Down's syndrome cuts tumour growth
Down's syndrome may be the key to new anti-cancer treatments, say Harvard University researchers who discovered a key reason why people with the disorder rarely get cancer: they have extra copies of a gene that stops tumours feeding themselves. The DSCR1 gene is crucial in the creation of a protein that suppresses a growth factor tumours use to grow blood vessels. Having an extra copy of the gene results in more of this protein, Reuters reports.
Vitamin D reduces cancer risk
Having adequate levels of vitamin D may help stop the development of cancer, say US researchers, based on modelling that highlights the role the sunshine vitamin and calcium play in communication between cells. Loss of this communication is 'the first event in cancer', says team leader Cedric Garland of the University of California, San Diego. 'Vitamin D may halt the first stage of the cancer process.' Although more research is needed, the team says people should have their vitamin-D levels tested as part of their annual check-ups, healthday.com reports.
Solar-powered intelligence
High levels of vitamin D seem to be associated with increased brain power in middle-aged men, say British researchers, based on studies of more than 3,000 men. The link was more pronounced in those over 60. The University of Manchester team found that men with higher levels of vitamin D 'performed consistently better' in tests measuring 'attention and speed of information-processing'. Last year, Dutch researchers found that low levels of the vitamin were associated with a higher risk of depression and other psychiatric problems among older people, AFP reports.