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Scientists Develop Nanomachines Capable of Killing Cancer Cells

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Nanomachines

A few weeks ago, I talked about the A.I. capable of detecting Cancer with incredible accuracy results. Now, we are going to talk about how humanity is getting one step closer to becoming Solid Snake from Metal Gear. Nanomachines which can drill into cancer cells, killing them in just 60 seconds, have been developed by scientists.

The tiny spinning molecules are driven by light, and spin so quickly that they can burrow their way through cell linings when activated. In one test conducted at Durham University the nanomachines took between one and three minutes to break through the outer membrane of prostate cancer cell, killing it instantly.

This is an amazing development for the scientific community. Dr Robert Pal of Durham University said: “We are moving towards realising our ambition to be able to use light-activated nanomachines to target cancer cells such as those in breast tumours and skin melanomas, including those that are resistant to existing chemotherapy.”

This effort is done to provide a potential step change in non-invasive cancer treatment and greatly improve survival rates and patient welfare globally. It’s just incredible to see such development that has us stepping closer and closer to remove Cancer from our lives once and for all.

So, how do these nanomachines work? I mentioned that they are driven by light, but there are also important aspects on their structure to take into account. The ‘motor’ is a rotor-like chain of atoms that can be prompted to move in one direction, causing the molecule to rotate at high speed. You can look at this video for further information:

Dr James Tour, a member of the international team from Rice University in Houston, US, said: “These nanomachines are so small that we could park 50,000 of them across the diameter of a human hair, yet they have the targeting and actuating components combined in that diminutive package to make molecular machines a reality for treating disease.”

I always wanted to be a journalist who listens. The Voice of the Unspoken and someone heavily involved in the gaming community. From playing as a leader of a competitive multi-branch team to organizing tournaments for the competitive scene to being involved in a lot of gaming communities. I want to keep moving forward as a journalist.

Medicine and Health

Olivia Munn Understanding Luminal B Breast Cancer Diagnosis

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Olivia Munn, a well-known actress, revealed that she received a diagnosis of luminal B breast cancer in April 2023. Subsequently, she underwent a surgical procedure to remove both of her breasts.

My age, familial breast cancer history, and the timing of my first child were all considered by Munn’s OBYGYN. In an Instagram post, Munn shared that she was informed about her 37 percent lifetime risk. I had an MRI, an ultrasound, and ultimately a biopsy because of that score. I was diagnosed with Luminal B cancer in both breasts based on the biopsy results.

Could you please explain luminal B breast cancer?
For the purpose of discovering the most efficient method to combat cancer, it has become routine for medical professionals to examine the genetic makeup of cancer cells. This provides insight into the specific characteristics of the cancer, allowing for the identification of effective targeting strategies. According to this analysis, breast cancers can be categorized into four primary groups: basal-like or triple-negative, HER2 positive, luminal A, and luminal B.

Munn’s diagnosis of luminal B breast cancer indicates a highly aggressive and rapidly progressing form of the disease. This is due to the excessive production of proteins that stimulate cell growth and proliferation.

This particular type of cancer is commonly referred to as hormone receptor positive, meaning it has receptors for either estrogen, progesterone, or both. Additionally, it is characterized by high levels of Ki-67. HER2-positive status can also be seen in Luminal B cancers, which means that a protein receptor that helps cells grow is present.

What is the frequency of occurrence?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 242,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in the United States annually. Out of these, approximately 10 percent fall under the category of luminal B.

Who is at risk?
While there are no specific factors that increase the risk of developing luminal B breast cancer, there are certain factors that can contribute to a higher risk of breast cancer overall. Here are some examples:

  • While breast cancer is more commonly associated with females, it is important to note that males can also be affected by this disease
  • Certain genetic mutations, such as those found in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, can contribute to the hereditary nature of breast cancer
  • Age
  • Commencing menstruation prior to the age of 12 and experiencing menopause after the age of 55
  • Having experienced breast cancer previously

What are the indications and manifestations?
The signs and symptoms of luminal B breast cancer may overlap with those of breast cancer in general. Some symptoms may include:

  • Alterations in skin texture, such as puckering or dimpling
  • Experiencing swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone
  • Observing lumps and thickening
  • Excretion from the nipple
  • An abrupt and atypical alteration in size or form
  • Regarding nipple inversion and changes in direction
  • Experiencing a rash or crusting of the nipple or surrounding area
  • Experiencing persistent and uncommon discomfort in your breast or armpit

Is there a way to treat it?
When considering treatment options for luminal B breast cancer, various factors need to be taken into consideration. These include the specific proteins that are associated with this subtype, the extent to which the cancer has spread, your age, and your overall health. This approach, known as personalized medicine, is gaining popularity in the field of cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Chemotherapy is a common treatment option for Luminal B breast cancer. In some cases, hormone therapy, HER2-targeted treatments, or surgery may also be recommended. Munn chose to undergo a double mastectomy, which involves the surgical removal of both breasts.

