Slow Reading In Dyslexia Tied To Disorganized Brain Tracts

Slow Reading In Dyslexia Tied To Disorganized Brain Tracts
Researchers have found that difficulty in reading smoothly, or fluently, which occurs in some types of dyslexia, may be caused by disorganized, meandering tracts of nerve fibers in the brain. The findings, which point to organized white matter as the structural basis in the brain for fluent reading, could help specialists find new ways to improve the automatic nature of reading in individuals with dyslexia. Circuitous connections may keep some patients from reading fluently.

Cancer Cells 'Feel' Much Softer Than Normal Cells
Scientists were able to differentiate metastatic cancer cells from normal cells in patient samples using leading-edge nanotechnology that measures the softness of the cells. The study represents one of the first times researchers have been able to take living cells from cancer patients and apply nanotechnology to analyze them and determine which were cancerous and which were not. The nano science measurements may provide a potential new method for detecting cancer, especially in cells from body cavity fluids where diagnosis using current methods is typically very challenging. The method also may aid in personalizing treatments for patients.

Planning Made Easier: Engineers Develop Software Solution For Complex Space Missions
Sending an unmanned spacecraft to the outer fringes of the solar system requires extensive planning.Engineers have now developed an efficient and highly sophisticated mathematical algorithm (implemented as software) that determines the most efficient path for a spacecraft's journey from point A to point B -- no matter how many worlds or years away.

FDA Signs Off on Nexavar for Liver Cancer Treatment
The first targeted therapy shown to significantly improve overall survival for liver cancer patients is now widely available.

Malaria Parasite In Patient Blood Finds Distinct Physiological States
For the first time, scientists have measured which of the malaria parasite's genes are turned on or off during actual infection in humans, not in cell cultures, unearthing surprising behaviors and opening a window on the most critical aspects of parasite biology.

IOM's 10-Point Plan for More Comprehensive Cancer Care
The Institute of Medicine has outlined 10 measures for better meeting the psychological and social needs of cancer patients and their families.