An Amazing Anti-Cancer Protein
A small but powerful protein, through its unique action of halting the division of pre-cancerous cells, generally prevents more than half of all human cancers. Researchers have respectfully dubbed it the “guardian angel,” “guardian of the genome,” or the “dictator of life and death.”
It’s known as p53, but this sterile name belies the magnificent work it engages in every day. The little protein works by somehow detecting lengths of DNA that have been injured by various dangerous forces, such as radiation, a virus or chemicals in cigarette smoke. DNA injuries are the key element in turning a cell cancerous. But p53 sets off a cascade of reactions that prevents the cell from naturally dividing until either the DNA is repaired or the cell dies.
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Laser Device Zaps Single Cancer Cells
A prototype laser system and microscope creates tiny bursts of light that sear individual cancer cells into oblivion, perhaps opening the way for more thorough surgeries for cancer, epilepsy and other conditions.
"You can remove a cell with high precision in 3-D without damaging the cells above and below it," said mechanical engineering Assistant Professor Adela Ben-Yakar at the University of Texas at Austin. "And you can see, with the same precision, what you are doing to guide your microsurgery."
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What is the Polypill?
Dr. Valentin Fuster discusses the Polypill. The Polypill is being developed in response to an important reality surrounding cardiovascular disease. There are three important drugs that can help prevent heart disease (statins, ACE inhibitors, and aspirin). These drugs are not taken for two major reasons. First, the drugs are simply too expensive for much of the world, including countries as developed as Russia. And secondly, in developed nations where the drugs are affordable patients too often fail to comply - after three years 70% of patients do not take the medications as prescribed.
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