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Source - EurekAlert – Biology
Public Release: 16-Jul-2009
1 disease, 2 effects: Stroke
While both males and females are at risk for stroke, males have a particular sensitivity. Data show that male stroke victims outnumber females by about two to one. Women are likewise at risk for stroke and, as they age, their outcomes are often worse than their male counterpart's. A renowned expert in stroke and sex differences talks about how one disease affects the two genders.
Contact: Donna Krupa
dkrupa@the-aps.org
301-634-7209
American Physiological Society
Public Release: 15-Jul-2009
Alzheimer's risk: Would you want to know?
When people learn they are predisposed to Alzheimer's disease, any depression or anxiety is not long lasting, a new study indicates.
Contact: Laura Bailey
baileylm@umich.edu
734-647-1848
University of Michigan
Public Release: 15-Jul-2009
'Sloppier copier' surprisingly efficient
The "sloppier copier" discovered by USC biologists is also the best sixth man in the DNA repair game, an article in the journal Nature shows.
Contact: Carl Marziali
marziali@usc.edu
213-740-4751
University of Southern California
Public Release: 15-Jul-2009
Duke, UNC scientists create entirely new way to study brain function
Scientists at Duke University and the University of North Carolina have devised a chemical technique that promises to allow neuroscientists to discover the function of any population of neurons in an animal brain, and provide clues to treating and preventing brain disease.
Contact: Mary Jane Gore
mary.gore@duke.edu
919-660-1309
Duke University Medical Center
Public Release: 15-Jul-2009
Circulating blood cells are important predictors of cancer spread in children
Endothelial progenitor cells may play a role in the start and progression of metastatic disease in children with cancer, according to study results published in Clinical Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Contact: Tara Yates
tara.yates@aacr.org
267-646-0558
American Association for Cancer Research
Public Release: 15-Jul-2009
Study reveals major genetic differences between blood and tissue cells
Research by a group of Montreal scientists calls into question one of the most basic assumptions of human genetics: that when it comes to DNA, every cell in the body is essentially identical to every other cell. Their results appear in the July issue of the journal Human Mutation. This discovery may undercut the rationale behind numerous large-scale genetic studies conducted over the last 15 years.
Contact: Mark Shainblum
mark.shainblum@mcgill.ca
514-398-2189
McGill University
Public Release: 15-Jul-2009
UCSF researchers help crack parasite genome, identify drug leads
Two UCSF research papers this week are marking major breakthroughs in the effort to tackle schistosomiasis (bilharzia), a tropical disease that infects more than 200 million people worldwide and causes long-term debilitating illness and occasional paralysis or death.
Contact: Kristen Bole
kbole@pubaff.ucsf.edu
415-476-2557
University of California - San Francisco
Public Release: 13-Jul-2009
Study by NTU professors provides important insight into apoptosis or programmed cell death
A study by Nanyang Technological University (NTU)'s Assistant Professor Li Hoi Yeung, Assistant Professor Koh Cheng Gee and their team have made an important contribution to the understanding of the process that cells go through when they die. This process known as "apoptosis" or programmed cell death, is a normal process in the human body which removes perhaps a million cells a second.
Contact: Hisham Hambari
mhisham@ntu.edu.sg
656-790-6447
Nanyang Technological University
Source - Science Daily:
Please note: Due to the format restrictions of Science Daily articles, you must click on the URL (web address) below the article summary, rather than the article title.
