DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/49pt57/global_market_for) has announced the addition of the "Global Market for Nano Silver" report to their offering.

Nanomaterials have enormous potential and are slated as materials for the future technologies. There are several specific type of nanomaterials already developed in the marketplace and Nano Silver is one such material which has the potential to be used across various industries. Relatively increased chemical reactivity and quantum effects are expected to make Nanomaterials more cost effective products in the medium term.

We are proud to present the readers with the first research on the nano materials subject. Versatile applications combined with cost effective manufacturing method makes nano silver , a product of the future. Despite enormous potential, nano silver remains unknown to most of the global producers and hence the product could not live up to its true potential. In this report, we have attempted to uncover some of the characteristics , features and benefits of this revolutionary product which can help change the prospects of most of the industries.

Nano Silver exhibits antibacterial as well as conductive properties. Therefore due to its antimicrobial nature, it finds use in various applications, ranging from healthcare, plastics, food packaging while the conductive properties makes it find application in electronics, conductors, touch screen etc. However, 80% of nano silver is presently used as an antibacterial agent. Existing players in the field of drug manufacture, food packaging, textiles, detergents, solar cells, consumer electronics, sensors etc will find the report more useful as it opens up a whole new world of business opportunities. The emerging application areas where research efforts are underway are again in the fields of medicine and a few in the area of conductive applications.

The current global consumption of nano silver is estimated to be in the range of 800 MT. North America is the largest consumer of Nano Silver by volume followed by Europe. However, 60% of the global capacity is located in Asia especially in China and Korea. Nano Silver is sold in two forms - solid powder and liquid solution. There two main processes for manufacture of nano silver are Control Detonation System and Hot Plasma Jet System. The price and quality of the nano silver is dependent on the particle synthesis method used.

Key Topics Covered:

- 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

- 2 METHODOLOGY

- 3 INTRODUCTION

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Research and Markets: Global Market for Nano Silver

Featured Article Academic Journal Main Category: MRSA / Drug Resistance Also Included In: Biology / Biochemistry Article Date: 06 May 2012 - 12:00 PDT

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The scientists have been working towards this goal by developing a nanoparticle that invades the immune system, targeting the infection sites, and subsequently release a focused antibiotic attack.

According to leading author, Aleks Radovic-Moreno, who is an MIT graduate student, this strategy would lower the side effects of some antibiotics and protect the beneficial bacteria that commonly live in the human body.

The new nanoparticles were created from a polymer capped with polyethylene glycol (PEG), which is commonly used for drug delivery due to its nontoxic properties and because it can help to transport nanoparticles through the bloodstream without being detected by the immune system. The researchers then induced the particles to specifically target bacteria. Previous attempts to target particles to bacteria by giving them a positive charge that attracts them to bacteria's negatively charged cell walls have not been successful, given that the immune system tends to clear positively-charged nanoparticles from the body before they can encounter bacteria.

The team managed to overcome this hurdle by designing antibiotic-carrying nanoparticles, which can switch their charge depending on their environment, for instance, whilst circulating in the bloodstream, the particles' charge is slightly negative, yet on encountering an infection site, they gain a positive charge, which allows them to bind tightly to bacteria and release their drug payload.

The switch is invoked because of the slightly acidic environment surrounding bacteria. Infection sites can be slightly more acidic compared with normal body tissue, because the bacteria that cause disease reproduce rapidly and deplete oxygen. Insufficient oxygen levels, however, trigger a change in bacterial metabolism, which prompts them to generate organic acids. The body's immune cells try to assist - neutrophils cells start producing acids so as to to consume the bacteria.

The nanoparticles have a pH-sensitive layer that is made of long chains of the amino acid histidine just below the outer PEG layer. When the pH-level fall from 7 to 6, i.e. when it becomes more acidic, the polyhistidine molecule tends to gain protons that give the molecule a positive charge.

The nanoparticles start releasing their drug payload, which is embedded in the particle's core, once they bind to bacteria. The researchers designed the particles to deliver vancomycin, which is used to treat drug-resistant infections, However, it is possible to modify the particles to deliver other antibiotics or combinations of drugs. With increasing acidity, many antibiotics tend to lose their efficacy. However, the team discovered that antibiotics carried by nanoparticles retained their potency better than traditional antibiotics. The current version of nanoparticles discharges its drug payload over one to two days.

