Stanford scientists found that the human brain develops from two distinct cellular systems, suggesting evolution fused two ancient nervous systems with very different jobs. The discovery also allowed researchers to grow human hindbrain neurons in the lab, opening possibilities for studying ALS, spinal muscular atrophy, and other brainstem diseases.
Scientists identified the genetic cause behind the mysterious AnWj blood group antigen, solving a puzzle that began in 1972 and establishing a new blood group system called MAL. The discovery could make it much easier to find extremely rare AnWj-negative patients and donors and protect them from potentially dangerous transfusion reactions.
Scientists discovered a population of cells that can start the process of programmed cell death, survive it, and then help rapidly rebuild damaged tissue, with their descendants becoming far more resistant to future damage. The mechanism could improve healing but may also help cancers return after treatment.
Researchers found that patients with Alzheimer's disease and atrial fibrillation who took NOACs experienced slower cognitive decline than those using warfarin or no blood thinners. The effect was modest each year but could add up over time.
Scientists are testing a new experimental drug for mesothelioma, an aggressive asbestos-linked cancer with few effective treatments, which kills cancer cells by disabling PRX3, an antioxidant defense tumors use to survive intense oxidative stress. In an early clinical trial, it controlled disease progression in 67% of patients and produced encouraging survival results, raising hopes the strategy could eventually be used against other cancers.