Advances in Medical Research: Artificial Blood and Exercise in Cancer Care

Advances in Medical Research: Artificial Blood and Exercise in Cancer Care

Development of Artificial Blood

Japanese researchers at Nara Medical University are working on developing artificial blood that can be used by anyone, anywhere, and anytime. The team aims to make this technology available for practical use by 2030. They are focusing on using stem cells taken from umbilical cord tissue, which have shown the capability to produce all components needed for human blood, including:

  • Red blood cells
  • White blood cells
  • Platelets
  • Plasma proteins

The goal is to create a future where individuals no longer fear receiving transfusions due to potential risks such as rejection reactions and infections.

Exercise as a Key Component in Cancer Recovery

In a separate development, a landmark international study has found that structured exercise after cancer treatment can significantly reduce a patient’s risk of death and disease recurrence. Key points from the study include:

  • Exercise may be more effective than many drugs in reducing mortality rates among cancer survivors.
  • The findings are expected to transform global cancer care guidelines.
  • Exercise is highlighted as a powerful, low-risk intervention for improving outcomes among patients with certain types of cancers.

Dr. Kathryn Schmitz from Penn State College of Medicine emphasizes the importance of exercise in cancer care, stating:

"Exercise is medicine. It’s not just something we do because we want to feel good or look good – it’s something we need to live longer."

Understanding Sleep and Immune Function

In related news, scientists have discovered how our bodies regulate melatonin levels during sleep-wake cycles, which could help us better understand why some people get sick when they don’t get enough rest. Key findings from the research include:

  • Melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle during nighttime hours and plays a role in regulating immune system function.
  • Specific genes are involved in controlling melatonin production levels throughout the day-night cycle.
  • The research allows scientists to pinpoint exact times when the immune system becomes weaker, making individuals more susceptible to illness.

This breakthrough could potentially lead to new treatments targeting these genes, specifically increasing melatonin production during periods when the immune system needs a boost, thus helping to prevent illnesses caused by lack of sleep.

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