Sulforaphane, one of the primary phytochemicals in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables that helps them prevent cancer, has been shown for the first time to selectively target and kill cancer cells while leaving normal prostate cells healthy and unaffected. The findings, made by scientists in the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, are another […]
Electromagnetic Fields Affect Human Cells
Electromagnetic fields, similar to those found in overhead power lines, can have a biological effect on human cells, an effect that could contribute to the complex cellular process that leads to cancer, research at Michigan State University shows. The work of James E. Trosko, a professor of pediatrics and human development, and colleagues is published […]
Chopping And Cooking Affect Garlic’s Anti-Cancer Activity
Penn State researchers have shown that microwave heating or roasting garlic can diminish or destroy its anti-cancer activity – unless the herb is chopped or crushed, and allowed to “stand” for at least 10 minutes before cooking. Kun Song, doctoral candidate in nutrition, and Dr. John A. Milner, professor and head of the Department of […]
The effect of acute exercise in humans on cancer cell growth
New research presented at The Physiological Society’s Annual Conference Physiology 2021 shows that molecules released into the bloodstream during exercise (such as small proteins) can act directly on bowel cancer cells to slow down their growth. Previous research has shown that regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing bowel cancer. This is mainly thought […]
Milk thistle herb protects cancer patients from chemotherapy-associated liver toxicity
A study finds that the herb milk thistle may help treat liver inflammation in cancer patients who receive chemotherapy. Published early online in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the study indicates that the herb could allow patients to take potent doses of chemotherapy without damaging their liver. Chemotherapy drugs frequently cause inflammation in […]
‘No level of smoke exposure is safe’
Nearly a quarter of pregnant women say they’ve been around secondhand smoke — in their homes, at work, around a friend or relative — which, according to new research, is linked to epigenetic changes — meaning changes to how genes are regulated rather than changes to the genetic code itself — in babies that could […]
Homeopathic Medicines: Can They Help Relieve Side-Effects Of Cancer Therapy?
Drugs and radiotherapy given for cancer can cause unpleasant side effects such as nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, dermatitis, and menopausal symptoms. Around a third of patients with cancer use complementary therapies, including homeopathic medicines, to try to reduce these side effects. In a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, Cochrane researchers examined recent evidence […]
Avocado discovery may point to leukemia treatment
A compound in avocados may ultimately offer a route to better leukemia treatment, says a new University of Guelph study. The compound targets an enzyme that scientists have identified for the first time as being critical to cancer cell growth, said Dr. Paul Spagnuolo, Department of Food Science. Published recently in the journal Blood, the study […]
Genetic effects of Chernobyl radiation
In two landmark studies, researchers have used cutting-edge genomic tools to investigate the potential health effects of exposure to ionizing radiation, a known carcinogen, from the 1986 accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in northern Ukraine. One study found no evidence that radiation exposure to parents resulted in new genetic changes being passed from […]
Personal use of permanent hair dye not associated with greater risk of most cancers or cancer death
Women who use permanent hair dye products to colour their hair at home do not experience greater risk of most cancers or greater cancer related mortality, finds a study published by The BMJ today. While this should provide general reassurance to users of permanent hair dyes, the authors say they did find a slight increase in risk […]