Half-broken Gene Is Enough To Cause Cancer

clipped from www.sciencedaily.com ScienceDaily (Nov. 10, 2008) — Tumour suppressor genes do not necessarily require both alleles to be knocked out before disease phenotypes are expressed. Research published in BioMed Central's new open access journal PathoGenetics reveals that only one allele of SMAD4 has to be damaged to put a person at risk of pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Riccardo Fodde led a team of researchers from Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, who investigated SMAD4, a tumor suppressor gene implicated in pancreatic and colorectal cancer. They found that having one mutated SMAD4 allele was associated with the development of gastrointestinal polyps. This research is the first to address the molecular and cellular consequences of SMAD4 damage on a genome-wide scale. Ballabio said, "PathoGenetics will give scientists a unique opportunity to publish exciting research on the molecular mechanisms underlying the manifestations of disease phenotype".

Souped-up immune cells catch even disguised HIV

clipped from www.newsdaily.com WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2008 (Reuters) — Genetically engineered immune cells can spot the AIDS virus even when it tries to disguise itself, offering a potential new way to treat the incurable infection, researchers reported on Sunday. The killer T-cells, dubbed "assassin" cells, were able to recognize other cells infected by HIV and slow the spread of the virus in lab dishes. If the approach works in people, it might provide a new route of treating infection with the deadly human immunodeficiency virus, the researchers in the United States and Britain said. In a second, unrelated report, researchers testing Dutch biotechnology firm Crucell NV's experimental AIDS vaccine said it prevented infection in six monkeys. "In the face of our engineered assassin cells, the virus will either die or be forced to change its disguises again, weakening itself along the way," added Andy Sewell of Britain's Cardiff University. They plan to test the T-cell treatment in HIV patients next year.

Mental Health: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

We all could use more information about how childhood illnesses may cause long term problems in adults....maybe our parents mistakes ( concerning our upbringing ) didn't cause us to go crazy....maybe the unhappiness of our adult lives caused us to develop OCD.

clipped from www.webmd.com Mental Health: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder What Causes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? Although the exact cause of OCD is not fully understood, studies have shown that a combination of biological and environmental factors may be involved. Biological Factors: Research has found a link between low levels of one neurotransmitter -- called serotonin -- and the development of OCD. In addition, there is evidence that a serotonin imbalance may be passed on from parents to children. This means the tendency to develop OCD may be inherited. Studies also have found a link between a certain type of infection caused by the Streptococcus bacteria and OCD. This infection, if recurrent and untreated, may lead to the development of OCD and other disorders in children. Environmental Factors: There are environmental stressors that can trigger OCD in people with a tendency toward developing the condition. These factors include: Abuse Changes in living situation Relationship concerns