Pregnancy brings a rise in pancreatic beta cells -- the cells that produce insulin. Shortly after birth, these cells return to their normal levels. The mechanisms behind this process had remained a mystery. But now a research group has revealed that white blood cells called macrophages 'eat' these cells. 
Read more …Macrophages 'eat' insulin-producing cells to regulate insulin after mice have given birth

Decreasing pancreatic beta cell numbers -- the only cells that produce insulin -- is a leading cause of diabetes. In a promising development, a research group has revealed that stimulating autonomic vagal nerves connected to the pancreas can improve the function and also increase the number of pancreatic beta cells in mice.
Read more …Stimulating nerves connected to the pancreas regenerates insulin-producing cells, mouse study shows

Self-folding polymers containing gadolinium forming nanosized complexes could be the key to enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and next-generation drug delivery. Thanks to their small size, low toxicity, and good tumor accumulation and penetration, these complexes represent a leap forward in contrast agents for cancer diagnosis, as well as neutron capture radiotherapy.
Read more …Breakthroughs in nanosized contrast agents and drug carriers through self-folding molecules

Mathematics, histopathology and genomics converge to confirm that the most aggressive clear cell renal cell carcinomas display low levels of intratumour heterogeneity, i.e. they contain fewer distinct cell types. The study supports the hypothesis that it would be advisable to apply therapeutic strategies to maintain high levels of cellular heterogeneity within the tumour in order to slow down the evolution of the cancer and improve human survival.  
Read more …Mathematics supporting fresh theoretical approach in oncology

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