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Drug-resistant Bacteria - Designing Nanoparticles For High Antibiotic Doses

by Ananda KANNANGARA

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardane has focused attention on expanding children's knowledge on nano science since educationists are of the view that nano technology-based industries will be set up in the country within the next 15 years.

According to the Education Ministry, nano science was to be introduced as a subject at the GCE Ordinary Level and Advanced Level examinations several years ago, but due to lack of trained teachers the proposal was put off.

A senior Science and Technology Ministry official said, nano technology is taught to children from their younger days in many developed and developing countries, as this technology will be increasingly used in science, medicine, motor mechanism and associated fields during the next few decades.

Minister Gunawardane told the Sunday Observer that it would take a few years to introduce the subject of nano technology to the school curriculum due to the non-availability of trained instructors.

Meanwhile, Dr. Prabath Hewageegana of the Department of Physics, University of Kelaniya has proposed that nano science be taught in schools so that students acquire a basic knowledge of the subject as they have acquired sound knowledge in the field of Information Technology.

He said strengthening nano science education in schools from now on is crucial for sustainable development in the field and Sri Lanka could easily develop a pool of professionals and a workforce to meet future needs.

He said State intervention is important in this regard and more research funds should also be made available to research institutions such as universities.

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Nano science, focus of Education Ministry

HOLLISTON, Mass., May 3, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (HBIO - News), a global developer, manufacturer, and marketer of a broad range of tools to advance life science research and regenerative medicine, today reported unaudited financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

First Quarter Reported Results

Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $28.3 million, an increase of $2.0 million, or 7.6%, compared to revenues of $26.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Currency exchange rates had a negative 1.0% effect on revenues in the first quarter of 2012 compared with the first quarter of 2011. The Company's acquisitions of CMA Microdialysis AB ("CMA") in July 2011 and AHN Biotechnologie GmbH ("AHN") in February 2012 had a positive 4.4% effect on revenues. Excluding the effects of currency changes and acquisitions, the Company's organic revenue growth for the first quarter of 2012 was 4.2% over the same period in the previous year.

Net income, as measured under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), was $0.5 million, or $0.02 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to $1.7 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the same period in 2011. The unfavorable year-to-year quarterly GAAP earnings comparison was primarily due to increased spending in the Company's development-stage Regenerative Medicine Device ("RMD") business.

On a non-GAAP adjusted basis, earnings per share for our core Life Science Research Tools ("LSRT") business for the first quarter of 2012 were $0.09 per diluted share compared with $0.08 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2011. Non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share for our RMD business for the first quarter of 2012 was a loss of $0.03 per diluted share, compared with a loss of $0.01 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2011, and reflected greater activities in developing this new initiative. The Company's total non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share, reflecting LSRT and RMD combined, were $0.06 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2012 compared with $0.07 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2011.

Commenting on the Company's performance Chane Graziano, CEO, stated, "We are pleased with our first quarter 2012 performance. Overall our organic growth in orders was 6% and for revenues was 4% versus the first quarter of 2011, fueled by demand in each of our four major product groups. During the first quarter of 2012 we hired a new general manager at our Denville Scientific subsidiary and introduced an exciting new nano spectrophotometer product at our Biochrom subsidiary. We expect each to have a significant impact in the second half of 2012."

Mr. Graziano continued "In the second quarter of 2012, we expect revenues to be in the $28-$29 million range and we expect non-GAAP diluted earnings per share for our core LSRT business to be in the 9-10 cents per share range. In RMD, we expect second quarter operating expenses to be about 4 cents per diluted share. For the year, we are maintaining our guidance at $115-$120 million range for revenues and 39-42 cents non-GAAP diluted earnings per share range for our core LSRT business. We also continue to expect our RMD operating expenses to be about 13 cents per diluted share this year."

