Childhood cancer is a devastating disease that affects thousands of children every year. However, as cancer is more likely to occur in adults rather than children, research on childhood cancer is often underfunded, leading to fewer treatment options and lower survival rates. One of the biggest challenges in treating childhood cancer is the risk of long-term side effects from chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments can cause developmental delays, learning disabilities, and even secondary cancers later in life. As a result, new treatment strategies are being developed to minimize these risks. One of the most promising new approaches is immunotherapy, a type of treatment that harnesses the power of the immune system to attack cancer cells. CAR T-cell therapy, in which T-cells are genetically engineered to recognize and attack cancer cells, has shown particularly promising results in clinical trials. Another challenge in treating childhood cancer is the lack of targeted therapies. Unlike adult cancers, childhood cancers often have no known driver mutations that can be targeted with precision medicine. Researchers are working to identify new drug targets and develop new treatments that can attack cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. Dr. Kimberly Stegmaier, an oncologist and researcher at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, is one of the leading experts in childhood cancer research. She and her team are working to identify new drug targets and develop targeted therapies for childhood cancers. They are also studying the genetic and molecular characteristics of childhood cancers to better understand how they develop and how they can be treated. In conclusion, childhood cancer presents unique challenges that require innovative solutions. While underfunded research and the lack of targeted therapies have made progress difficult, recent developments in immunotherapy, such as CAR T-cell therapy, show promising results. As we continue to fight for a cure, let us also remember the children and families affected by this disease and strive to support them in any way we can.

Scientists have developed a groundbreaking treatment for blood cancer using off-the-shelf T-cells. The CALM clinical trial evaluated the potential of UCART19, an "off-the-shelf" CAR-T cell product, against adult patients with B-ALL. The results were recently published in The Lancet Haematology and Cancer Research Communications, showing that 48% of treated patients achieved complete remission lasting an average of 7.4 months. This new approach offers a more efficient and effective alternative to traditional CAR-T cell therapy, providing hope for patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant blood cancers.

Medical research is a fascinating field of study that explores the complexities of the human body and its many diseases. It's an exciting area of research that is constantly evolving, with new discoveries and innovations being made every day. One of the most appealing aspects of medical research is the potential to make a real difference in people's lives. Researchers in this field are at the forefront of developing new treatments and therapies for a wide range of illnesses, from cancer to Alzheimer's disease. One example of groundbreaking research in this field is the development of immunotherapy, a treatment that harnesses the power of the immune system to fight cancer. This innovative approach has already helped to save countless lives and is just one example of the many exciting breakthroughs being made in medical research. At the undergraduate level, students can expect to take a variety of modules that cover topics such as genetics, molecular biology, and epidemiology. These modules provide a solid foundation in the basic principles of medical research and prepare students for further specialisation in areas such as cancer research or infectious diseases. Potential future jobs and roles in medical research include positions as research scientists, clinical trial coordinators, and medical writers. There are also many opportunities to work in public health or in the pharmaceutical industry, with notable employers including the National Institutes of Health, Pfizer, and GlaxoSmithKline. To succeed in this field of study, students should have a strong interest in science and a passion for helping others. They should also possess excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Overall, the study of medical research is an exciting and rewarding field that offers endless possibilities for those who are passionate about making a difference in the world of healthcare.

A groundbreaking study by the University of Oxford as part of the UK's 100,000 Genomes Project has defined five new subgroups of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and linked these to clinical outcomes, paving the way for more personalized patient care. This is the first study to analyze all the relevant changes in DNA across the entire cancer genome!

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is a master of disguise. It can change its outer coat of proteins frequently, making it hard for the immune system to recognise and destroy it. HIV targets Helper T cells, which act as the air traffic controllers of the immune system, coordinating the efforts of other immune cells. If Helper T cells disappear, the whole immune system would have trouble fighting not just HIV but many other illnesses as well. Boosting the immune system against HIV requires getting the Helper T cells back in control. Learning about the immune system and how it works can help you understand how HIV affects the body and how to boost your immune system against it. By exploring this topic through reading, reflection, writing and self-directed projects, you can gain a deeper understanding of the immune system and how to protect yourself from harmful intruders like viruses and bacteria.

