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MIT Researchers Develop Triple Helix MicroRNA Cancer Treatment (mit.edu)

Posted by Soulskill on from the might-assimilate-you-by-mistake dept.

Eloking sends a report on new research from MIT, where scientists have developed a promising technique to shrink cancerous tumors. By "twisting RNA strands into a triple helix and embedding them in a biocompatible gel," they were able to efficiently deliver the RNA to tumor cells. "Using this technique, the researchers dramatically improved cancer survival rates by simultaneously turning on a tumor-suppressing microRNA and de-activating one that causes cancer. They believe their approach could also be used for delivering other types of RNA, as well as DNA and other therapeutic molecules. ... Once placed on the tumor, the gel slowly releases microRNA-dendrimer particles, which are absorbed into the tumor cells. After the particles enter the cells, enzymes cut each triple helix into three separate microRNA strands."

3 of 29 comments (clear)

  1. Slashdot write up by bytesex · · Score: 3, Funny

    "Once placed on the tumor, the gel slowly releases microRNA-dendrimer particles, which are absorbed into the tumor cells. After the particles enter the cells, enzymes cut each triple helix into three separate microRNA strands."

    And? Aaaand?!... The suspense is just killing me! For Pete's sake man - just tell me what happens next!

    --
    Religion is what happens when nature strikes and groupthink goes wrong.
    1. Re:Slashdot write up by Nidi62 · · Score: 3, Interesting

      "Once placed on the tumor, the gel slowly releases microRNA-dendrimer particles, which are absorbed into the tumor cells. After the particles enter the cells, enzymes cut each triple helix into three separate microRNA strands."

      And? Aaaand?!... The suspense is just killing me! For Pete's sake man - just tell me what happens next!

      Science. Science happens.

      --
      The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for it to be pitted against a slightly greater evil
  2. Hope by JimSadler · · Score: 2

    Things are looking brighter for a cure for cancers and I love it. What will it be like to live in a world in which friends and family are not ripped apart by this awful disease? Now can we get this treatment into the hands of every person that needs it or must the poor die even though a cure exists?