blood cells

Selenium may slow march of AIDS

harminka — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 06:57:16 -0600

Increasing the production of naturally occurring proteins that contain selenium in human blood cells slows down multiplication of the AIDS virus, according to biochemists.

Scientists shed light on evolution of gene regulation

harminka — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:16:30 -0600

Scientists at Penn State have shed light on some of the processes that regulate genes -- such as the processes that ensure that proteins are produced at the correct time, place, and amount in an organism -- and they also have shed light on the evolution of the DNA regions that regulate genes.

Early Treatment Delay Progression of Blood Cell Cancer

harminka — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 05:10:58 -0600

Mayo Clinic researchers say they have moved closer to their goal of providing personalized care for a common blood cell cancer. They have found that the use of predictive biomarkers along with two targeted treatments significantly delays the need for conventional chemotherapy in patients with early-stage, but high-risk, chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL).

Crucial control in long-lasting immunity

harminka — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 05:36:36 -0500

National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientists have identified a protein that plays matchmaker between two key types of white blood cells, T and B cells, enabling them to interact in a way that is crucial to establishing long-lasting immunity after an infection.

Identification of protein able to stimulate production of T-cells

harminka — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:50:31 -0500

A team of Canadian and Finnish scientists has identified a protein able to stimulate the production of T-cells, the white blood cells involved in the recognition and the elimination of infectious agents.

Mobilizing white blood cells to the lung:

harminka — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:13:47 -0500

Findings just published in the scientific journal Immunity by researchers at the Trudeau Institute shed new light on how a previously-unknown messaging mechanism within the human immune system prompts specific influenza-fighting cells to the lung airways during an infection.

Clumps of red and white blood cells may contribute to sickle cell disease

harminka — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:36:40 -0500

It’s long been known that patients with sickle cell disease have malformed, “sickle-shaped” red blood cells – which are normally disc-shaped – that can cause sudden painful episodes when they block small blood vessels.

Umbilical cord blood cell therapy may reduce symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

harminka — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 03:39:48 -0500

Targeted immune suppression using human umbilical cord blood cells may improve the pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease, a new study in a mouse model of this currently untreatable neurodegenerative condition reports. The study, led by researchers at the University of South Florida, is published online in the peer-reviewed journal Stem Cells and Development.

Novel therapy shows benefit for anemic patients via hydration of red blood cells

harminka — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:17:08 -0600

Researchers are identifying innovative therapeutics for sickle cell anemia that focus on specific factors in the disease's progression, such as the important role of hydration of the red blood cells.

Gene variant linked to moderated symptoms of beta-thalassemia

harminka — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:48:29 -0600

Beta-thalassemia is a serious, potentially life-threatening disease that affects red blood cells, cells that carry oxygen via hemoglobin throughout the body. As part of the SardiNIA Study of Aging, supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a component of the National Institutes of Health, scientists have found a genetic variant in the BCL11A gene that can explain why some people with beta-thalassemia seem to be protected from most dangerous symptoms.

MIT works toward engineered blood vessels

harminka — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:02:00 -0600

MIT scientists have found a way to induce cells to form parallel tube-like structures that could one day serve as tiny engineered blood vessels.

Banked blood loses ability to deliver oxygen to tissues

harminka — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 06:33:25 -0500

Almost immediately after it is donated, human blood begins to lose a key gas that opens up blood vessels to facilitate the transfer of oxygen from red blood cells to oxygen-starved tissues.