Articles
Carcinogenesis: When transmission of epigenetic information goes awry
Genes are blueprints that code for proteins and in turn, proteins drive most activities within our cells. But between genes and their protein products is the layer of epigenetics – genes may be expressed differently depending on the heritable, epigenetic features that switch them on and off. Charting new territories in carcinogenesis, Professor Patrick Riley at University College London explores […]
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Reduced PSA Prostate Cancer Screening: Life-threatening consequences?
In 2012, the United States Preventive Services Task Force issued a grade D recommendation against PSA-based prostate cancer screening. This is because early diagnosis of low-grade cancers can lead to unnecessary overtreatment and patient suffering. However, many epidemiologists are concerned that this could lead to severe unintended consequences. Dr Thomas E. Ahlering, from the University of California, has further explored these concerns […]
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Better and stronger potatoes using hybrid breeding
Potato is a hugely important crop worldwide, being eaten across the world and across cultures. Increased crop productivity and strength will help cater for the increasing global population, and also serve to reduce famine in challenging and impoverished environments. The potato breeding company Solynta in The Netherlands has successfully produced a hybrid breeding program for potatoes which will allow the rapid selection and […]
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Guinea pig as a model to study the carotid body-mediated chronic intermittent hypoxia effects
The ability to sense and respond to changes in oxygen is essential for survival. Dr Ángela Gómez-Niño and Dr Asuncion Rocher along with their research team at Valladolid University aim to better understand the physiology and pathophysiology of oxygen sensitivity. In particular, the team employ the use of the guinea pig as a model to explore the mechanisms that mediate […]
Opinion dynamics and consensus in social networks
Denis Fedyanin and Alexander Chkhartishvili are researchers at the V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow. They use statistical modelling of social network structures to simulate opinion dynamics and decision making. Their recent work focuses on a consensus analysis of complex social network structures. The development of online social networks together with their influence on […]
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Mending broken hearts: The American Heart Association and its life-saving treatment guidelines
When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, the first few minutes that follow the attack are crucial and can decide if someone lives or dies. The effective administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can greatly improve people’s chances. The American Heart Association have been educating people on CPR, heart health, stroke and heart disease worldwide for nearly 100 years and their latest mission […]
Factors associated with young children exhibiting picky eating behaviour
Picky eating in preschool children is a well-documented phase when children are reluctant to try new foods and/or show very strong preferences for particular foods. This behaviour can create concern for parents, and this has created a whole market for advice and guidance, not all of which is evidence-based. Dr Pauline Emmett and Dr Caroline Taylor, from the Centre for […]
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Local drug delivery to prosthetic vascular grafts: Preventing failure of prosthetic grafts in haemodialysis patients
Dr Ronald J. Shebuski, President and CEO of Cylerus, Inc., wants to revolutionise the way vascular grafts work. His company, Cylerus, has an innovative way to deliver an antiproliferative drug, sirolimus, in a consistent and controlled manner. This method of drug delivery, via a porous graft material called ePTFE, has the potential to reduce failure of arterio-venous access grafts crucial for […]
Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI) provides positive outcomes for those in lower socioeconomic environments
The western world today demands a great deal from its inhabitants, both physically and mentally. The prevalence of mental health problems is high, and none more so than those in low socioeconomic status, with financial hardship recognised as a root cause for life stress and anxiety. Although trained in both eastern and western based mindfulness techniques, Karma Jiga applies the […]
Technological leapfrogging the global energy crisis: How can changing the role of science in developing countries help with an oncoming climate catastrophe?
In 1975, the Brazilian government launched the National Alcohol Program (NAP) with the sole aim of relieving the country’s crushing dependence on fossil fuels with a move to cleaner ethyl-alcohol based fuels – and, thanks to researchers like Professor José Goldemberg, of the University of São Paulo, the program was an overwhelming success. Combining the country’s own natural resources with technological leapfrogging – […]