New Technology May Prolong the Life of Implanted Devices, from Pacemakers to Chemotherapy Ports Aug 24, 2010
"The presence of the MVCs and collagen also reduced the number of white blood cells that stimulate inflammation, where the device was implanted. The vessels associated with the implant were seen to be capable of sustainable blood delivery over time.". All of these factors are important in sustaining circulation and suppressing scar formation, he said. (Science Daily)
"Morning Person" Gene Found in Hair Aug 24, 2010
RNA strands containing the clock genes are found throughout the bodyi 00004000 ncluding in white blood cells and the inside of the mouthbut human hair is easiest for scientists to test. So Makoto Akashi, of the Research Institute for Time Studies at in Japan, and colleagues pulled head and beard hairs from four test subjects at three-hour intervals for a full day. (National Geographic)
UNCs granted $8M to study kidney disease Aug 21, 2010
Glomerular disease is a condition in which kidneys struggle to maintain a proper balance of protein and red blood cells in urine. As a result, the proteins and blood cells can be expelled while toxins are retained. (Triangle Business Journal)
Airmans Donation Saves Child's Life Aug 21, 2010
Aplastic anemia causes bone marrow to produce an insufficient amount of red and white blood cells or blood platelets. A bone marrow transplant can be the only effective treatment in severe cases. (DOD DefenseLINK -- News)
Blood Stem Cell, Leukemia Link Illuminated in New Study Aug 21, 2010
Blood stem cells, located in the bone marrow, give rise to all blood cells of the body, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets ... During life, they incessantly repeat the process, replacing old or depleted blood cells ... 29, 2008) Researchers in Sweden have established and isolated the tissue-specific stem cell that produces blood cells (blood stem cell) by using genetically modified embryonic stem. (Science Daily)
Will eating meat help recovery after long runs? Aug 21, 2010
Your body needs iron to make red blood cells that help transport oxygen from your lungs to your working muscles. Red meat is an excellent source of iron. (CNN -- Health)
Ayurvedic Herbs to Treat Andropause... Aug 21, 2010
The herb is also known to have a positive effect on bone marrow activity, producing healthy red blood cells and boosting our immune system. Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens) has been found to contain L-Dopa, which is an amino acid that converts into dopamine. (Suite101.com)
Genetics Underlie Formation of Body's Back-Up Bypass Vessels Aug 20, 2010
11, 2007) 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. Thus. (Science Daily)
Trial Therapy Improves Melanoma Survival Aug 19, 2010
Ipilimumab is a human monoclonal antibody, which targets an antigen known as CTLA-4 that is found on the surface of T cells, which are blood cells that protect the body from infection. CTLA-4 inhibits the immune system and "ipilimumab releases the brakes to the immune system," Hodi explained. (AZCentral -- Health)
Potassium: Important body mineral Aug 18, 2010
It rises when blood cells break apart in their journey from a patient's arm to the laboratory. It could be your reading was high because of either of these situations. (Yuma Daily Sun, AZ)
Two Types of Bone Marrow Stem Cells Could Work Together to Advance Regenerative Medicine Aug 18, 2010
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow perform the vital task of producing all blood cells in the human body ... 29, 2008) Researchers in Sweden have established and isolated the tissue-specific stem cell that produces blood cells (blood stem cell) by using genetically modified embryonic stem. (Science Daily)
Arresting Development: Blood Biomarker Patterns May Aid Early Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer Aug 18, 2010
After removing red blood cells and clotting factors, they analyzed the remaining serum to assess each patient's metabolome the body's unique chemistry, which results from everyday cellular processes and is made up of hormones and by-products of chemical reactions. A machine called a mass spectrometer separated the 20,000 types of and quantified the amount of each one. (Scientific American)
Studies Pinpoint Key Targets for MRSA Vaccine Aug 17, 2010
One, known as protein A, is a cell-surface molecule than binds to receptors on B cells, the white blood cells that produce antibodies. Protein A is the key to staph's ability to evade immunity. (Science Daily)
Scientists Map Epigenetic Changes During Blood Cell Differentiation; Potential Application for Stem Cell Therapies Aug 17, 2010
6 million potentially methylated sites in a variety of blood cells from mice to see where DNA methylation changes occurred during the normal differentiation process ... They looked at eight types of cells in various stages of commitment, including very early blood stem cells that had yet to differentiate into red and white blood cells ... They also looked at cells that are more committed to differentiation: the precursors of the two major types of white blood cells, lymphocytes and myeloid... (Science Daily)
Vegans and B12 Deficiency Aug 16, 2010