Our second quarter 2012 revenue and earnings guidance was calculated using exchange rates (USD 1.62/GBP and USD 1.32/Euro) approximating April 27, 2012 rates and assumes a continuation of the business conditions as we see them at this time. The non-GAAP adjusted earnings per diluted share guidance excludes amortization of intangible assets, impact of future acquisitions, acquisition costs, any future restructuring actions, and stock-based compensation expense recognized under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 718, "Compensation -- Stock Compensation." See the table below for a reconciliation of our estimated non-GAAP adjusted earnings per diluted share to our estimated GAAP earnings per diluted share. See Exhibits 4, 5 and 6 for reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP adjusted operating income, GAAP to non-GAAP adjusted net income and GAAP diluted earnings per common share to non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Operating Results for Continuing Operations

Three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to three months ended March 31, 2011:

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HBIO Reports First Quarter 2012 Revenue Growth of 8% Over First Quarter 2011

02-01-2012 13:26

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Cancer Nanomedicine - Video

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Cancer Nanomedicine - Detection - Video

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Use of Nanotechnology in Medicine [FOX 11-27-2011] - Video

16-03-2012 00:52 OMICS Group :: International Conference and Exhibition on Nanotechnology & Nanomedicine, March 12-14, 2012, Omaha Marriott, USA

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OMICS Group :: International Conference and Exhibition on Nanotechnology

25-03-2012 11:21 Moein Moghimi Invited speaker

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Nanomaterial properties in complement activation: lessons from nanomedicine - Video

ScienceDaily (Apr. 23, 2012) A team of scientists from Johns Hopkins and elsewhere have developed nano-devices that successfully cross the brain-blood barrier and deliver a drug that tames brain-damaging inflammation in rabbits with cerebral palsy.

A report on the experiments, conducted at Wayne State University in collaboration with the Perinatology Research Branch of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, before the lead and senior investigators moved to Johns Hopkins, is published in the April 18 issue of Science Translational Medicine.

For the study, researchers used tiny, humanmade molecules laced with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), an anti-inflammatory drug used as antidote in acetaminophen poisoning. The researchers precision-targeted brain cells gone awry to halt brain injury. In doing so they improved the animals' neurologic function and motor skills.

The new approach holds therapeutic potential for a wide variety of neurologic disorders in humans that stem from neuro-inflammation, including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, autism and multiple sclerosis, the investigators say.

The scientists caution that the findings are a long way from human application, but that the simplicity and versatility of the drug-delivery system make it an ideal candidate for translation into clinical use.

"In crossing the blood-brain barrier and targeting the cells responsible for inflammation and brain injury, we believe we may have opened the door to new therapies for a wide-variety of neurologic disorders that stem from an inflammatory response gone haywire," says lead investigator Sujatha Kannan, M.D., now a pediatric critical-care specialist at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

Cerebral palsy (CP), estimated to occur in three out of 1,000 newborns, is a lifelong, often devastating disorder caused by infection or reduced oxygen to the brain before, during or immediately after birth. Current therapies focus on assuaging symptoms and improving quality of life, but can neither reduce nor reverse neurologic damage and loss of motor function.

Neuro-inflammatory damage occurs when two types of brain cells called microglia and astrocytes -- normally deployed to protect the brain during infection and inflammation -- actually damage it by going into overdrive and destroying healthy brain cells along with damaged ones.

Directly treating cells in the brain has long proven difficult because of the biological and physiological systems that have evolved to protect the brain from blood-borne infections. The quest to deliver the drug to the brain also involved developing a technique to get past the brain-blood barrier, spare healthy brain cells and deliver the anti-inflammatory drug exclusively inside the rogue cells.

To do all this, the scientists used a globular, tree-like synthetic molecule, known as a dendrimer. Its size -- 2,000 times smaller than a red blood cell -- renders it fit for travel across the blood-brain barrier. Moreover, the dendrimer's tree-like structure allowed scientists to attach to it molecules of an anti-inflammatory NAC. The researchers tagged the drug-laced dendrimers with fluorescent tracers to monitor their journey to the brain and injected them into rabbits with cerebral palsy six hours after birth. Another group of newborn rabbits received an injection of NAC only.

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Nano-devices that cross blood-brain barrier open door to treatment of cerebral palsy, other neurologic disorders

Public release date: 23-Apr-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Ekaterina Pesheva epeshev1@jhmi.edu 410-502-9433 Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions

A team of scientists from Johns Hopkins and elsewhere have developed nano-devices that successfully cross the brain-blood barrier and deliver a drug that tames brain-damaging inflammation in rabbits with cerebral palsy.

A report on the experiments, conducted at Wayne State University in collaboration with the Perinatology Research Branch of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, before the lead and senior investigators moved to Johns Hopkins, is published in the April 18 issue of Science Translational Medicine.

For the study, researchers used tiny, manmade molecules laced with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), an anti-inflammatory drug used as antidote in acetaminophen poisoning. The researchers precision-targeted brain cells gone awry to halt brain injury. In doing so they improved the animals' neurologic function and motor skills.

