I’ve been neglecting my work lately, so I have a lot of catching up to do today, YIKES. But in the past week or so I have come across some articles, videos and whatnot, which I think you will find interesting. So, without further ado, here is my list. I have added a brief introduction for each item, so if you’re not interested in the topic you can just skip to the next one. 

This is an extraordinary video showing an extraordinary encounter with extraordinary wild gorillas, which a dear blog reader/friend sent to me, thanks! I was glued to my chair, totally mesmerized: http://goo.gl/nU0O5 Wow. 

Here is an easy-to-understand Science Daily article on proteasomes (finally, a super simple explanation on what proteasomes are!) and their importance in multiple myeloma: http://goo.gl/hZS2u The article also mentions a new proteasome inhibitor that has a different mechanism of action from that of bortezomib (Velcade). Uhm, let’s not forget that curcumin is a proteasome inhibitor, too. Yep. 

Those of you who have been reading my blog since the beginning may recall a substance derived from the cotton plant called gossypol, and how it inhibits a protein called Bcl-2, which is important for the survival of myeloma cells. Gossypol is a bit on the toxic side, but researchers were working on a less toxic analogue (I have to confess, however, that I haven’t been following this story…). At any rate, a new study shows that gossypol, in combination with another Bcl-2/Bcl-x inhibitor called navitoclax, might turn out to be a good treatment for CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia): http://goo.gl/32rYh I just checked the Clinical Trials website and, yes, gossypol has indeed been tested in at least ten trials. Well, well. I should keep better track of things (but hey, I’d need a 96-hour day for that! 😉 ). Incidentally, curcumin also inhibits the Bcl gang…

Here’s something of a less serious nature that I thought I’d add to the list…It’s an adorable kitten video that should make you say “awwww!!!” out loud and put a big smile on your face even if you don’t like kittens (impossible!): http://goo.gl/gH6tZ  🙂 

This Science Daily article provides a summary of a new study looking at the effect of various forms of relaxation (meditation, yoga, etc.) on our immune system, our energy system, etc.: http://goo.gl/D6Zof Here’s a very important excerpt: Pathways controlled by activation of a protein called NF-?B — known to have a prominent role in inflammation, stress, trauma and cancer — were suppressed after relaxation response elicitation. Wowsie!!! If you skip to the end of the article, you will also find an important reference to (precursors of) multiple myeloma and a new study at Dana Farber. Very interesting. I must look into it more carefully when I have more time…ahhhh, time…

Well, at any rate, Relax & Unwind is going to be my new motto…

But I can’t relax and unwind just yet. I need to get back to workzzzzzzzzzzzzz… 😉 So, ciaooooo!!!