What is the outlook?
As a scientist, it is important to note that the survival rate of luminal B cancer can vary depending on its spread. Among the four breast cancer subtypes, luminal B has the second-highest five-year survival rate, which stands at an impressive 90.7 percent.

All “explainer” articles are thoroughly verified by fact-checkers to ensure their accuracy upon publication. Text, images, and links may be modified, deleted, or included later to ensure that the information remains up-to-date.

This article does not serve as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is important to consult with qualified health providers for any questions you may have about medical conditions.

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Medicine and Health

This virus affects around 95% of the population, and its vulnerabilities have recently been discovered

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Currently, there is no vaccine or cure for the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), although this situation may change in the future. A recent study has identified several weaknesses of the virus, which could lead to the development of specific treatments.

You likely have an EBV infection. It is highly common among humans, with an estimated infection rate of over 95%; however, many individuals may be unaware of being infected. When it appears, it is linked to severe disorders such as mononucleosis, multiple sclerosis, and some malignancies.

Considerable work has been dedicated to creating a vaccine for EBV, but currently, none is accessible, and there are no particular treatments for the virus.

EBV, despite its prevalence and significant impact, was first identified in 1964 by Dr. Anthony Epstein and his PhD student, Yvonne Barr. Dr. Epstein, who just passed away at the age of 102, made this discovery. It was remarkable at the time because no cancer-causing virus had been identified previously. We have discovered more viruses, like the human papillomavirus (HPV), for which we have a highly efficient vaccine. Nevertheless, EBV remains persistently resistant to treatment.

Thanks to a recent study, that may soon change. Researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) studied the protein gp42, which the EBV virus uses to infect B cells, a kind of white blood cell, where the virus can reside throughout the person’s lifetime.

The team created two monoclonal antibodies, A10 and 4C12, which target gp42. The goal is to inhibit the protein from attaching to or merging with the B cells, therefore impeding the virus from entering them initially.

X-ray crystallography showed that the two antibodies were binding to distinct locations on the gp42 protein. The scientists conducted studies on mice utilizing A10, 4C12, and many other antibodies to study their potential influence on EBV infection. A10 was the most effective, as it nearly totally prevented infection, and none of the mice treated with it developed lymphoma, a disease linked to EBV.

The results show promise, although they are now restricted to mice. If subsequent studies confirm a comparable impact in humans, A10 may serve as a viable preventive measure for individuals who have not contracted EBV. It might also be ground-breaking for people with compromised immune systems, such as those who have undergone illness or transplant surgery. These people are especially vulnerable to the potentially fatal severe illness that EBV can cause.

Scientists have identified the vulnerable areas on the gp42 protein, allowing them to develop vaccinations that produce antibodies targeting these locations. This enables the human immune system to effectively combat this common threat.

The research is featured in the journal Immunity.

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Medicine and Health

Is the Placebo Effect Beneficial or Detrimental to Us?

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Chances are, you are familiar with the placebo effect. The concept is that a treatment lacking active components or established medical benefits can nonetheless alleviate symptoms if the patient has faith in its effectiveness. Placebos are commonly used in clinical trials as a standard for comparison with novel drugs. However, it is worth noting that physicians occasionally give inert medications or unneeded treatments. Is this truly beneficial?

Which placebo therapies do doctors employ?
The formal utilization of placebos in medicine originated in the 18th century, despite the concept being far older.

In 2013, a study discovered that an astonishing 97 percent of UK doctors had administered a placebo medication at least once throughout their professional lives. It is crucial to analyze the various implications of a placebo in diverse situations, beyond just being an inert substance.

The poll results, as published in PLOS ONE, indicated that most respondents had utilized an “impure placebo.” These are interventions or examinations that are recognized to provide advantages, albeit not specifically for the targeted medical condition.

At the less severe end of the range, this could involve recommending a vitamin supplement without evidence of its effectiveness for the patient’s symptoms or conducting a physical examination for reassurance even when it is not clinically necessary. Prescribing an antibiotic for a suspected viral infection is not beneficial and can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Recent research in Australia revealed that 77% of surveyed general practitioners had utilized a contaminated placebo, with the majority being antibiotics.

A “pure placebo” refers to a pill or injection that contains only inactive, non-pharmacological substances such as sugar or saline.

Both treatments attempt to provide the patient with a remedy, with the expectation that the act of taking medication or receiving an examination will improve their well-being. Occasionally, it appears to be effective.

