vital organs Archives

Researchers Say Deadly Twist Key To Sickle Cell Disease

Patients with sickle cell disease have mutant haemoglobin proteins that form deadly long, stiff fibres inside red blood cells. A research team led by University of Warwick researcher Dr Matthew Turner, propose a mathematical model in the 28 March online issue of PRL to explain the persistent stability of these deadly fibres. The theory suggests that an inherent “twistiness” in the strands that make up the fibres could be the key to their durability and possibly to new treatments.

Zebrafish May Point the Way to Mending a Broken Heart

Researchers have found that the secret to mending a broken heart — at least at the molecular level — resides within the two-chambered heart of a fish commonly found in household aquariums. The scientists showed that the zebrafish can regenerate its heart after injury, and their studies suggest that understanding cardiac regeneration in this fish may lead to specific strategies to repair damaged human hearts.

Enzyme replacement effective in treatment of ‘Fabry’ disease

A disorder in which the body fails to make a particular enzyme — leading to severe pain in the hands and feet, and eventual damage to internal organs — has been successfully treated for the first time in Los Angeles.