Trojan Horse For Ovarian Cancer: Nanoparticles Turn Immune System Soldiers Against Tumor Cells
July 16, 2009 — Immunologists have devised a Trojan horse to help overcome ovarian cancer, unleashing a surprise killer in the surroundings of a hard-to-treat ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715160821.htm
Microscopic 'Beads' Could Help Create 'Designer' Immune Cells That Ignore Transplanted Organs
July 16, 2009 — The future of organ transplantation could include microscopic beads that create "designer" immune cells to help patients tolerate their new organ, researchers ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706112908.htm
Radiation Dose, Cancer Risk From Coronary Artery Calcium Screening Estimated
July 16, 2009 — A study based on computer modeling of radiation risk suggests that widespread screening for the buildup of calcium in the arteries using computed tomography scans would lead to an estimated 42 ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713170655.htm
Vitamin D, Curcumin May Help Clear Amyloid Plaques Found In Alzheimer's Disease
July 16, 2009 — Scientists have found that a form of vitamin D, together with a chemical found in turmeric spice called curcumin, may help stimulate the immune system to clear the brain of amyloid beta, which forms ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715131558.htm
Private And Public Insurance Choices Could Help Pay For U.S. National Health Care Reform
July 16, 2009 — As lawmakers debate how to pay for an overhaul of the nation's health care system, a new report projects that including both private and public insurance choices in a new insurance exchange would ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716094001.htm
New Power Source For Portable Electronic Devices
July 15, 2009 — Microfluidic fuel cells could provide the necessary energy to provide continuous power to remote sensors, mobile phones and laptops, according to a student. Microfluidics deals with the behavior, ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714154822.htm
New Culprit Behind Obesity's Ill Metabolic Consequences
July 15, 2009 — Obesity very often leads to insulin resistance, and now researchers have uncovered another factor behind that ill consequence. The newly discovered culprit is a protein, called PEDF for short, that ... >
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707131818.htm
Brain Imaging And Proteins In Spinal Fluid May Improve Alzheimer's Prediction And Diagnosis
July 15, 2009 — Changes in the brain measured with MRI and PET scans, combined with memory tests and detection of risk proteins in body fluids, may lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's, ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714085806.htm
Memory Test And PET Scans Detect Early Signs Of Alzheimer's
July 15, 2009 — A large study of patients with mild cognitive impairment revealed that cognitive tests and brain scans can work as an early warning system for the subsequent development of Alzheimer's disease. The ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714085812.htm
New Cases Of Alzheimer's And Dementia Continue To Rise, Even In The 'Oldest Old'
July 14, 2009 — The number of people with Alzheimer's, both new cases and total numbers, continues to rise among the oldest segments of the population in contradiction of the conventional wisdom. Previous studies ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713085006.htm
Green Tea: Mixed Reviews For Cancer Prevention
July 14, 2009 — Lifestyle choices are pieces of the cancer prevention puzzle, but exactly which steps to take remain unclear, even to scientists. Still, more and more individuals are incorporating small changes into ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714204022.htm
Network Of Altered Genes Appear To Play Role In Development Of Brain Tumors
July 14, 2009 — The interaction between a network of altered genes appears to play an important role in the development and progression of brain tumors, according to a new ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714165043.htm
Fist-sized Tumor From Brain With Help Of New 3-D Brain Mapping
July 14, 2009 — A new technology involving the fusion of four different types of images into a 3-D map of a patient's brain has helped specialists successfully remove a fist-sized tumor from the brain of an Indiana ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714143908.htm
Drug Rescues Memory Lost To Alzheimer's Disease
July 14, 2009 — A drug similar to one used in clinical trials for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis has been found to rescue memory in mice exhibiting Alzheimer's ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714125000.htm
Source - Health Day:
Health Highlights: July 16, 2009
- Swine Flu Vaccine Could Get Scarce: Experts
- Male Enhancement Products Recalled
- Female Veterans Lack Privacy at VA Facilities: Report
- World's Oldest Mother Dies
Family bonds, dedicated scientists set their sights on the bone malignancy chordoma.
Signs of Alzheimer's Seen Earlier Than Thought
Second study found that individuals who were informed about their risk weren't devastated
Sunitinib Benefit Explored in Poor-Prognosis Kidney Cancer
Treatment safe in advanced disease but more study is needed, experts say
Clinical Trials Update: July 16, 2009
- Heart Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Opioid-Induced Constipation
- Neuropathy
- Asthma
- Solid Tumors
But less invasive detection method still shows promise, scientists say
Stem Cell Decision Opens New Doors, May Spur More Research
Some avenues of scientific inquiry remain unfunded, however
Clinical Trials Update: July 15, 2009
- Frequent Nighttime Urination (Nocturia)
- Healthy Children Studies
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Atherosclerotic Plaque
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Pain Patch for Acute Injuries
- Osteoporosis
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
- Heart Disease
Source - Yahoo Biotech News:
Human Genome Sciences' anthrax drug works in tests
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine Thursday showed that Human Genome Sciences Inc.'s anthrax treatment candidate ABthrax was effective in studies on animals.
Source - Google Health News:
Deadly flu viruses circulate for years before pandemics
Examiner.com - USA
But what of the H5N1, or avian, flu that has been a news maker for the past five years? Guan explains, "It is very difficult for viruses to jump directly ...
Has swine flu started to mutate?
Telegraph.co.uk - United Kingdom
And on a much smaller genetic scale, we can also study the virus's own genome because we know already from our experience of other flu strains, such as H5N1 ...
WHO declares a pandemic, health officials brace for the fall season
Pediatric SuperSite - Thorofare,NJ,USA
After the H5N1 avian flu emerged in Asia in 2003, many countries drew up pandemic preparedness plans to respond if avian flu became a worldwide problem. ...
University of Florida awarded $26 million grant
MiamiHerald.com - Miami,FL,USA
A $26 million grant for University of Florida healthcare researchers is expected to boost such fields as gene therapy, aging and infectious diseases. ...
