May 14, 2013--------News Archive—Latest research covered daily, archived weekly

Retinoblastoma 1 gene fights cancer when starved
A particular tumor suppressor gene that fights cancer cells does more than clamp down on unabated cell division—hallmark of cancer—it can also make cells more fit by allowing them to fend off stress.

Mutation causes one type of Blue-Baby Syndrome
“Blue Baby” syndrome—total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC)—is a potentially deadly congenital disorder that occurs when an embryo's pulmonary veins don’t connect normally to the left atrium of it's developing heart. TAPVC babies are born cyanotic—blue-colored—from lack of oxygen.

Baby formula use helps some mothers breastfeed longer
In the first trial of its kind, researchers at UC San Francisco have found that giving small amounts of formula in the first few days of life to infants experiencing high levels of early weight loss actually can increase the length of time their mothers end up breastfeeding.

May 13, 2013--------News Archive—Latest research covered daily, archived weekly

PiWi proteins defend sex cells from 'jumping genes'
When activated, troublesome segments of DNA called 'jumping genes' or transposons, can copy and insert themselves at random spots across the chromosomes. In sperm and egg cells the proliferation of transposons can be particularly devastating, causing severe developmental impairments in offspring as well as sterility.

Women altering menstruation cycles in large numbers
A surprisingly large number of women 18 or older choose to delay or skip monthly menstruation by deviating from the instructions of birth-control pills and other hormonal contraceptives.

Brain progenitor cells transform to protect injured nerves
By monitoring the behavior of a class of cells in the brains of living mice, neuroscientists have discovered that these cells remain highly dynamic in the adult brain, transforming into cells that insulate nerve fibers and help form scars to aid in tissue repair.