Considerations in cancer genetics

Analyzing genetic polymorphisms is important for the development of new cancer biomarkers; Wei Xu and colleagues review special considerations that must be taken into account when studying tumor genetics, and highlight the potential problems.

Revealing water's secrets

The anomalous properties of water are of great interest to scientists. However the impact of the deuterium content has never been explored before. For the first time the fundamental properties of deuterium depleted water at 4 and 20°C are presented

Toxic effects of carbon nanotubes and graphene

Carbon nanotubes and graphene cause lung inflammation in rats even at low concentrations. Editor-in-Chief Professor Casee says: "the exponential use of nanomaterials requires a dedicated risk assessment. This study was really targeted towards the needs for appropriate inhalation toxicity data."

Using spatial equity analysis in the process evaluation of environmental interventions to tackle obesity

Using the Healthy Towns programme in England, the potential of spatial equity analysis in the evaluation of environmental interventions for diet and physical activity examined whether the programme was delivered to those in greatest need.

HIV therapy: start later

Jens Lundgren and colleagues argue for a more cautious approach to starting antiretroviral therapy, highlighting that there is no evidence from randomized trials to suggest the benefits of starting therapy early outweigh the potential harms.

HIV therapy: start early

Ricardo Franco and Michael Saag discuss the benefits of starting HIV therapy early, arguing that treatment should be given as soon as possible to reduce viral replication, prevent transmission and avoid the problems associated with inflammation.

Stem cells for corneal tissue regeneration

Topical administration of orbital fat-derived stem cells (OFSCs) promotes corneal tissue regeneration in a mouse model of corneal injury through corneal epithelial differentiation of OFSCs and by inhibiting inflammation.

Enzyme-based synthesis of alkyl-glycosides

Alkyl-glycosides and -polyglycosides are environment friendly surfactants that are extensively used in personal care products, pharmaceutical preparations and membrane protein research. This review highlights recent progress in glycosidase catalyzed synthesis of alkyl-glycosides, including the current challenges and future prospects

Platelet biomarkers for AD

The platelet membrane proteome may be a source of blood-based biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly secretory granule protein levels, shows a comparative analysis in mild-to-moderate AD patients.

Mesenchymal stem cells promote tumor growth

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells promote tumor cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo, which may be attributed to increased expression of pro-angiogenic factors in the tumor microenvironment.