Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center studied the effectiveness of sulforaphane1) in targeting and killing breast cancer stem cells on both mice and cell cultures with promising results.  In the study the sulforaphane extracted from broccoli sprouts prevented new tumors from growing.
“Sulforaphane has been studied previously for its effects on cancer, but this study shows that its benefit is in inhibiting the breast cancer stem cells. This new insight suggests the potential of sulforaphane or broccoli extract to prevent or treat cancer by targeting the critical cancer …

Patients that receive a computed tomography scan can track their cumulative health care-related radiation exposure with the help of Valkyrie. Valkyrie is a computer-based system that can automatically track patient-specific radiation dose exposure.
“The purpose of the computer-based system, called Valkyrie, is to extract the radiation dose information from CT dose reports so as to eventually perform automated quality control, promote radiation safety awareness, and provide a longitudinal record of patient health care-related radiation exposure,” said George Shih, MD, lead author of the study.
During the study, performed at Weill Cornell Medical …

Melanin nanoparticles may help cancer patients by protecting them against the harmful effects of radiation therapy. Melanin nanoparticles are made of tiny sand particles coated with several layers of synthesized melanin pigment, the same pigment that protects our skin from the solar UV radiation.
Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine successfully tested the melanin-covered nanoparticles on mice by dividing them into two groups and injecting one of the groups with nanoparticles. After three hours both groups were exposed to whole-body radiation. After monitoring both groups for 30 days the scientists …

Cocaine esterase (CocE) is an engineered enzyme who shows promising results in treating cocaine toxicity. The CocE enzyme is isolated from a soil bacterium found around the roots of the coca plant and  works by breaking down cocaine into inactive products more rapidly than the human body.
Researchers at the University of Michigan in collaboration with Columbia University and the University of Kentucky have been researching the potential of the enzyme to block cocaine toxicity by eliminating cocaine. They found out the CocE enzyme effectively degraded cocaine even in the presence …

The world’s first full face transplant consisting in nose, skin, cheekbones,jaws, teeth and other features was recently carried out in Barcelona’s Vall d’Hebron Hospital. The patient had suffered a car accident in the past that left him with  serious face trauma and deformation.
The operation was done in late March by a medical team consisting of 30 medical team personnel and it took 24 hours. The identity of the patient remained confidential, doctors stating that it is about a Spanish persons between 20 and 40 years old who is now recovering …