservation. They were able to show that AMPs fight bacteria effectively in test tubes, and also that two of the investigated AMPs suppressed bacterial growth in liquid preserved semen preparations if combined with a small amount of the antibiotic "gentamicin." The sperm quality was not impeded by this addition.

Cognitive-behavioral coping skills training has positive effects on rheumatoid arthritis

Posted: 23 Aug 2014 06:42 AM PDT

Two psychological interventions have been separately and in combination been studied to determine their effectiveness in offering relief to RA patients. Cognitive-behavioral coping skills training trains patients in various cognitive and behavioral techniques or skills to enhance their ability to cope with pain and improve their behavioral and psychological functioning.

New enzyme targets for selective cancer therapies

Posted: 22 Aug 2014 10:29 AM PDT

Compounds that target brain cancer have been recently developed by researchers. The team synthesized a first-of-its-kind inhibitor that prevents the activity of an enzyme called neuraminidase. Although flu viruses use enzymes with the same mechanism as part of the process of infection, human cells use their own forms of the enzyme in many biological processes.

Many in U.S. lack knowledge about Ebola, its transmission, poll finds

Posted: 22 Aug 2014 06:42 AM PDT

Although the Centers for Disease and Prevention reports no known cases of Ebola transmission in the U.S., a poll shows that four in 10 adults in the U.S. are concerned that there will be a large outbreak in the country, and one-quarter are concerned that they or someone in their immediate family may get sick with Ebola over the next year.

Losing weight lowers health care costs for adults with type 2 diabetes

Posted: 21 Aug 2014 12:35 PM PDT

Overweight individuals with diabetes who lose weight by dieting and increasing their physical activity can reduce their health care costs by an average of more than $500 per year, according to a new study. "Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that is affecting more and more adults, increasing their health care needs and costs," one author said. "This study shows that by losing weight and being physically active, individuals can reduce these costs."