New Atlas

Medical Audio available

2018 Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded to cancer immunotherapy scientists

Michael Irving October 1, 2018

The 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo, for their efforts in the development of cancer immunotherapy. In the 1990s, the two Laureates independently developed ways to lift the brakes on the immune system to help fight cancer.

The 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to two scientists instrumental in ...

Medical Audio available

Molecule produced during fasting has anti-aging effect on vascular system

Nick Lavars September 16, 2018

Diets like intermittent fasting are proving wildly popular for their rapid weight-loss effects, but scientists are also starting to uncover how they might benefit the body in other ways. A molecule produced during fasting has now been found to apply the brakes to aging of the vascular system.

Scientists have discovered how a molecule produced by the body during fasting puts the brakes on ...

Medical Audio available

Cell reprogramming converts open wounds into healthy skin

Nick Lavars September 5, 2018

Tapping into the machinery of a cell and rewiring it to take on another identity is an exciting capability that scientists are just beginning to explore. Now researchers at the Salk Institute report another groundbreaking advance, converting open wounds into healthy skin.

Salk Institute scientists converted one type of cell (seen in red) into basal keratinocytes (green), a ...

Science

Scientists discover a new type of brain cell, and it might be unique to humans

Nick Lavars August 28, 2018

What is it that separates humans from most other animals? Scientists have made an exciting discovery in this area, identifying an new type of brain cell not seen in animals studied in the laboratory, providing them with a new vehicle to tease out the differences between us and the animal kingdom.

Impression of the newly discovered rosehip neuron

Medical Audio available

Reprogramming retina cells found to reverse blindness in mice

Michael Irving August 15, 2018

In future, the Three Blind Mice might be able to avoid running into the farmer’s wife. In a study, scientists managed to restore vision in mice born with congenital blindness, using gene therapy to reprogram base retinal cells into functioning rod photoreceptors.

Researchers have restored vision in mice born blind by reprogramming Müller glial cells in the retina ...

Medical

Giant cancer cell properties probed for potential treatment targets

Michael Irving August 14, 2018

"Giant” cancer cells contribute to many of the disease’s most dangerous abilities, but they remain relatively unstudied. Now, researchers from Brown University have investigated these troublemakers, revealing some physical characteristics that could eventually unlock new forms of treatment.

Brown University scientists have studied giant cancer cells, seen in the middle of the image surrounded ...

Biology

Scientists clock the speed of cell death

Nick Lavars August 13, 2018

Stanford scientists have shone the light on one kind of programmed cell death and watched on as the path of destruction was formed, with the speed on show offering vital clues as to the mechanics at play.

James Ferrell (left), professor of chemical and systems biology at Stanford, with study co-author Xianrui Cheng

Medical

Novel compounds turn old cells young again in promising new anti-aging research

Rich Haridy August 7, 2018

A new study from researchers at the University of Exeter has shown how three specifically designed compounds can target the mitochondria in older human cells, effectively rejuvenating those cells and making them act young again to reverse key signs of aging.

A close-up of the process of cellular senescence in human cells, a key mechanism underlying aging

Medical

New class of drug compounds puts cancer in a sleeper hold

Michael Irving August 5, 2018

Current cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy are designed to kill tumors, but they often take down healthy cells as well. An emerging technique could provide a more targeted approach, stopping tumerous cells from proliferating and effectively putting the cancer to sleep.

An artist's impression of the KAT6A and KAT6B genes, which are being inhibited by new molecules ...

Medical

New cells discovered in the airway might hold the key to cystic fibrosis

Michael Irving August 1, 2018

We may be a step closer to new treatments for cystic fibrosis, as two research teams are now reporting the discovery of a new type of cell in the airways. These rare cells seem to be where most activity of a certain gene is located, mutations of which are known to cause cystic fibrosis.

Two studies have discovered new types of cells in the airways called pulmonary ionocytes (highlighted in ...