UCLA scientists have identified how immune cells detect and respond to cancer cells, leading to better personalized immunotherapies for patients who do not respond to treatment. Checkpoint inhibitors improve T cells' ability to recognize and attack cancer cells, and the study showed that when immunotherapy is effective, it directs a diverse repertoire of T cells against a small group of selected mutations in a tumor. The researchers adapted advanced gene-editing technology to make unprecedented observations about immune responses in patients with metastatic melanoma receiving anti-PD-1 "checkpoint inhibitor" immunotherapy.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and has been the focus of countless scientific studies and research projects. In the field of biochemistry, scientists have made tremendous progress in understanding the underlying mechanisms of cancer and developing new treatments to fight it. One of the most exciting breakthroughs in the field of cancer research has been the discovery of targeted therapies. These treatments are designed to specifically target the genetic mutations that cause cancer, rather than simply killing all rapidly dividing cells, which can lead to side effects. For example, imatinib (brand name Gleevec) is a targeted therapy that was developed to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and has been incredibly successful in treating this form of cancer. Another area of biochemistry that is making a big impact in the fight against cancer is the study of cancer metabolism. Researchers have found that cancer cells have a unique metabolism that allows them to rapidly divide and grow. By targeting this unique metabolism, scientists are developing new treatments that can specifically target cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. One of the leading scientists in the field of cancer metabolism is Dr. Lewis Cantley, a Professor of Cancer Biology at Weill Cornell Medicine. He has made numerous contributions to the field, including the discovery of the PI3K pathway, which is a key player in cancer cell metabolism. By targeting this pathway, scientists are developing new treatments that can effectively fight cancer. So, whether you're a student who is just starting to learn about biochemistry and cancer research, or you're an experienced researcher looking to make an impact in this field, there are countless exciting opportunities to get involved and make a difference. The battle against cancer is a journey through biochemistry that is waiting for you to join!

Cancer is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide and has been a subject of intense research for decades. Thanks to recent advances in cancer treatment, survival rates are on the rise, and more and more people are able to beat the disease. One of the key developments in cancer treatment has been the use of immunotherapy. This approach harnesses the power of the patient's own immune system to fight cancer cells. For example, the drug Keytruda, which was developed by three developers -- Hans van Eenennaam, John Dulos and Andrea van Elsas -- has been shown to be effective in treating several types of cancer, including melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Another exciting development in cancer treatment is the use of precision medicine. This approach uses genetic information to tailor treatments to individual patients, increasing their effectiveness and reducing side effects. For example, the drug Gleevec, which was developed by Dr. Brian Druker, has revolutionized the treatment of certain types of cancer (such as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, chronic myeloid leukaemia, gastrointestinal stromal tumours, and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases), leading to high cure rates in patients with this disease. Additionally, advances in radiation therapy have also played a major role in the fight against cancer. Today, more precise and targeted radiation treatments are available, reducing side effects and improving outcomes for patients. For example, proton therapy, which was developed by Elekta, uses beams of protons to precisely target cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

Get ready to revolutionize the way we treat cancer and age-related diseases! A new company, GlioQuell, co-founded by Dr. Kambiz Alavian from the Department of Brain Sciences, is developing a cutting-edge approach to target the powerhouses of cancer cells - the mitochondria. By reducing the efficiency of these structures, GlioQuell aims to turn off the cancer cells' energy supply and treat one of the most aggressive forms of cancer - glioblastoma.

As we grow older, our bodies undergo many changes, including changes in our metabolism. Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur in our bodies to maintain life. These processes are essential for providing energy, building and repairing tissues, and eliminating waste products. As we age, our metabolic pathways can become altered, leading to various age-related diseases and conditions. One example of a metabolic pathway that is affected by aging is the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). The ETC is responsible for producing ATP, the primary source of energy for our cells. As we age, the function of the ETC can become impaired, leading to a decrease in ATP production and an increase in oxidative stress. This can contribute to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes. Another example is the mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) pathway, which regulates cellular growth and metabolism. Studies have shown that inhibiting the mTOR pathway can increase lifespan in various model organisms, including mice. This has led to increased interest in developing drugs that target this pathway as a potential anti-aging strategy. One of the leading academics in this field is Dr. David Sinclair, a Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Sinclair's research has focused on the role of metabolism in aging and age-related diseases, and he has made significant contributions to the field. For example, his research has shown that supplementing with NAD+, a molecule involved in energy metabolism, can improve various aspects of aging in mice. Another leading academic in this field is Dr. Valter Longo, a Professor of Gerontology and Biological Science at the University of Southern California. Dr. Longo's research has focused on the role of fasting and caloric restriction in aging and age-related diseases. His work has shown that periodic fasting can have a range of health benefits, including improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. In conclusion, the study of metabolic pathways in aging is a fascinating and rapidly growing field. By understanding the complex interplay between metabolism and aging, we can better understand the underlying causes of age-related diseases and conditions. Students who are interested in this topic can continue to explore it through reading and research, or by pursuing their own experiments and projects. With the right tools and resources, they can make meaningful contributions to this exciting field and help improve our understanding of aging and metabolic pathways.