The new approach holds therapeutic potential for a wide variety of neurologic disorders in humans that stem from neuro-inflammation, including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, autism and multiple sclerosis, the investigators say.

The scientists caution that the findings are a long way from human application, but that the simplicity and versatility of the drug-delivery system make it an ideal candidate for translation into clinical use.

"In crossing the blood-brain barrier and targeting the cells responsible for inflammation and brain injury, we believe we may have opened the door to new therapies for a wide-variety of neurologic disorders that stem from an inflammatory response gone haywire," says lead investigator Sujatha Kannan, M.D., now a pediatric critical-care specialist at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

Cerebral palsy (CP), estimated to occur in three out of 1,000 newborns, is a lifelong, often devastating disorder caused by infection or reduced oxygen to the brain before, during or immediately after birth. Current therapies focus on assuaging symptoms and improving quality of life, but can neither reduce nor reverse neurologic damage and loss of motor function.

Neuro-inflammatory damage occurs when two types of brain cells called microglia and astrocytes normally deployed to protect the brain during infection and inflammation actually damage it by going into overdrive and destroying healthy brain cells along with damaged ones.

See the article here:

Nano-devices that cross blood-brain barrier open door to treatment of cerebral palsy

Prostate cancer has a number of symptoms, and it should be remembered that the most typical prostate cancer symptoms and those of a non-cancerous enlarged prostate are identical. As a result, medical advice should be sought as soon as possible on identification of any such symptoms. These symptoms include the sudden need to rush to the lavatory in order to pass water and also a difficulty in passing water. There may also be instances of passing water more often than would otherwise be usual-particularly during the course of the night. Those so afflicted may also experience pain when passing water and may also find that there is blood in their urine-and also in their semen.

The symptoms themselves are often as a result of the growth pressing on the urethra (the tube that transports urine), causing a blockage to the flow of urine. This is true in both prostate cancer cases-as well as non-cancerous enlarged prostates. It is, as stated earlier, vital for those experiencing any such symptoms to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Also, it should be remembered that in its very early stages, prostate cancer does not, in the normal course of events, result in any symptoms whatsoever, as any prostate growth at this point is generally too small to affect the flow of urine in any appreciable or noticeable way. It should also be stated that many prostate enlargements are noon-cancerous, and can be treated without fuss or worry.

Enlargement of the prostate is more common in older men, and is one of the markers of growing older, as is the need to pass urine more often at night. Also, cancers of the prostate will often develop slowly in older men, and, as a result, the symptoms may develop over the course of many years and can be fairly mild. Primary symptoms can occur when the cells from prostate cancer spread to the bones, which can cause back, hip or pelvis pain (or pain in any bony area of the body). The medical term for this is secondary prostate cancer. Men may also experience other symptoms, such as difficulty in obtaining and maintaining an erection-especially where there existed no prior problem. There may also be symptoms associated with other forms of cancer too, such as sudden weight loss without trying-especially in older men. you may also experience extreme fatigue, experience pain or burning when passing water, pain and swelling i the lower extremities and a loss of appetite.

It is vital then to consult your GP, who will understand the warning signs and red flags, and will, if need be, refer you to a specialist to undergo tests. You may be offered a PSA blood test as well as a rectal exam. Remember to ask your GP to explain all of the tests and reasons as clearly a possible. Get as full an understanding as you can.

A lot of patients suffering from colon cancer might well present no symptoms or signs during the earliest stages of the condition. When symptoms do eventually present, they can be many and varied, and can very much depend upon the size of the affliction, how far it has spread and also its actual location. It might be that some symptoms that present are as a result of a condition other than cancer itself, ranging from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and occasionally diverticulosis. Also, such problems as abdominal pain or swelling can be symptomatic of colon problems and may well require further investigation.

You may also notice that, upon going to the lavatory, you have some blood in your stools, and this can be a symptom of cancer. It can, however, also be indicative of other conditions and problems. For example, the kind of bright red blood that you may see on your toilet tissue could be as a result of hemorrhoids or anal fissures. It should also be remembered that various food items can also result in red-colored stools, and these include beetroot and red liquorice. Some medications can also be culprits, and some can also turn the stools black-including iron supplements. Irrespective, any sign of blood or change in your stools should prompt you to seek advice from your GP, as it is always best to be sure that it is not a sign of a more serious condition, and with any cancer,early detection and treatment is essential to a successful recovery.

