What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Scientists have uncovered an association between tumours and fungi, which may lead to a deeper understanding towards the biology of certain cancers.
An international research initiative identified 35 types of cancer that carry traces of fungi lurking in various mutations of tumours – namely, those that originate in breasts, the colon, the pancreas and lungs.
The findings from scientists at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine derived from more than 17,000 tissue, blood and plasma samples collected by researchers from cancer patients.
Although there are no definitive conclusions that could be drawn about the role fungi plays in the development and spread of these cancers, the peer-reviewed research indicates that there are significant correlations between specific fungi and age, tumour subtypes and survival measures.
“The existence of fungi in most human cancers is both a surprise and to be expected,” Dr. Rob Knight, a professor at UC San Diego's School of Medicine and Bioengineering and Computer Science, said in a news release.
“It is surprising because we don’t know how fungi could get into tumors throughout the body. But it is also expected because it fits the pattern of healthy microbiomes throughout the body, including the gut, mouth and skin, where bacteria and fungi interact as part of a complex community.”
One of the authors of the study, Dr. Ravid Straussman, claims that these recent findings should “drive us to better explore their potential effects and re-examine almost everything we know about cancer through a ‘microbiome lens.’”
Dr. Gregory Sepich-Poore, another author of the study, said in the news release that looking through this "microbiome lens" might be a key piece to understanding the biology of cancer.
“It may present significant translational opportunities," he said. “Not only in cancer detection, but also in other biotech applications related to [treatments and diagnostics.]”
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
A property tax bill is perplexing a small townhouse community in Fergus, Ont.
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
A local Oilers fan is hoping to see his team cut through the postseason, so he can cut his hair.
A family from Laval, Que. is looking for answers... and their father's body. He died on vacation in Cuba and authorities sent someone else's body back to Canada.
A former educational assistant is calling attention to the rising violence in Alberta's classrooms.
The federal government says its plan to increase taxes on capital gains is aimed at wealthy Canadians to achieve “tax fairness.”
At 6'8" and 350 pounds, there is nothing typical about UBC offensive lineman Giovanni Manu, who was born in Tonga and went to high school in Pitt Meadows.