Researchers use nanoparticles to shrink tumors in mice

Findings hold important implications for cancer therapy

The application of nanotechnology in the field of drug delivery has attracted much attention in recent years. In cancer research, nanotechnology holds great promise for the development of targeted, localized delivery of anticancer drugs, in which only cancer cells are affected.

Read more

Virus infection may trigger unusual immune cells to attack nerves in multiple sclerosis

White blood cells with receptors for both virus and nerve proteins may assault nerves after fighting an infection

A virus infection can incite the body to attack its own nerve tissue by activating unusual, disease-fighting cells with receptors for both viral and nerve proteins. The dual-receptor observation suggests a way brain and spinal cord nerve damage might be triggered in susceptible young adults afflicted with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Read more

Compounds that help protect nerve cells discovered by Duke team

Contact: Mary Jane Gore
mary.gore@duke.edu
919-660-1309
Duke University Medical Center
DURHAM, N.C. – Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have found some compounds that improve a cell’s ability to properly “fold” proteins and could lead to promising drugs for degenerative nerve diseases, including Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Read more

Novel nanotechnology heals abscesses caused by resistant staph bacteria

Contact: Deirdre Branley
sciencenews@einstein.yu.edu
718-430-3101
Albert Einstein College of Medicine Read more

Blocking protein may help ease painful nerve condition

Scientists have identified the first gene that pulls the plug on ailing nerve cell branches from within the nerve cell, possibly helping to trigger the painful condition known as neuropathy.

The condition is a side effect of some forms of chemotherapy and can also afflict patients with cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, viral infections, neurodegenerative disorders and other ailments.

Read more