Bow-and-arrow, technology of the first modern humans in Europe 54,000 years ago at Mandrin, France

The Emergence of Archery In Prehistory: An Exploration of European Upper Paleolithic Weaponry Archery is a skill that has been prevalent throughout history, and the emergence of mechanically propelled weapons in prehistory is often seen as a sign of the advancement of modern human populations into the European continent. However, the presence of archery in the European Upper Paleolithic has not been as widely acknowledged. This is due to the difficulty of determining the difference between weapons propelled with a bow or a thruster. Understanding the presence of archery in the European Upper Paleolithic is key to unraveling the period's technological complexity. In recent years, research into the evidence of archery has been growing. Palaeolithic technology and material culture found at European Upper Palaeolithic sites indicate that arrows were used in the period. In particular, recent archaeological research has focused on the use of a bow and arrow in the European Upper Palaeolithic, which suggests that the technology was employed in the period. In addition to the material evidence of arrows, recent discoveries have shown that there was a range of projectile weapons that ranged from short-range spears to longer-range arrows. This has led to the conclusion that archery was not only a means to hunt game, but also for protection and warfare. This is further evidenced by the presence of arrow heads found at European Upper Palaeolithic sites. The evidence of archery in the European Upper Palaeolithic has also been hampered by the difficulty of distinguishing between what were projectiles fired from bows and thrusters. This is because both bow and thruster projectiles are made from similar materials. Furthermore, arrows, both tipped with stone and flint, can be hard to distinguish from spears or harpoons, which were also common weapons of the period. Despite the challenges of distinguishing between projectiles fired by bows and thrusters, there has been an increasing recognition of the presence of archery in the European Upper Palaeolithic. Several archaeological studies have demonstrated evidence of bows and arrows, which suggests that they were used during the period. Furthermore, the presence of projectile weapons in the period supports the argument that archery was not only a means of hunting, but also a form of defence and warfare. Archaeological evidence of archery in the European Upper Palaeolithic provides insight into the technological complexity of the period, which is essential for understanding the development of human societies. Furthermore, the evidence of projectiles and arrowheads suggest that archery was a part of everyday life during the period, which indicates that archery was an important factor in the technological advancement of early human societies. In conclusion, the presence of archery in the European Upper Palaeolithic has been made more visible through recent archaeological studies. This has given insight into the complexity of the period's weaponry and has provided evidence to support the argument that archery was not only a means of hunting, but also a form of protection and warfare. Understanding the use of archery during this period is critical for comprehending the level of technological advancement of early human societies and for appreciating the wider development of modern human populations.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/bow-and-arrow-technology-of-the-first-modern-humans-in-europe-54-000-years-ago-at-mandrin-france

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Study of intravenous mistletoe extract to treat advanced cancer

