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BGRF Newsletter 10th October 2008 Jump to: Digest: science, general
Cancer: the end in sight? http://www.economist.com/science/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12202589 The Economist takes an optimistic look at a hypothesis gaining much traction in recent years: that cancers grow from stem cells just as regular organs. This holds the promise of a new generation of treatments, and "if it does, it is possible that the headline-writer’s cliché, 'a cure for cancer', will come true over the years" http://www.physorg.com/news140929220.html Another possibility of that same headline-writers' cliché, from an unusual source: long-lived, small-bodied rodents such as squirrels. With research focused so much on humans or the mouse model, this article raises the suggestion that we have overlooked an entirely new mechanism for tackling cancer, involving cell-monitoring processes, and providing cancer protection without telomerase supression. Cancer: other developments http://www.worldhealth.net/news/high_calcium_levels_linked_to_fatal_pros New information on one of the big killers of old age men. Research on nearly 3000 men revealed that high levels of calcium in the blood are more likely to develop prostate cancer than their counterparts, with clear implications for the elderly male population. http://www.worldhealth.net/news/immune_system_protein_promotes_tumor_gro Meanwhile, an example of the complexity of cancer mechanisma and the surprises still uncovered by researchers. While the immune system is seen as a vital protection, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered an immune system protein that aggravates tumor growth. Calorie intake, longevity and cancer are correlated http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-09/uouh-lca091808.php More insights into the genetics of cancer, once again possibly pointing the way to obtaining cancer protection along with increased life- and healthspan, this time from the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Research into worms has pointed to links between two genes: one of aging, and one of cancer. Intriguingly, their operation seems to be affected by calorie intake, so raising hopes of identifying the mechanisms of the beneficial effects of caloric restriction. And importantly, the genetics in question are close enough to humans' to have the potential for translation into meaningful healthspan-increasing therapies. Caloric restriction does not lead to bone loss http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922174521.htm Caloric restriction is the only proven way to significantly extend healthspan beyond the usual diet and exercise approaches. More evidence of the efficacy of this technique comes from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, whose research shows that nutritious but low-calorie food leads to weight loss without affecting bone density in young adults. Inhalers: another cause for heart attacks http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7631688.stm News on another batch of the biggest killers of old age. An article published in the Journal of American Medical Association states that patients using Inhalers are prone to increased risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular diseases by around 58%. Americans are more prone to osteoporosis http://www.agingresearch.org/content/article/detail/2077/ The National Osteoporosis Foundation's Dr. Joan Lappe has emphasized on the need for improved research on osteoporosis. Pain: the cause and effect of arthritis http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-09/uorm-nsp092508.php Recent studies have revealed that pain itself is the cause of arthritis and not arthritis the cause of pain.
What is Health? http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/health/views/30essa.html At its heart, the BGRF aims to increase human healthspan. But just what do we mean by 'health'? In this absorbing essay, a doctor ponders this deceptively simple question. A never ending life – boring or interesting? http://www.depressedmetabolism.com/2008/09/25/immortality-and-boredom/ On the outskirts of aging research lies the possibility of major extensions in life- and healthspan. But would such things be undesirable on grounds such as boredom? Aschin de Wolf reviews Bernard Williams' proposition that this is in fact the case. |
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