Vitamin B12 (also called cobalamin) helps maintain healthy nerve and red blood cells and is also needed to make DNA, which is why it's essential for pregnant and nursing women. Vitamin B12 is important to maintain a healthy nervous system, form healthy red blood cells, promote growth in children, improve memory and concentration and maintain energy levels ... A deficiency could take from five to twenty years of inadequate intake to develop and typically manifests as nerve damage and pernicious... (Suite101.com)
Synthetic blood: 'Red blood cells created from IVF embryos' Aug 16, 2010
Synthetic blood: 'Red blood cells created from IVF embryos ... The red blood cells have been produced from from spare IVF embryos as part of a three-billion-pound project to develop an alternative source of O-negative blood, the universal donor group which can be transfused into people without fear of rejection, 'The Independent' reported. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Green Tea Extract Appears to Keep Cancer in Check in Majority of CLL Patients Aug 16, 2010
"These studies advance the notion that a nutraceutical like EGCG can and should be studied as cancer preventives," says Neil Kay, M.D., a hematology researcher whose laboratory first tested the green tea extract in leukemic blood cells from CLL patients. "Using nontoxic chemicals to push back cancer growth to delay the need for toxic therapies is a worthy goal in oncology research -- particularly for forms of cancer initially managed by observation such as CLL.". (Science Daily)
Faith and science intersect during high-risk pregnancies (19) Aug 16, 2010
In cases of Rh incompatibility during pregnancy, the mother does not carry a marker called Rh factor in her blood cells, but her unborn child does ... If some of those Rh positive red blood cells leak into the mother s system, her body may produce antibodies to the Rh D factor, a condition called sensitization ... These antibodies can cross the placenta and destroy red blood cells in an unborn baby. (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Strange Facts about Skin and Health... Aug 16, 2010
Pale skin may be a sign of anemia which is caused by a deficiency of red blood cells and iron. Bluish skin can indicate oxygen deprivation and cyanosis. (Suite101.com)
Potassium Finding the Proper Bala... Aug 15, 2010
Destruction of red blood cells due to severe injury or burns. Sometimes a report of high blood potassium isn't true and may actually be the result of ruptured blood cells in the blood sample either during or shortly after drawing the sample. (Suite101.com)
Technique to preserve fertility in young women may be unsafe for patients with leukemia Aug 14, 2010
In this study, researchers examined the implications of the technique in 12 women with ALL, a fast-growing cancer of the white blood cells, and six women with CML, a slowly progressing bone marrow cancer. The 18 patients included in this study were between 2 and 31 years of age when their ovarian tissue was cryopreserved (from 1999 to 2008). (EurekAlert!)
How to Strengthen and Boost Immunit... Aug 14, 2010
White blood cells multiply in response to a challenge by germs ... Human immunity is a complex protection system that includes skin, mucus membranes, chemical defences and white blood cells. (Suite101.com)
Mandi Schwartz Update: Breakthrough Procedure Holds Key to Transplant Success; More Chemotherapy Needed for Remission Aug 14, 2010
This type of cancer starts inside the bone marrow and grows from cells that would normally turn into white blood cells -- cells of the immune system ... In Mandi's case, they will be used to give her new blood cells and new immune cells ... Because of this low number, engraftment (the generation of infection-fighting white blood cells of the new immune system following transplantation) in adults from a cord blood transplant takes about 26 to 28 days, compared to 15 for a bone marrow transplant. (Goyalebulldogs.com)
One Type of Stem Cell Creates a Niche for Another Type in Bone Marrow Aug 13, 2010
6, 2009) During cell division, whether hematopoietic stem cells will develop into new stem cells or differentiate into other blood cells depends on a chemical process called DNA methylation. Researchers. (Science Daily)
DNA Fragments Help Define Person's Uniqueness Aug 13, 2010
Each of the 15 different DNA samples used in the study was purified from blood cells before it was applied to a DNA chip. Transposons stick to spots on the DNA chip corresponding to where they're normally found in the genome, letting the researchers locate new ones. (Science Daily)
Central Texas Boy Who Battled E. Coli Complications Moved To Dallas Hospital Aug 13, 2010
Hes one of the 5 to 10 percent of E. coli patients who develop a potentially life-threatening complication, hemolytic uremic syndrome, which develops when E. coli bacteria lodged in the digestive tract make toxins that enter the bloodstream and start to destroy red blood cells. For much of his stay at Dell, he was unconscious and on dialysis. (KWTX.com, TX)
Using bone marrow stem cells to treat critically ill patients on verge of respiratory failure Aug 12, 2010
One kind, hematopoietic stem cells, is tasked with producing red and white blood cells, depending upon the immune system's needs ... While mesenchymal stem cells also support the production of blood cells, scientists today are quite interested in their ability to differentiate into cells that, when mature, develop into tissues throughout the body. (EurekAlert!)
