Scientists have found a mutation in stem cell genes, which they claim could be linked to development of leukaemia and other cancers. An international team, led by Peter Papathanasiou of The Australian National University, has completed a three-year screening project to find the genes that control development and turnover of stem cells. Stem cells can grow into any other kind of cell in the body, making them a hot area of research to find new treatments for diseases and injuries. In fact, a major finding of the new study is the discovery of a novel DNA mutation in the c-Myb gene which has been previously linked to a number of different cancer types, the ‘Blood’ journal reported. “We’ve shown that blood stem cells with this genetic mutation behave the same way as those present in human bone marrow diseases, including diseases that can evolve into leukaemia,” said Dr Papathanasiou. Added team member Prof Andrew Perkins from Queensland University: “By understanding more about the genetic blueprint of these kinds of disorders, we can start to develop new ways of targeting diseases. Currently, there is no treatment for this group of blood diseases, but discovery of this mutation provides new avenues for investigation.”
Socialising is good for health — in fact, it may even help fight cancer, says a new study. An international team has carried out the study and found that socialising with others aid in fight against cancer as the stress of interaction causes tumours to shrink and even go into remission. Cancer patients who change their lifestyle to keep company with more people could see substantial improvements in their condition, says the study. According to researchers, the findings challenge accepted wisdom that stress is damaging to health, indicating that a manageable level of stress can help the body fight disease, ‘The Daily Telegraph‘ reported. Matthew During of The Ohio State University, who led the experiments on mice, said that the results had substantial implications for how people with cancer should live after diagnosis. Doctors should pay more attention to living conditions of their patients, rather than relying on traditional clinical treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He was quoted as saying, “The goal isn’t to minimise stress, but to live a richer life, socially and physically. You want to be challenged. “Traditionally working on the area of lifestyle and the brain has been a ‘soft area’. This paper really suggests if we look at people more in terms of their perceptions of disease, their social interactions and environment, we could realise a profound influence on cancer.”