In "The Neuroscientist Who Lost Her Mind," author Lipska takes readers on a journey through her own brain, as she battles metastatic melanoma and experiences symptoms of mental disorders such as schizophrenia. With her scientific knowledge, Lipska is able to identify the changes in her brain during treatment, providing a unique perspective on the intersection of neuroscience and cancer. Her memoir is a testament to the power of strength, courage, and a supportive network in the face of illness. Recommended for those interested in neuroscience, cancer research, and mental health, "The Neuroscientist Who Lost Her Mind" offers a unique perspective on the impact of cancer on the brain. Lipska's personal experience highlights the importance of a strong support system and the resilience of the human brain. This memoir will be particularly relevant to those in the medical field, as well as patients and caregivers dealing with cancer and its effects on the mind and body.

Are you interested in pursuing a career that enables you to make a difference in people's lives while helping them? The field of surgery may be the ideal fit for you! Surgeons are highly skilled medical professionals responsible for performing operations to cure and treat a wide range of diseases and injuries. Let's delve deeper into what it takes to build a career in surgery. As a surgeon, your primary responsibility is to perform surgeries and other medical procedures to diagnose and treat various ailments and conditions. You'll be working with patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly, in several specializations, including neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and more. One of the most compelling aspects of a career in surgery is the chance to have a significant and long-lasting impact on people's lives. For example, as a neurosurgeon, you can perform life-saving brain surgeries, while as a plastic surgeon, you can help boost someone's confidence and self-esteem by fixing their physical defects. To become a surgeon, you'll need to earn a medical degree, complete a residency program, and get a state license. The entire process of education and training may take up to 14 years, including undergraduate studies in biology, chemistry, or pre-med. Excellent manual dexterity, communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work under pressure are essential qualities for success in this field. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are equally vital. The job prospects and long-term outlook for surgeons are favorable, with an expected job growth of 4% over the next decade. Surgeons are in high demand worldwide, with hospitals, private clinics, research institutions, and government agencies being some of the potential employers. Numerous top-notch organizations are looking for talented surgeons to join their teams, including the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Cleveland Clinic in the USA, the Royal London Hospital in the UK, and St. Vincent's Hospital in Australia. In conclusion, if you're looking for a fulfilling and exciting career that allows you to make a difference in people's lives while working in a challenging and rewarding field, surgery may be the perfect career path for you. Take the time to explore this field further and see if it's the right choice for you!

Did you know that every time you visit the doctor or take a medication, you are contributing to the vast amounts of health data that are collected and analyzed? Thanks to advances in technology and the rise of big data, these massive amounts of information are now being used to revolutionize the field of medicine, and the results are nothing short of incredible. Data-driven medicine is the practice of using vast amounts of health-related data to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. By analyzing large amounts of patient information, healthcare providers can identify patterns and trends that would be impossible to detect otherwise. This information can be used to develop personalized treatment plans, predict disease outbreaks, and even prevent illnesses before they occur. One area where data-driven medicine has already made a significant impact is in cancer treatment. Thanks to the analysis of genetic data, doctors can now tailor treatments to individual patients based on their specific genetic profile, resulting in better outcomes and fewer side effects. In fact, the use of data-driven medicine in cancer treatment has already led to a 30% reduction in mortality rates. But data-driven medicine isn't just about treating disease. It's also about preventing it. By analyzing patient data, healthcare providers can identify risk factors for certain diseases and take steps to prevent them from developing. For example, doctors can use patient data to identify individuals who are at high risk for heart disease and develop personalized prevention plans that include exercise, diet changes, and medication. Leading academics in the field of data-driven medicine include Dr. Atul Butte, a professor of pediatrics and biomedical informatics at Stanford University, and Dr. Eric Topol, a professor of molecular medicine and the executive vice-president of Scripps Research. Both researchers have made significant contributions to the field, including the development of innovative data-driven tools and techniques that are transforming the way we approach healthcare. Remember, the key to success in exploring academic topics is to be curious, ask questions, and be willing to learn. With data-driven medicine, the possibilities are endless, and the potential to make a real difference in people's lives is huge.

Revolutionize cancer treatment with a new approach - turning cancer cells into cancer-killing vaccines! Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard-affiliate are developing a cell therapy that eliminates tumours and trains the immune system to prevent future cancer outbreaks.

