Sweeter news in cancer research

A NEW family of molecules that stop cancer cells covering themselves with sugar could prevent the spread of tumours.

Scientists say the same drugs might be able to control infectious bugs, which also need a sugar coating.

Many biological cells, including cancer cells and bacteria, use sugar particles to communicate with their environment and each other.

Lead researcher Dr Gerd Wagner, from the University of East Anglia, said: "Our results provide a general strategy for how to design and improve such inhibitors in the future."