What are the advantages of placebos?
Cardiologist Dr. Christopher Labos, in an article for the Montreal Gazette, demonstrated how individuals often utilize the placebo effect on themselves using over-the-counter cold drugs as an example.

“We all frequently fall into this pattern.” Labos contends that numerous over-the-counter cold drugs lack clinical efficacy, although people frequently use them when they are ill. When we are ill, taking action is preferable to inaction, as being inactive is usually unbearable. This is especially challenging for parents caring for an ill child.

Scientists are continuously discovering the impact of treating illnesses such as anxiety on total wellbeing, recognizing the interconnectedness of mental and physical health. Indulging in an unneeded medical procedure or consuming a placebo can potentially alleviate a patient’s worry, leading to potential improvements in their physical health.

Various research across several medical fields has identified a beneficial impact of the placebo effect on various ailments, such as utilizing colored overlays to enhance reading and treating Parkinson’s disease.

Can you agree to get a placebo?
In Western medicine, a fundamental principle is the concept of informed consent. Patients should have access to comprehensive information regarding a medical intervention, including its risks and benefits, prior to deciding whether to undergo the therapy.

At first glance, it is difficult to understand how administering a treatment that the doctor is aware is not effective aligns with this ethical paradigm. Nevertheless, an intriguing aspect of the placebo effect is that it remains effective even when patients are aware that they are receiving a placebo. Deception is unnecessary, and the patient is still capable of providing informed consent.

In 2017, a tiny study showed that participants who received a sham topical anesthetic before a heating plate was put on their skin exhibited a similar effect. Participants were divided into three groups: one group was informed that the cream was an anesthetic, although it was not; another group was told it was a placebo, and the placebo effect was explained to them; and the third group received the placebo without any explanation.

The participants who believed they were receiving an anesthetic saw a reduction in discomfort, as anticipated. Similarly, this was likewise the case for the group that fully comprehended they were receiving a placebo. The lead author of the study stated that openly giving a placebo presents new opportunities for utilizing the placebo effect in a morally acceptable manner.

An American Medical Association (AMA) Code of Medical Ethics Opinion emphasizes the importance of patients being informed about and giving consent to the use of placebos in medical practice. The document also specifies that placebos should not be used only to appease a challenging patient.

Physicians may use placebos if they genuinely believe they will benefit the patient, but not for their own convenience or in a way that undermines patient confidence.

“Primum non nocere?”
Placebos, such as sugar pills, are unlikely to have any harmful effects on a patient. However, impure placebos do not have the same effect. When considering a medical intervention, it is important to evaluate the risks in comparison to the potential benefits.

We have already discussed this in relation to antibiotic resistance, but there are several additional instances where similar questions arise. A case report in 2022 detailed a man who was hospitalized for excessive vitamin D intake, highlighting the potential risks even in seemingly harmless vitamin tablets. Additionally, several herbal supplements have been associated with liver damage.

Some doctors may prescribe needless tests to reassure their patients, but procedures like X-rays, although generally deemed safe, should not be done excessively. Even the most basic blood tests have a slight risk of bruising, clotting, and infection.

Labos emphasized that placebos are not inherently harmless, arguing against their use. He further noted that, while they may not cause bodily harm, consuming excessive, needless drugs might put a financial burden on patients.

Some clinicians are reluctant to incorporate placebos into their therapeutic practice.

Some patients may believe that any treatment leading to improvement is beneficial; however, the placebo effect is both uncertain and not lasting. Dr. David Eidelberg, head of the Center for Neurosciences at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, stated in an interview with the Michael J. Fox Foundation that it is not a feasible therapeutic technique.

“The notion of utilizing placebos as a universal remedy for various health conditions is highly problematic.” Dr. Chris Maher from the University of Sydney School of Public Health expressed that it is detrimental to science and patients.

Maher authored a perspective in the Medical Journal of Australia criticizing the weak data supporting the widespread clinical use of placebos. “It might be more effective to disregard placebos and focus on treating patients with evidence-based therapies.”

The credibility of the placebo effect’s evidence has been questioned before. Despite facing criticism, it is evident that numerous physicians have utilized placebos in specific situations.

Determining whether medical interventions are intrinsically beneficial or evil is a challenging subject to answer. A medicine that effectively treats one person’s illness may have lethal effects on another individual if taken differently. Physicians must consider each patient’s distinct, distinctive circumstances when suggesting a treatment plan. Many individuals consider a placebo to be a viable choice.

Before publication, fact-checkers ensure that all “explainer” articles are accurate. Content, images, and hyperlinks can be modified, deleted, or included in the future to ensure the material is up-to-date.

This material does not serve as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult qualified health professionals for any inquiries on medical conditions.

 

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