Africa: Examining the Role of Biology in HIV Susceptibility [analysis] Aug 11, 2010
The study compared CD4 cells [white blood cells that lead the immune system's response to infections] from cervical cell samples of young women from Kisumu, Kenya with those of young women from San Francisco, California. Researchers found that the samples from the Kenyan women had a much higher number of "activated" CD4 cells - normally dormant CD4 cells that have reacted to an infection in the body. (allAfrica.com)
What could be causing the redness in my urine? Aug 11, 2010
Strenuous exercise may also cause red blood cells to show up in the urine. In addition, red urine may be a sign of kidney stones, urinary tract infections, injuries, liver disease, a blood clotting disorder or multiple other medical conditions. (CNN -- Health)
ProMetic Reports its Second Quarter 2010 Financial Results Aug 11, 2010
Furthermore, the trial data indicated that the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells never exceeded recommended levels even when the drug was used at high dose. This, combined with anti-cancer activity demonstrated in numerous cancer models, supports the potential use of PBI-1402 to address unmet medical needs in oncology. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
New Insights Into How Antibodies Are Made Suggests New Approach for Anti-Cancer Drug Targets Aug 11, 2010
10, 2010) Research at the Babraham Institute, investigating how white blood cells known as B cells develop, has revealed that genes from the Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3Ks) family of enzymes are critical in enabling the B cells to produce antibodies in the spleen and lymph nodes. PI3Ks are involved in a diverse range of activities inside cells, generating signalling molecules to control cell growth, proliferation, motility, survival and intracellular trafficking. (Science Daily)
Familial Link Found in Rare Childhood Leukemia Aug 10, 2010
JMML is an aggressive and rare type of blood cancer, which develops in the bone marrow and is characterized by an overproduction of white blood cells. The abnormal increase in white blood cells occurs when genetic changes, or mutations, arise in the genes that encode proteins in a signaling pathway called the Ras/MAPK pathway. (Science Daily)
Residents moved from flooded rivers Aug 8, 2010
The cancer affects the lymphocytes, or white blood cells. Lugo will probably have to undergo chemotherapy every three weeks, but his doctors said the cancer is curable. (Boston Globe)
Gloveman targets India Aug 8, 2010
He's worked hard to overcome the problem, but was buoyed by a recent treatment that resulted in having his blood drawn and the red blood cells and plasma separated. A doctor injected the resultant concentration of platelets back into the affected area, and Haddin said he's felt relief ever since. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Human Embryonic Stem Cells Purified in New, Rapid Technique Aug 8, 2010
29, 2008) Researchers in Sweden have established and isolated the tissue-specific stem cell that produces blood cells (blood stem cell) by using genetically modified embryonic stem ... 29, 2009) Stem cell scientists have modified a human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line to glow red when the stem cells become red blood cells. (Science Daily)
Drugs to Boost Troops at Altitude Aug 7, 2010
The drugs will work by increasing blood levels of nitric oxide, which is naturally released by red blood cells to dilate vessels and increase blood flow. Within three years, Darpa wants to see animal models and human subjects capable of immediately exercising more efficiently at altitude after taking the drugs. (Newsmax)
Glutathione? Yes! It Is An Essential Health Aid. Aug 6, 2010
Over the years, studies have shown that our bodies produce more than just white blood cells to protect our immune systems. One key soldier that our bodies produce to fight off free radicals, germs, and other infiltrators in our bodies is protein, especially a protein called glutathione (GSH). (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Coastal Creatures May Have Reduced Ability to Fight Off Infections in Acidified Oceans Aug 6, 2010
Apparently, if marine animals are challenged with a pathogen, a large number of their blood cells disappear within a few minutes. The blood cells clump up to attack the pathogen, but also lodge in the gills (the sea critter version of lungs), where the body gets it oxygen. (Science Daily)
Dont let malaria get you! Aug 5, 2010
There can sometimes be yellowing of the skin and in the whites of the eyes due to destruction of red blood cells and liver cells. People with severe P. falciparum malaria can develop bleeding problems, liver or kidney failure, central nervous system problems or even go into coma. (India Times, India)
Metabolic Pathway Found in Malaria Parasites; Possible Drug Targets Aug 5, 2010
4, 2010) A newly described metabolic pathway used by malaria-causing parasites may help them survive inside human blood cells ... So far, it is clear that the newly discovered pathway operates while the parasites are growing inside human blood cells ... 18, 2006) Scientists at Georgetown University are describing the first use of a new microscope technology to capture images of live malaria parasites inside human red blood cells. (Science Daily)