You should also note-if you are currently concerned-any change in the regularity of your stools-including whether or not they are more thin or irregular than usual-especially over a period of several weeks. Also, be mindful if you have diarrhea for several days in a row or, conversely, constipation.

You might also experience pain in your lower abdomen-including a feeling of hardness. You may also experience persistent pain or discomfort in your abdominal region, and this can include wind and cramps. You may also get the sensation that, when evacuating your bowels, that the bowel doesn’t empty fully. Also, if you have an iron deficiency (or anemia), it may be an indication that there is bleeding in your colon. Also, as in most cases and types of cancer, you should seek medical advice immediately if you experience any sudden and unexpected or unexplained weight loss, as this is one of the principal red flags. Also be aware of more vague, seemingly incidental symptoms, such as fatigue. IF you have a couple of symptoms and also feel fatigued for days in a row inexplicably, then this is also another warning sign and you should seek medical advice. It is important not to panic, but just to be aware of what might be going on.

Remember, cases of colon cancer account for around 90% of all cases of intestinal cancers, and also account for more deaths every year of men and women from cancer. Early treatment is an absolute must.

Cancer research is typically invested in by a number of different individuals, groups or organizations worldwide in the hopes of developing both treatment and cure for the disease. The state of California, for instance, has reportedly invested $10-12 million in direct cancer research annually, while the National Cancer Institute (NCI) within the United States has reportedly spend $4.8 to $5.2 billion per annum on cancer research and treatment development.

Using the NCI as an example for cancer research and how money is allocated, according to their fact sheet breast cancer is the primary investment target for most funds and received $572.6 million in 2008 alone. The runner up following this was prostate cancer, receiving $285.4 million, with colorectal cancer coming in third at $273.7 million. The cancer receiving the least allocated funds is actually uterine cancer, being granted only $17.1 million in 2008. While current figures may vary slightly this general allocation of funds has remained the same for some years and is expected to continue as such in the future.

While a large number of funds are gathered through support groups and fund raising drives throughout the world the primary source of most research comes from major organizations and governments that allocate funds specifically to the cancer research and cure drive. This has led many government based organization such as the NCI being established around the world in order to support private research developments and coordinate ongoing efforts between research professionals on a regular basis.

Since most major organizations spearheading research are government based the fund allocation is determined by regular budget proposals submitted for review on a monthly and yearly basis in order to be considered and have funds attributed accordingly. This is generally done withing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and is adjusted accordingly depending upon both individual and group research needs. The OMB, while working to support all cancer research, also strives to ensure that money is allocated where funds are needed most in order to ensure proper support and prevent unnecessary expenditures that may actually harm the overall cancer research process.

The amount of funds spent yearly on cancer research is something of a point of contention in the political world, for while billions are allocated yearly to the research and fighting of cancer far more money is spent elsewhere that many people feel is unnecessary in comparison. The arguments over foreign policy and the billions spent abroad aside California’s contribution of $10-$12 million, for instance, is seen as a drop in the pot when compared to the fact that many sports players within the state refuse to even play a game for a team unless paid at least twice that amount.

Regardless the funds being generated each year are carefully calculated and increasing funds are being generated yearly as cancer awareness increases and both private and public organizations work closely together to help fight against the ever growing cancer trend. Though projections for 2010 are still difficult to determine it is likely that the amount of funds for cancer research will continue to grow to help the over 1.2 million people that are diagnosed with cancer each year and help save the nearly 600,000 people that die annually in the US alone from cancer afflictions.

While cancer death statistics can vary from place to place it is generally estimated that roughly 7.2 to 7.5 million people worldwide die from cancer each year. In the United States alone where cancer death statistics are highly monitored each year has seen a steady death rate of 550,000 to 600,000 people year after year, or roughly 1,500 people per day. This puts cancer as the second leading cause of death in the US just behind heart disease, with it looking to take the number one slot in 2010 given current growth statistics.

With a growth rate of over one million new cases each year these numbers look only to continue growing as our bodies process the toxins around us and reach in different ways to our environments. The primary concern for this growth rate lies in the number of carcinogens – or cancer causing agents – that are highly present in developed countries and rapidly introduced to developing countries worldwide. Australia, for instance, is generally fairly well known for its clean and regulated environment, yet it still projects a yearly growth rate of 3,000 new cases regularly to contribute to its already 120,000 cancer sufferers.

