Supercharged “natural killer” cells could be a powerful new cancer weapon

Researchers have found a way to supercharge natural killer cells, powerful immune cells that can attack cancer, so they can penetrate solid tumors and keep fighting once inside. In mice, these specially prepared tissue-resident cells slowed the growth of several tumors, including melanoma and head and neck cancers, and worked even better when paired with the antibody drug cetuximab.

from Women's Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/Z7XsPek

AI may know how you’ll respond to a vaccine before you get it

AI may be able to predict how strongly someone will respond to a vaccine before they receive it. By analyzing antibody patterns in more than 4,000 people, researchers found signs of “immune readiness” that helped distinguish strong responders from weak ones. Surprisingly, even some healthy people responded poorly, while some immunosuppressed people mounted strong responses.

from Women's Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/fRvTYH4

Scientists turn probiotic bacteria into tiny drug factories for pancreatic cancer

Engineered probiotic bacteria were able to infiltrate pancreatic tumors, stimulate cancer-fighting immune cells, and slow tumor growth in animal studies. Even more strikingly, the treatment worked better when combined with chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy.

from Women's Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/0x2QXm5

Scientists uncover the hidden nerve network fueling breast cancer

Researchers have uncovered a surprising way triple-negative breast cancer may turn the body against itself. Tumors appear to recruit macrophages—immune cells normally involved in healing and fighting infection—and use them to release a protein called BDNF that draws nerves into the tumor. Those nerves may then help the cancer grow, resist treatment, and potentially spread.

from Women's Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/d7gE6M8

Scientists uncover the hidden nerve network fueling breast cancer

Researchers have uncovered a surprising way triple-negative breast cancer may turn the body against itself. Tumors appear to recruit macrophages—immune cells normally involved in healing and fighting infection—and use them to release a protein called BDNF that draws nerves into the tumor. Those nerves may then help the cancer grow, resist treatment, and potentially spread.

from Breast Cancer News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/d7gE6M8

This common vitamin deficiency becomes far more dangerous when paired with belly fat

A large study of more than 5,500 adults over 50 found a striking combination of risk factors: abdominal obesity paired with vitamin D deficiency was linked to a 123% higher risk of death over six years. Each condition was associated with increased risk on its own, but together they appeared to create a dangerous feedback loop, with belly fat reducing the amount of vitamin D available in the bloodstream while low vitamin D may worsen inflammation and other health problems.

from Women's Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/sVar9KO

A protein older than blood circulation could transform cancer immunotherapy

A protein that evolved long before the human circulatory system may help unlock stronger cancer treatments. When C3 is produced inside tumors, it blocks immune-suppressing cells and gives immunotherapy a better chance to work. Researchers were even able to recreate this effect in resistant tumors, significantly improving survival in mice.

from Women's Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/D6QWEav

A drug already used for osteoporosis blocked spinal damage in a new study

Genetic changes may set off a chain reaction that causes the spine’s natural shock absorbers to harden and deteriorate. Zebrafish with a faulty collagen-related gene developed mineral buildup and spinal fusion similar to human disc disease. Researchers were able to reduce the damage using an existing osteoporosis drug and by targeting fat metabolism. The discovery points to several exciting possibilities for future back pain treatments.

from Women's Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/XOLfaUj

Cancer-fighting chewing gum cuts HPV levels by up to 93%

A specially engineered chewing gum reduced HPV by up to 93% and nearly eliminated two bacteria linked to head and neck cancer. The treatment preserved beneficial mouth bacteria, raising hopes for a safer and more affordable therapy.

from Women's Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/HaAMgPw

A common sugar may help cancer cells break free and spread

Chemotherapy-surviving ovarian cancer cells may release fructose to help neighboring tumor cells loosen, escape, and spread. The discovery suggests that sugary diets and cholesterol-lowering drugs could influence cancer progression, though the effects have not yet been confirmed in patients.

from Women's Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/grlUXkF