First Step to New Therapy for Chronic Bowel Disease Aug 5, 2010
The NF- B protein plays a critical role in the inflammatory response and is activated by e.g. TNF, which is produced by the white blood cells and acts as a kind of messenger molecule between multiple cell types. This leads in the cell to the production of e.g. A20, a protein that shuts down NF- B activation and is able to prevent cell death. (Science Daily)
Cholesterol Levels in Young Adults Predict Risk of Future Heart Disease Aug 4, 2010
3, 2010) Young people with even modestly elevated cholesterol levels are more likely to develop coronary artery calcium and atherosclerosis later in life, according to a 20-year study to be released on August 2 by UCSF researchers. The findings indicate that cholesterol levels found in the majority of young adults in their 20s and 30s are associated with damage to coronary arteries, which can accumulate over time and persist into middle age. (Science Daily)
Purified Blood Stem Cells Improve Success of Bone Marrow Transplants in Mice, Study Shows Aug 4, 2010
When they compared mice given pure stem cells with mice given a mixture of stem cells and mature T cells, they found that the mice given pure stem cells were better at forming new blood cells and faster in regenerating lymphoid tissues ... 29, 2008) Researchers in Sweden have established and isolated the tissue-specific stem cell that produces blood cells (blood stem cell) by using genetically modified embryonic stem. (Science Daily)
Risk factors for Rheumatoid Arthrit... Aug 3, 2010
The function of white blood cells are to attack bacteria and viruses ... The blood cells are responsible for inflaming the joints and causing the release of proteins that build up over months and years and cause further thickening of the joints ... Sex, age and smoking are other risk factors the Mayo clinic has determined to cause white blood cells to attack the body. (Suite101.com)
Tired? You Might Want to Talk to Your Doctor Aug 3, 2010
is a low concentration of red blood cells. Having fewer blood cells means the body is receiving less oxygen than it normally would. (ABC News)
How Stem Cells Determine What Tissue to Become Aug 2, 2010
29, 2008) Researchers in Sweden have established and isolated the tissue-specific stem cell that produces blood cells (blood stem cell) by using genetically modified embryonic stem. (June 1, 2010) For the first time, human embryonic stem cells have been cultured under chemically controlled conditions without the use of animal substances, which is essential for future clinical uses. (Science Daily)
Woman's rare blood helps others Aug 2, 2010
Tanoue's blood is used to help people diagnosed with thalassemia major, a disorder that destroys red blood cells and leads to anemia ... Unmatched antigens would cause the patient's immune system to make antibodies that destroy the transfused red blood cells ... Tanoue's blood is used to help people diagnosed with thalassemia major, a disorder that destroys red blood cells and leads to anemia. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Genetix of Cambridge invests $35m in 2 new gene therapies Aug 2, 2010
When those cells divide to produce red blood cells, the corrected gene is passed on to its daughter cells and all future cell generations. The virus itself dies, and researchers say it is a safe way to deliver drugs. (Boston Globe)
UT Southwestern researchers find key step in body's ability to make red blood cells Aug 1, 2010
DALLAS July 31, 2010 Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have uncovered a key step in the creation of new red blood cells in an animal study. They found that a tiny fragment of ribonucleic acid (RNA), a chemical cousin of DNA, prompts stem cells to mature into red blood cells ... Such interventions, if fruitful in humans, might be useful against some cancers and other diseases, such as polycythemia vera, in which the body produces a life-threatening excess of blood cells. (EurekAlert!)
Red blood cells have a tiny but effective protector -- microRNA Aug 1, 2010
Pediatric researchers have discovered a new biological pathway in which small segments of RNA, called microRNA, help protect red blood cells from injury caused by chemicals called free radicals. The microRNA seems to have only a modest role when red blood cells experience normal conditions, but steps into action when the cells are threatened by oxidant stress ... The study appears in the August 1 issue of the journal Genes opment, simultaneously with a similar study of microRNAs and red blood... (EurekAlert!)
Missing Puma reveals cancer conundrum Aug 1, 2010
"If normal mice (which have the Puma gene) are given a low dose of radiation it destroys around 80 per cent of the white blood cells," Professor Strasser said. "That does not kill the mouse but it does mean the stem cells in the bone marrow have to work extra hard to replenish the blood system. This can lead to the formation of tumours of white blood cells, called leukaemias, if the stem cells doing the repopulating have cancer-causing mutations. "The surprise was that mice that don't carry the... (EurekAlert!)
