Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Saliva Holds Clues to Oral Cancer
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MONDAY, Jan. 3 (HealthDayNews) -- A major advance in using saliva to detect oral cancer is outlined in a study funded by the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Scientists found they were able to measure for elevated levels of four distinct cancer-associated molecules in saliva. Using this method, they had a 91 percent accuracy rate in distinguishing between healthy people and those diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma. This is the first study to report that distinct patterns of cancer-linked messenger RNA can be measured in saliva and indicate the presence of a developing tumor. The findings appear in the current issue of Clinical Cancer Research. Messenger RNA provides a chemical record that a particular gene has been expressed. The researchers used saliva and blood samples from 32 people who''d been diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma but hadn''t yet received treatment. They plan a larger study to determine if they can use saliva samples to distinguish between various stages of oral cancer. More information The Cleveland Clinic Foundation has more about oral cancer.
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