[Report] Variation in cancer risk among tissues can be explained by the number of stem cell divisions

Why do some tissues give rise to cancer in humans a million times more frequently than others? Tomasetti and Vogelstein conclude that these differences can be explained by the number of stem cell divisions. By plotting the lifetime incidence of various cancers against the estimated number of normal stem cell divisions in the corresponding tissues over a lifetime, they found a strong correlation extending over five orders of magnitude.

http://ift.tt/13XWDj2

[In Depth] Targets of misconduct probe launch a legal counterattack

An unusual lawsuit filed last month sheds light on a scientific misconduct investigation into a prominent cardiac stem cell lab. Two researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, are suing Harvard and BWH over what they claim is a "procedurally and legally flawed" misconduct probe that wrongfully damaged their careers.

http://ift.tt/1BlnYqw

Cancer caused by 'bad luck' more than 'lifestyle...

The main reason we get cancer is just plain 'bad luck' and not lifestyle choices, according to a new study. They claim changing our lifestyle dramatically may not be as effective as we thought because of the influence 'bad luck' has on the overall outcome.

http://ift.tt/1ybUihG

Apoptotic Caspases Suppress mtDNA-Induced Sting-Mediated Type I Ifn Production.

To insert individual citation into a bibliography in a word-processor, select your preferred citation style below and drag-and-drop it into the document. Activated caspases are a hallmark of apoptosis induced by the intrinsic pathway, but they are dispensable for cell death and the apoptotic clearance of cells in vivo.

http://ift.tt/1tFWkFP

Dementia-in-dish leads to new treatment strategy

Researchers have identified a new strategy for treating an inherited form of dementia after they created a model of the disease in the laboratory by reprogramming stem cells derived from patients. By studying the stem cells carrying a mutation linked to frontotemporal dementia, which accounts for about half of dementia cases, the scientists identified the defect that prevents normal neurodevelopment.

http://ift.tt/1BkfboH

Dementia-in-dish leads to new treatment strategy

Researchers have identified a new strategy for treating an inherited form of dementia after they created a model of the disease in the laboratory by reprogramming stem cells derived from patients. By studying the stem cells carrying a mutation linked to frontotemporal dementia, which accounts for about half of dementia cases, the scientists identified the defect that prevents normal neurodevelopment.

http://ift.tt/13WupFm

Stem Cell Therapy Fixes Post-Surgical Airway Abnormality

Using stem cells derived from a patient's own bone marrow, researchers have repaired a fistula -- a potentially fatal tissue abnormality -- in the man's lower airway. "This is another interesting new therapeutic approach for stem cells," said lead researcher Dr. Francesco Petrella, deputy director of thoracic surgery at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, Italy.

http://ift.tt/1BjhdWk