The most common carcinogen present in most western societies is actually simply the air around us while staying indoors. Enclosed spaces with little to no air circulation contain significantly higher concentrations of gases and chemicals that are normally expelled and washed away, leading many office or home office workers to be at exceptionally high risks should they not have an open window or some way to circulate the air. This is further complicated by the use of aerosols, particularly in small bathroom spaces, that can easily enter our blood stream through inhalation and affect cell reproduction and repair.

Another common carcinogen lies in the heavy use of garden pesticides, with many leukemia cases developing in families that tend to use pesticides frequently. In fact, reports indicate that nearly 75% of all pesticide related cases are for children aged 14 years and younger. More so even still the common cosmetic can be a killer, and the price of beauty by regularly applying lipstick, foundation and other chemical based products to your skin could lead to an early death if not done in moderation – still, none of these are found as warning labels on cosmetic products. Some countries such as China attempt to strive against this by actually requiring all cosmetic products to be tested on animals and have thorough reports filed before they can even be considered close to market ready, yet this is not the case everywhere.

Finally, on a similar note a number of cancer cases leading to death are also caused by chemical application to the body such as through the use of hair dyes. Many researchers believe that nearly 20% of all reported non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases are actually a result of frequent hair dying, complicated even more by the fact that many hair styling products are aerosol based, so think twice before visiting a salon and putting yourself at risk.

There are a few major causes of skin cancer, but by far the most over-riding is excessive or constant over-exposure to ultraviolet (most often known as “UV”) radiation form the sun. Many people forget that the sun’s energy is actually a type of radiation and it consists of both visible and invisible rays. Invisible infrared radiation is what makes the sunlight feel hot. Ultraviolet rays are also invisible, and these are what precipitate both sun tans and skin cancer. This is where the sun tan myth should be entirely exploded: Many people, especially in Western cultures, have-for a protracted period of time-prize sun tans as visible manifestations of health and wellness.

In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Consider the earlier statement that UV rays cause the skin to tan and you begin to realize what is actually happening. A sun tan actually denotes damaged, burned skin, and this will affect the cells, damaging DNA which is the genetic material that comprises genes. This, in the case of severe genetic damage, causes the otherwise normal skin cell to grow in a disorder and uncontrolled way – which is a prime function of cancer cells – and this is what has made incidents of skin cancer rise steeply in many western countries. There are two different kinds of ultraviolet ration, and these are ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). Where once scientists believed that over-exposure to UVB rays was the principal cause of skin cancer they now believe that AVA is also implicated. This is why it is so important to cover exposed skin and apply effective sunblock products in order to protect your skin when the sun is at its strongest.

Having said this there are other factors that may herald the onset of skin cancer, among them are hereditary causes which is why people with instances of skin cancer in their family history should be extra careful. In such cases skin cancer is caused by a child’s abnormal genes that are inherited from their parents. When taking UV factors and the fashionable trend for desiring sun tans into account people should also consider the use of tanning booths, which are also heavily implicated in instances of skin cancer.

Impairment of the immune system, called immunosuppression, can also make a person more prone. In such cases the immune system, the mechanism that protects the body from foreign matter such as germs, ceases to function properly and thus leaves the body more susceptible to infections and diseases. This may happen as a result of other illnesses or due to medicines taken to fight auto-immune diseases. People that have had an unusually high number of x-rays or exposure to radioactive or immunosuppressing chemicals are also at greater risk, as are those who come into frequent contact with certain chemicals such as arsenic. Such people may include farmers and miners. Those with fair skin that freckle easily or with light colored hair (blond or red) are also in a higher risk category for skin cancer and should exercise greater caution in the sun.

Metastatic renal cancer is a type of kidney cancer, commonly known as metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and is a particularly dangerous form of the cancer. Originating in the small tubes that kidneys use to filter blood and remove toxins, RCC has a high resilience to most conventional radiation therapy and invasive surgery is generally necessary. Once it reaches a metastatic state, however, the cancer has spread to other organs and created a wider range of issues to combat. Most often metastatic RCC affects neighboring organ tissue such as the lungs or digestive tract, though it can be known to spread throughout the body due to its close relation with the circulatory system and can even metastasize to the brain.