The Power of Mistletoe Extract in Cancer Therapy: A Clinical Trial When it comes to cancer treatment, the search for alternative options is relentless. One powerful potential alternative is Mistletoe extract, a natural substance derived from a parasitic herb found on the branches of oak, apple, and pine trees. Mistletoe extract has been used for centuries to treat an array of health conditions, but in modern times, its potential use in cancer therapy has been the focus of much research. While anecdotal evidence and animal studies have been promising, there is a dearth of clinical trials in humans. Now, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center are changing that with a first-of-its-kind phase I trial of intravenous Helixor M, a type of mistletoe extract. The primary objective of the trial is to assess safety, determine dosing for possible future clinical trials, and explore potential benefits for cancer patients. The Benefits of Mistletoe Extract for Cancer Therapy Mistletoe extract contains a variety of compounds, including flavonoids, lectins, and polysaccharides, that give it numerous anti-cancer effects. Many of these compounds are known to be immunomodulatory, meaning that they help boost the immune system. Other compounds are cytotoxic, meaning they can directly target and destroy cancer cells. What's more, mistletoe extract is thought to be beneficial for cancer patients beyond the disease itself. Studies have suggested that mistletoe extract can help reduce toxicity of some chemotherapies and radiation, as well as help improve quality of life. The Current Clinical Trial at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center The current phase I clinical trial at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center is the first of its kind in the U.S., and it is designed to determine a safe and effective dose of Helixor M for cancer patients. The study is being conducted in two phases. In the first phase, the safety of Helixor M will be determined by assessing for side effects in patients with advanced cancers. If the data from this phase shows that the treatment is safe, then the second phase will test different doses of the drug to determine the most effective dosage and the best route of administration. The trial is open to adults with any advanced cancer except those that is known to have a direct effect on the immune system, such as lymphomas and myelomas. The participants will receive the drug through an intravenous infusion three times per week for seven weeks. Data From Clinical Trials to Inform Treatment Decisions Though the results of this trial are yet to be seen, researchers are hopeful that the data collected will provide an evidence-based basis for future clinical trials as well as inform treatment decisions for oncologists and patients. They are also hopeful that through the continued study of mistletoe extract, more cancer patients can benefit from an alternative therapy. While the results from this trial will be the first of its kind in the U.S., the mistletoe extract has been studied in clinical trials abroad for years. Studies have shown that it can be effective in treating certain types of cancers, as well as in improving quality of life while undergoing traditional cancer treatments. As we await the results of the current trial, it is undeniable that Mistletoe extract has already been shown to have potential therapeutic benefits for cancer patients. Here's to hoping that this trial will bring us one step closer to making mistletoe extract a viable treatment option for cancer patients in the U.S. and beyond.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-medical-news/study-of-intravenous-mistletoe-extract-to-treat-advanced-cancer

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Mechanisms underlying autoimmunity in Down syndrome revealed

Autoimmune Diseases in Down Syndrome Patients Explained by Scientists at Mount Sinai Millions of Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases every year. Things like celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis can cause serious harm to individuals and lots of confusion for their doctors. Until now, scientists were unable to explain why certain individuals with Down syndrome were at an increased risk of experiencing these types of conditions. But, researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York have recently identified which parts of the immune system are responsible for this abnormality. The study, which was published in the February 22 online issue of Nature, reveals which mechanisms of the immune system go wrong and contribute to the autoimmune issue in Down syndrome patients. Information like this could be invaluable moving forward; not only to the Down syndrome community, but to all individuals suffering from autoimmune diseases. Down Syndrome & Autoimmune Issue Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21 in an individual’s cells. It is estimated that roughly 1 in 700 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome every year. However, with advancements in medical science, individuals with Down Syndrome are now living longer and healthier lives. For some Down syndrome patients, though, their longer lifespan can bring about certain complications. Many are at an increased risk for autoimmune diseases, which can be incredibly debilitating. In these conditions, the body’s immune system attacks itself instead of foreign invaders or pathogens. The Identification of Culprits In their study, the team of researchers at Mount Sinai identified some key players in the development of autoimmune diseases in Down syndrome individuals. The scientists were able to determine that two specific functional markers- T-bet and Eomes- have an abnormally low level in individuals with Down syndrome when compared to their healthy counterparts. They found that when these markers are decreased, immune cells become more reactive and prone to attacking friendly cells instead of pathogens. Furthermore, they discovered that an imbalance of inflammation-associated cytokines- IL-21 and TGF-beta- in individuals with Down syndrome might further contribute to the autoimmune issue. The scientists also noted that there is some evidence of an altered activation of specific regulatory T cells in Down syndrome patients. It is proposed that these T cells are responsible for determining which cells the immune system will attack and which it will leave alone. The Big Picture The findings of this study could have far reaching implications for Down syndrome patients and those suffering from autoimmune conditions. Historically, it has been incredibly difficult to determine which mechanisms of the immune system are responsible for autoimmune diseases. Now, with this information, scientists can start to develop treatments that target only the relevant cells and pathways. Such treatments could be incredibly powerful. Not only will they potentially relieve the suffering of those affected by autoimmune diseases, but they could also help scientists further understand why these conditions arise in the first place. Overall, the discoveries made by the scientists at Mount Sinai will have a positive effect in the Down syndrome and autoimmune disease communities. It is now up to the medical community to develop treatments that are consistent with these findings and make a real difference to the lives of those who suffer from them.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-medical-news/mechanisms-underlying-autoimmunity-in-down-syndrome-revealed

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