Is music the new cancer treatment?
The University of Michigan has pioneered a new technique called histotripsy that uses ultrasound waves to destroy cancerous tumors. It creates tiny bubbles inside the mass that cause the tumor to break apart. The FDA recently approved this non-invasive method to treat liver cancer – meaning that patients have an alternative to radiation or chemotherapy.
New research reveals the key to a healthy pregnancy
A mouse study in the journal JCI Insight shows that a protein called CXCR4 is crucial to bringing bone marrow cells to the uterus. When scientists removed this protein from female mice, they saw more miscarriages and smaller litter sizes. The researchers hope this discovery leads to more effective treatments for reproductive conditions like preeclampsia and recurrent pregnancy loss.
A new hope for repairing nerve damage
Magnoelectric materials have long been studied as a treatment for severed nerves, but neurons aren’t always able to understand the shape and frequency of the electric signals the material gives off. Fortunately, new research published in Nature Materials has solved this communication issue. The device is less than 200 nanometers thick – for comparison, a sheet of paper has a thickness of 100,000 nanometers. The researchers were able to use this material to restore function of a severed nerve in rats (Rice University).
Are cigarettes popular again?
Policymakers have started banning flavored electronic cigarettes in an effort to reduce nicotine consumption. However, this strategy has backfired. A study published in Social Science Research Network suggests that this ban has increased the sales of traditional cigarettes. The research shows that for every 0.7 milliliters of vape juice that’s not sold, 15 traditional cigarettes are bought instead (Yale School of Public Health).
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