Signs and symptoms of RCC can vary from person to person, though some common symptoms include abnormal urine color due to the presence of blood, loin pain, mass development in the abdominal region, weight loss and anemia. Other symptoms are less common but may include vision abnormalities, constipation, hypertension, night sweats and severe sudden weight loss. Should you exhibit any of these symptoms it is highly recommended that you seek out a medical professional immediately in order to receive a full diagnosis and rule out RCC as a potential cause of any problems.

Diagnosis generally must be done through a number of different examinations and tests and can not be determined by symptoms alone as these are not conclusive of the disease itself – other factors such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections or other conditions could easily cause the same or similar symptoms in patients. Physical examinations of the abdomen, imaging tests and some lab tests (though these are less common) are all ways used by doctors to diagnose the cancer and, if caught in the early stages, treat any developments quickly.

When caught in the early stages most prognosis for RCC is fairly good, with the 5-year survival rate on individuals with tumors at 90-95%. Larger tumors typically lower the 5-year survival rate to 80-85%, while if the cancer has metastasized to the lymph notes the 5-year survival rate drops to 5-15% and below 5% if it has metastasized to other organs.

Most current treatments for this particular form of cancer require surgery and removal of the tumors as the cancer is particularly resilient to chemotherapy, though some treatments using immunotherapy to stimulate the body’s own immune system to attack the cancer cells has proven effective in some patients, effectively curing them of the disease after extended treatment. Immunotherapy is not necessarily effective for everyone, however, and as such can not be considered a viable treatment for most cases due to the fact that the successful treatment rate using this form is generally less than 10%. Still, research is continuing to be done into this field in the hopes of increasing the effectiveness and provide a reasonable less-invasive alternative to the standard surgical treatment currently used for most cases. Some cancer vaccines have also been tested and shown some success in combating RCC, however the success rate is still too low to be considered of any reasonable worth.

Instances of cancer are on the rise, and have become more and more common and more highly publicized in recent times. Many people know or are aware of someone that either has or has had cancer, whether this is a friend, relative or someone at work. There are many cases, of course, of famous people that have – or have had – cancer. Kate Jackson, perhaps the most famous of the original Charlie’s Angels from the original 1970s TV series, battled against cancer in 1987 and 1989, as did the singer and star of Grease, Olivia Newton John, who having been diagnosed in 1992 underwent surgery for a mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

Also of original Charlie’s Angels fame Jacelyn Smith found a lump back in 2002 and underwent treatment, including radiation and a lumpectomy. Many people, especially as the myth is precipitated by the mass media, believe that breast cancer only affects women. However Richard Roundtree, star of the original 1970s Blaxploitation classic Shaft, was also diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and underwent grueling rounds of chemotherapy and also a mastectomy.

Interestingly, not everyone opts for conventional forms of treatment when they are diagnosed with cancer, however scary a diagnosis it may be. Radical approaches to cancer treatment can cause considerable controversy when your are a celebrity – and such was the case for soap actress and author Suzanne Somers who opted to forgo standard cancer treatments in favor of holistic medicine and alternative therapies. Many believed at the time that this set a bad and even dangerous example to other sufferers and potential sufferers,

The singer-songwriter and former music teacher Sheryl Crow was also diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2006, and the condition was found to be at an early stage. She started off having only slightly invasive surgical treatment, followed-up with radiotherapy. In the following year, she made a documentary called Crazy Sexy Cancer. Her one-time husband, seven-time tour de France winner Lance Armstrong also suffered from testicular cancer and underwent chronic radiation therapy and surgery – and this was even before he won the tour!

Australian pop star and one-time Neighbors star, Kylie Minogue, also found herself facing a diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer in 2005. This caused her to put a halt to her grueling tour itinerary so that she could under chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. Showing just how much of an influence celebrities have on the general public consciousness with such things, her diagnosis caused a steep rise in women aged between 25-44 deciding to have breast imaging and biopsies to check for the disease.

Sex and the City’s Cynthia Nixon, who portrays the lawyer Miranda Hobbs in the highly successful show, underwent her battle with cancer in 2002 and initially stayed silent about her condition, choosing to campaign out of the media spotlight. She later became a cancer activist, and in 2008 became the ambassador and spokesperson for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

For many women probably the first symptom of breast cancer is finding a lump in one of their breasts. This, however, is not necessarily a cause for immediate alarm as around 90% of breast lumps found are benign, which means that they are non-cancerous. It is important to know, however, that this can only be ascertained by a doctor and a woman that finds a lump in her breast should seek immediate medical advice.