Brain Injection Shows Promise For Treating Obesity
WDIV - Detroit,MI,USA
Scientists said a safety mechanism built in to the injection can shut down the gene therapy, just in case anything goes wrong. ...
Oxford BioMedica's Parkinson's gene therapy shows promise in trials
Pharma Times - London,UK
Oxford BioMedica's novel gene therapy for Parkinson's disease is continuing to show promise in mid-stage clinical development, after patients taking part in ...
Source - Medical News Today:
J & J: Hospital Deal Will Hurt Medical Device Sales
The CFO for Johnson & Johnson's said President Obama's deal with hospitals to cut Medicare costs will reduce the sales of medical devices, Bloomberg
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157726.php
Pfizer Announces New Phase 1 Data From Two Novel Compounds For Alzheimer's Disease At ICAD Annual Meeting
Pfizer Inc announced today results from two Phase 1 safety studies, one of PF-04360365, a humanized anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody (mAb), and another of dimebon (latrepirdine*) in combination with donepezil HCl tablets, in patients with Alzheimer's disease.1,2 Based on the Phase 1 study results, PF-04360365 has advanced into Phase 2.3 Dimebon (latrepirdine), being co-developed by Pfizer and Medivation Inc., is in Phase 3 development.4 These data were presented this week at the Alzheimer's Association 2009 International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD) in Vienna, Austria. A Phase 1, single-dose, dose escalation study (0.1 to 10 mg/kg) showed that the investigational compound PF-04360365 was well-tolerated in all patients, with no clinical or imaging evidence of vasogenic edema, and no new microhemorrhage or encephalitis reported to date in the ongoing follow-up period.1 In the Phase 1 dimebon (latrepirdine) study, results from a four-week, placebo-controlled trial of 24 patients on a stable dose of donepezil for at least 60 days showed that dimebon (latrepirdine) was well-tolerated when used in combination with donepezil.2 Alzheimer's disease, a progressive and degenerative brain disease, is the most common type of dementia.5 Worldwide societal costs associated with dementia were estimated to be $315.4 billion in 2005.6
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157746.php
Study Opens Door To Simple Test To Identify People At Higher Risk Of Sudden Cardiac Death
A large and long term study of Frenchmen suggests there may be a simple way to establish if apparently healthy people have an elevated risk of sudden cardiac death by looking at how their heart responds under conditions of mild mental stress and during peak exercise. The study was the work of Dr Xavier Jouven, a cardiologist at the European Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, and colleagues, and is published in the 2 July advance access issue of the European Heart Journal.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157637.php
University Of Florida Gets Nearly $26 Million To Speed Scientific Discoveries To Patient Care
The University of Florida will receive nearly $26 million over five years to speed the transformation of scientific discoveries into medical advances for patients. In winning the competitive National Institutes of Health's Clinical and Translational Science Award, UF joins a prestigious national consortium of medical research institutions, whose membership will be capped at 60 by 2012. UF is the only university in Florida to get the award, which will be geared toward accelerating scientific discovery, enhancing medical care, producing highly skilled scientists and physicians and fostering partnerships with industry, university officials said.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157603.php
Parkinson's Disease: Novel Drug Discovery Tool Could Identify Promising New Therapies
Researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health have turned simple baker's yeast into a virtual army of medicinal chemists capable of rapidly searching for drugs to treat Parkinson's disease. In a study published online today Nature Chemical Biology, the researchers showed that they can rescue yeast cells from toxic levels of a protein implicated in Parkinson's disease by stimulating the cells to make very small proteins called cyclic peptides. Two of the cyclic peptides had a protective effect on the yeast cells and on neurons in an animal model of Parkinson's disease.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157475.php
Successful New Treatment For Hodgkin's Lymphoma Reduces Long-Term Risks
New research led by Cindy Schwartz, MD, of Hasbro Children's Hospital has identified a new chemotherapy regimen for pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients. The new treatment enhances efficacy through dose-dense drug delivery while simultaneously reducing the long-term risks presented by high cumulative dose chemotherapy. Schwartz and the researchers of the Children's Oncology Group have published their findings in the journal Blood (posted in an online first edition). The Children's Oncology Group's Hodgkin Lymphoma Committee, led by Schwartz, director of pediatric hematology/oncology at Hasbro Children's Hospital, recognized that treatment for HL in the United States was not being treated with the most modern treatment models, in large part because it was one of the first malignancies for which a curative chemotherapy regimen was developed.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157363.php
Source - MIT's Technology Review:
Coping with Bad Genetic News
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/23010/
Co-opting a Cancer Treatment to Spur Fat Loss
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/23001/
Tracking the Evolution of a Pandemic
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/22999/
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