A fasting-like diet with chemotherapy strips away the guard that protects breast cancer and skin cancer cells from the immune system, according to a new USC-led study on mice. Continue reading “Fasting-like diet turns the immune system against cancer”
Can strategies like fasting lead to longer, healthier lives?
Even as you lounge on the couch or take a relaxing stroll on the beach, your cells are being put to the test. Continue reading “Can strategies like fasting lead to longer, healthier lives?”
Fasting triggers stem cell regeneration of damaged, old immune system
Ιn the first evidence of a natural intervention triggering stem cell-based regeneration of an organ or system, a study in the June 5 issue of the Cell Stem Cell shows that cycles of prolonged fasting not only protect against immune system damage — a major side effect of chemotherapy — but also induce immune system regeneration, shifting stem cells from a dormant state to a state of self-renewal. Continue reading “Fasting triggers stem cell regeneration of damaged, old immune system”
Modern laser science brightened by 2,300-year-old technology
An active field of research, laser optical trapping works to control the movement and position of particles of different sizes and shapes. The ability to move small particles in a precise and controlled manner is important to both basic and applied science. For example, the ability to control the movement of single atoms can be used to realize quantum computing, and the research also contributes to the study of biological specimens and pollutants. Continue reading “Modern laser science brightened by 2,300-year-old technology”
Psychiatric disorders share an underlying genetic basis
Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder often run in families. In a new international collaboration, researchers explored the genetic connections between these and other disorders of the brain at a scale that far eclipses previous work on the subject. The team determined that psychiatric disorders share many genetic variants, while neurological disorders (such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s) appear more distinct. Continue reading “Psychiatric disorders share an underlying genetic basis”
Music training can change children’s brain structure and boost decision-making network
If the brain is a muscle, then learning to play an instrument and read music is the ultimate exercise. Two new studies from the Brain and Creativity Institute at USC show that as little as two years of music instruction has multiple benefits. Continue reading “Music training can change children’s brain structure and boost decision-making network”
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