Cancer is a mysterious and deadly disease that claims the lives of 1500 Americans every day. But why is it so common, and why does treatment often fail? In "Cancer: The Evolutionary Legacy", leading researcher Mel Greaves offers clear and convincing answers to these questions by looking at cancer through a Darwinian lens. Greaves argues that human development has trapped us in a nature-nurture mismatch, causing cancer to thrive. With compelling examples from history and modern research, this fascinating book sheds light on the evolutionary context of cancer and its implications for prevention and treatment. Recommended for biology students, medical professionals, and anyone interested in the evolutionary origins of disease, "Cancer: The Evolutionary Legacy" offers a fresh perspective on this complex and elusive disease. With its lucid and engaging style, this book is accessible to readers of all backgrounds and provides a comprehensive overview of cancer research and treatment. Additionally, those interested in the history of medicine and public health will find the compelling examples from history, including the epidemic of scrotal skin cancer in 18th-century chimney sweeps, to be particularly interesting.

Metabolic diseases are a group of disorders that occur due to a disruption in normal metabolic processes. Some common metabolic diseases include type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. These diseases have become increasingly prevalent, affecting millions of people worldwide. Lifestyle factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and smoking contribute to the development of metabolic diseases. However, research has shown that genetics also play a critical role in the development of metabolic diseases. In fact, a family history of metabolic diseases increases an individual's risk of developing the condition. One of the leading academic researchers in this field is Dr. Jeffrey M. Friedman, a molecular geneticist. His research has helped to identify key genes involved in the regulation of body weight and metabolism. Additionally, his work has shed light on the relationship between genetics and lifestyle factors in the development of metabolic diseases. Another important academic researcher in this field is Dr. David Ludwig, a pediatrician and obesity researcher. Dr. Ludwig's research has focused on the role of diet and nutrition in the development of metabolic diseases. He has emphasized the importance of a whole-food, low-carbohydrate diet in preventing and managing metabolic diseases. Fortunately, there are steps individuals can take to prevent and manage metabolic diseases. These include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. By making these lifestyle changes, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing metabolic diseases.

Severe stress triggers biological age to increase, but it can be reversed. Surgery, pregnancy, and COVID-19 are studied in humans and mice. Researchers found that biological age increased in situations of severe physiological stress but was restored when the stressful situation resolved. This study challenges the concept that biological age can only increase over a person’s lifetime and suggests that it may be possible to identify interventions that could slow or even partially reverse biological age.

Organ transplants are a life-saving medical breakthrough that have revolutionized the field of medicine. Kidneys are essential organs that filter waste material from the blood and process it into urine. A typical dialysis patient has a poorer life expectancy than many cancers. Removing one kidney should not affect someone's lifespan or quality of life. A kidney from a living donor in general will have a much better quality because it comes from a healthy and tested person. Kidneys are expected to survive up to twice as long on average in the recipient. Currently, it's not allowed to donate a kidney under any form of payment. However, incentivizing people to donate more is actually a way to starve black markets. It's not to recreate them, it's to undermine them. If you reward a person amply for the sacrifice they've made, something they go into with their eyes open and well informed, that's not exploitation. Organ donation is an incredible gift that can save someone's life so palpably, and everyone should consider donating.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the healthcare industry in ways we never imagined. AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. With the help of AI, medical professionals can now analyze large amounts of data in seconds, making the process of diagnosing and treating patients much more efficient. Leading academics such as Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist and digital health pioneer, have been working on incorporating AI into healthcare for years. For example, Dr. Topol has been working on developing AI algorithms that can help diagnose diseases from scans and images, reducing the need for invasive procedures. He has also been studying the use of AI in personalized medicine, where AI can help predict the best treatment for a patient based on their specific genetic makeup. Statistics show that AI is already having a positive impact on healthcare. In 2019, researchers used AI to diagnose skin cancer with accuracy comparable to human dermatologists. Another study found that AI could help detect breast cancer up to five years before a traditional mammogram. These are just a few examples of how AI is changing the face of healthcare. AI is also helping healthcare professionals work more efficiently. For example, AI algorithms can quickly analyze medical records and help doctors identify patients who need immediate attention. This saves time and reduces the risk of missing critical information.

Did you know that selecting the embryo with the lowest risk for a given disease can cut the risk for that disease by almost half? This is particularly true for disorders such as schizophrenia and Crohn’s disease. However, the selection process may not lead to significant improvements in non-disease traits such as intelligence. Moreover, the use of preimplantation genetic screening (PES) raises concerns about psychological well-being, social values, and ethics. Learn more about the potential benefits and risks of PES, and how it may impact our society and individuality.