New Synthetic Oil to reduce Aryhritis pain

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Jayant V. Narlikar [1]

Scientists claim to have developed a new synthetic joint lubricant aimed at providing long lasting relief to millions of arthritis patients.
The unique polymer supplements synovial fluid, the natural lubricant in joints, and works better than comparable treatments currently available.
According to Mark W Grinstaff, Boston University Biomedical engineer, the best fluid supplement now available offers temporary symptom relief but provides inadequate lubrication to prevent further degradation of the cartilage surfaces that cushion the joint.
The most common form of joint disease and a leading cause of disability in the elderly, osteoarthritis (OA) affects about 200 million people worldwide, researchers said.

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GENE THAT HALTS CANCER GROWTH DISCOVERED
Washington: Scientists have identified a “master regulator” gene that, when repressed in cancer cells, puts a halt to tumours and stops them from enlarging and spreading to distant sites. Researchers hope the gene may be the key to developing a new treatment for tumours resistant to current drugs. This master regulator is normally turned off in adult cells, but it is very active during embryonic development and in all highly aggressive tumours studied to date,” said Linda Resar, from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
“Our work shows for the first time that switching this gene off in aggressive cancer cells dramatically changes their appearance and behaviour,” said Resar. Resar has been investigating genes in the master regulator’s family, known as high mobility group or HMG genes, for two decades. — PTI