In general, breast cell change causing lumpiness is more obvious just prior to a period – especially in women over the age of 35 – and is normally indicative of benigness. Women might also notice such things as a change in either the size or shape of the breast or nipple, especially if the nipple sinks into the breast or takes on an irregularity of shape. Any blood-stained discharge from the nipple or any rashes either on or around the nipple should also be immediately examined by a health care professional.

Of course it is important to realize that if you have one of these signs it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cancer, but you should seek medical advice to be on the safe side. Women should also be concerned about any swelling or lumps in the armpit region, as this can be a sign that the cancer has actually spread to the lymph nodes. There may also be changes in the skin, including dimpling of the skin along with new wrinkling.

There is also a rare type of breast cancer known as inflammatory breast cancer, and this type of cancer can present with different symptoms whereby the entire breast can present with red inflammation and may also be extremely sore – either to the touch or when left alone. The breast itself may also feel hard to the touch, with the skin sometimes resembling an orange peel due to the fact that the pores stand out where the inflammation occurs.

Also, with regards to the previously mentioned rash, this can sometimes signify another rare form of cancer when the rash presents around the nipple. This form is called Paget’s disease, and the rash is red and scaly and can also itch. On first sight, it may resemble eczema and is, in fact, sometimes at first mistaken for this.

In general terms experiencing breast pain is not something to be overly concerned about, although it may signify some other condition that requires some medical attention. A lot of perfectly healthy women find that their breasts are tender and sore during their period, and this is no further cause for concern or a mark of anything portentous as women can experience sore breasts from time to time without any sinister underlying cause. Most breast pain is not a result of cancer, however some breast cancers can cause pain so it is important to see your GP as soon as possible for a quick diagnosis. As ever, early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to a successful recovery, so medical help should be sought in case of any concerns.

The symptoms of lung cancer can be many and various. Around one-fourth of those actually diagnosed with lung cancer present no symptoms at the time of diagnosis. Diagnosis and identification of the cancer normally occurs incidentally when the patient has a chest x-ray for an unrelated reason. The remaining three-fourths do develop certain commonly-known symptoms, and these are a direct result of the effects of the primary tumor as well as the effects of metastatic tumors elsewhere in the body.

Perhaps the most common – and most important – identifying symptom of lung cancer is the cough. It is, however, hard to tell such a cough related to lung cancer apart from a cough related to smoking or with chronic respiratory problems such as COPD, which also is a result of smoking. In the case of a patient with a chronic cough it is important to identify any changes in the pattern of the cough, as this could indicate the potential for lung cancer. Also, a new cough in either a smoker or an ex-smoker should also raise concerns and should be check out by a health care professional as soon as possible. This of also true of any persistent cough that does not get better over the course of time.

Another associated symptom is shortness of breath, and this also can be hard to tell apart from that related to the condition COPD as mentioned above. Again, just as in the case of coughing, any changes in the patient’s patterns of breathing difficulties should raise concerns sufficiently to ensure that a health care professional is consulted.

People should also pay attention to a symptom called hemoptysis, which involves the spitting or coughing up of blood. In the case that this symptom presents itself in someone with a history of smoking the possibility of lung cancer should be highly suspected and work and tests should be undertaken to rule the condition out.

Also, repeated respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia should be a cause for concern. In fact, in many cases pneumonia is a common way in which lung cancer makes itself known initially as the growing cancerous tumor can cause the airways to become obstructed, resulting in something known as post-operative pneumonia. In such cases it is advisable for patients to obtain repeat chest x-rays in order to ensure that the pneumonia is totally cleared.

Lung cancer may also cause fluid in the lungs if it spreads to either the inner or outer lung coverings, which causes fluid accumulation between the lung and the chest wall. In the event that this occurs the patient may well experience shortness of breath and, in the event that the cancer has entered the chest wall, patients may experience chest pain too. This should cause special red flags to physicians examining patients at high-risk of lung cancer. Patients may also experience bone and joint pain, as a result of tumors in the apex of the lung infiltrating the nearby nervous structures resulting in shoulder or arm pain.

Patients can also see changes in their voice patterns, with constant hoarseness also being a possible symptom as well as having difficulty swallowing. Patients may also experience weight loss, anemia and fatigue.