1st high school stem cell curriculum offered Jul 31, 2010
The curriculum, all of which is available to teachers online, is divided into four units: on embryonic stem cells; adult stem cells and regenerative medicine; stem cell behaviors and cancer; and the immune system and hematopoietic stem cells, from which all blood cells are formed. Barchas said she doesn't expect science teachers to use all of the curriculum, or even most of it. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
Healing With Crystals: Angelite Jul 31, 2010
a protein carried by the red blood cells that provides oxygen throughout the body. -Aids in the renewal of blood vessels. (Suite101.com)
Deciding to Become a Donor Jul 31, 2010
Apheresis is the process of seperating blood into its various components, namely: red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets (Cedars Sinai). There is a severe shortage of plasma and platelets in particular so demand is always high. (Suite101.com)
Italian rider Rebellin loses Olympic doping appeal Jul 31, 2010
CERA is an advanced version of the hormone EPO, which stimulates the production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells. It was first detected in sports by the French anti-doping agency, which developed a test and caught four cyclists more than two months after the 2008 Tour de France. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Researchers Study Benefits of White Button Mushrooms Jul 31, 2010
Dendritic cells can make T cells -- important white blood cells that can recognize and eventually deactivate or destroy antigens on invading microbes. When immune system cells are exposed to disease-causing pathogens, such as bacteria, the body begins to increase the number and function of immune system cells, according to Meydani. (Science Daily)
Vaccine Boosts Survival for Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer Jul 30, 2010
Provenge is a therapeutic (not preventive) vaccine made from the patient's own white blood cells. Once removed from the patient, the cells are treated with the drug and placed back into the patient. (MEDLINEplus)
Snake venom studies yield insights for development of therapies for heart disease and cancer Jul 30, 2010
The Japanese team is reporting in a Journal of Biological Chemistry "Paper of the Week" that they are optimistic that inhibiting a protein found on the surface of blood cells known as platelets may combat both irregular blood clotting and the spread of certain cancers throughout the body. "The finding that platelets not only play a role in blood clotting but also in the development of vessels that allow tumors to flourish was quite unexpected and paves the way for new research on the role or... (EurekAlert!)
Intensive Chemotherapy May Be Harmful to Most Older Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia Jul 30, 2010
Treatments for AML include chemotherapy or a transplant with blood cells obtained from the circulating blood or cord blood, though, for most elderly patients, the risks of serious side effects eliminate transplant as a viable option. As most clinical trials of AML thus far have excluded patients older than 55, physicians have had to infer that treatments that work for younger patients will work for older patients, too. (Science Daily)
New blood: Hospitals test if it's safer for transfusions Jul 28, 2010
Blood is rotated almost like milk on the grocery shelf: The Food and Drug Administration allows red blood cells to be stored for 42 days, and hospitals almost always use the oldest in their refrigerators first to ensure none expires. How old the blood you receive is depends on how much the hospital has of your type that day. (USA Today -- News)
Going nuts about peanuts! Jul 26, 2010
- Peanuts contain iron, thats essential for the correct functioning of red blood cells. - Peanut is rich in calcium which helps promotes healthy bones. (India Times, India)
The Health Consequences Associated ... Jul 26, 2010
The Health Consequences Associated with Anorexia. The Health Consequences Associated with Anorexia. (Suite101.com)
Test Could Predict Which Children With T-Cell ALL Are Best Candidates for Clinical Trials Jul 26, 2010
ALL, a cancer of the white blood cells, is the most common malignancy in children. T-ALL, which affects lymphocytes (lymph cells) known as T cells, accounts for about 15 percent of all pediatric ALL cases, or about 1,500 new diagnoses annually in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. (Science Daily)
A Blood Test for Depression? Jul 24, 2010
Some of the areas under increasingly intensive study are genetics, the study of variations in the genes (DNA) that can be extracted from blood cells, and genomics like proteomics, the measurement of the levels of specific proteins in the blood, and gene expression profiling, which measures the levels of RNA produced from DNA as an indication of the level of the "activity" of particular genes ... MPO, or myeloperoxidase,is an enzyme produced by white blood cells. (Science Daily)
Sickle cell treatment developed at LA BioMed enters Phase 3 clinical trial Jul 24, 2010
Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder that causes red blood cells to become oxidized, sticky and sickle shaped instead of smooth, pliable and round. Sickle cell disease leads to anemia, organ damage, chronic and acute pain and a host of other problems. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
