Scientists at the University of Nottingham have discovered the key to the ability of spicy foods to kill cancer cells. They found capsaicin, an ingredient of jalapeno peppers, triggers cancer cell death by attacking mitochondria – the cells’ energy-generating boiler rooms. By binding to proteins in the cancer cell mitochondria they trigger apoptosis, or cell death, without harming surrounding healthy cells.
Nottingham is currently one of the UK€™s main areas for Biotechnology with many existing and start-up companies setting up base in the area over recent years and creating demand for science recruitment. Click for more information