Friday, August 28, 2009

GBP Health / Biotech News 08-28-2009

Since August, 2005, this news digest has been a complimentary service of GBP Capital, a private equity firm investing in early to mid-stage life science companies. See www.gbpcap.com. The digest is published two to four days a week. If you have colleagues who would be interested in receiving this digest by email, they can be added to the list at: http://www.gbpcap.com/ . Also, the complete history of the entire content of all news articles in our digests since August, 2005 is searchable with Google's enterprise search engine at the same site.


Source - EurekAlert – Biology:

Public Release: 28-Aug-2009
Molecular Therapy
UF scientists construct 'off switch' for Parkinson therapy
Addressing safety concerns related to potential gene therapies for Parkinson's disease, researchers at the University of Florida's McKnight Brain Institute have constructed a gene transfer therapy that can be inhibited with a common antibiotic. Experiments in rats show that the gene therapy product can be completely shut off, indicating for the first time that genes that have been irrevocably delivered to the brain to treat Parkinson's can be regulated.
NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Contact: John Pastor
jdpastor@ufl.edu
352-273-5815
University of Florida

Public Release: 27-Aug-2009
Nature Biotechnology
U-Iowa improves delivery of cancer-fighting molecules
University of Iowa researchers have modified siRNA, a type of genetic material that can block potentially harmful activity in cells, so that it can be injected into the bloodstream and impact targeted cells while producing fewer side effects. The findings could make it easier to create large amounts of targeted therapeutic siRNAs for treating cancer and other diseases.
American Cancer Society, University of Iowa
Contact: Becky Soglin
becky-soglin@uiowa.edu
319-356-7127
University of Iowa

Public Release: 27-Aug-2009
Journal of American College of Cardiology
Beta-blockers and stroke -- new insights into their use for older people
Research conducted at Leicester reveals effects of blood pressure drugs on cardiovascular disease.
Contact: Bryan Williams
bw17@le.ac.uk
44-116-252-3182
University of Leicester

Public Release: 27-Aug-2009
Journal of Experimental Medicine
Immune defect is key to skin aging
Scientists have discovered why older people may be so vulnerable to cancer and infections in the skin. The team has shown in human volunteers that defective immunity in the skin is caused by an inability to mobilize essential defenses that would otherwise recognize threats and clear them before irreparable damage is done. This discovery could be important for preventing, managing or treating many age-related skin health problems.
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Contact: Nancy Mendoza
press.office@bbsrc.ac.uk
44-179-341-3355
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

Public Release: 27-Aug-2009
Molecular Cell
Chemotherapy resistance: Checkpoint protein provides armor against cancer drugs
Cell cycle checkpoints act like molecular tripwires for damaged cells, forcing them to pause and take stock. Leave the tripwire in place for too long, though, and cancer cells will press on regardless, making them resistant to the lethal effects of certain types of chemotherapy, according to researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.
Contact: Mauricio Minotta
minottta@salk.edu
858-453-410-01371
Salk Institute

Public Release: 27-Aug-2009
'Fatostatin' is a turnoff for fat genes
A small molecule earlier found to have both anti-fat and anti-cancer abilities works as a literal turnoff for fat-making genes, according to a new report in the Aug. 28 issue of the journal Chemistry and Biology, a Cell Press journal.
Contact: Cathleen Genova
cgenova@cell.com
617-397-2802
Cell Press


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.

Washing Away Painful Wounds
August 28, 2009
— A new device uses a solution to wash away necrotic tissue, bathing a chronic wound while keeping bacteria ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826152601.htm

How Safe Or Unsafe Are Medical Imaging Procedures?
August 28, 2009
— In a new study of nearly one million adults between the ages of 18 and 64, nearly 70 percent of participants underwent at least one medical imaging procedure between July 2005 and December 2007, ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826191837.htm

Predicting Cancer Prognosis
August 28, 2009
— Researchers have developed a novel methodology to extract microRNAs from cancer tissues. They optimized a new protocol for extracting miRNAs from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827123216.htm

The Path To New Antibiotics
August 28, 2009
— Researchers have demonstrated that an enzyme that is essential to many bacteria can be targeted to kill dangerous pathogens. In addition, investigators discovered chemical compounds that can inhibit ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827131830.htm

Finnish Scientists Discover Nerve Growth Factor With Therapeutic Potential In Parkinson's Disease
August 28, 2009
— Scientists Finland have reported promising new results with potential implications for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. They have been studying the impacts of nerve growth factors in the ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090828103924.htm

Tool To Rank Death Rates Developed
August 27, 2009
— Have you ever wondered what the chances are that you may die in the next year? Would it be from illness or an accident? Is it something you can control? Or is it completely out of your hands? A new ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826164907.htm

'Hedgehog' Pathway May Hold Key To Anti-cancer Therapy
August 27, 2009
— Scientists in Switzerland have discovered a way to block the growth of human colon cancer cells, preventing the disease from reaching advanced ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826191839.htm

Newly Discovered Mechanism In Cell Division Has Implications For Chromosome's Role In Cancer
August 27, 2009
— Errors in cell division can cause mutations that lead to cancer, and a new study could shed light on the role of chromosome abnormalities in uncontrolled cell replication. Researchers uncovered the ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817143608.htm

Researchers Identify New, Cancer-causing Role For Protein
August 27, 2009
— The mainstay immune system protein TRAF6 plays an unexpected, key role activating a cell signaling molecule that in mutant form is associated with cancer growth, researchers report in ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827141356.htm

Chemotherapy Resistance: Checkpoint Protein Provides Armor Against Cancer Drugs
August 27, 2009
— Cell cycle checkpoints act like molecular tripwires for damaged cells, forcing them to pause and take stock. Leave the tripwire in place for too long, though, and cancer cells will press on ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827123208.htm



Source - Health Day:

Health Highlights: Aug. 28, 2009
  • Gulf Coast Births Fell Post-Katrina
  • UN Wary of Swine Flu in Birds
  • Pregnant Women, New Parents Urged to Get Swine Flu Vaccine
  • U.S. Issues New Guidelines for Treating Children With HIV
Dementia More Likely With One Subtype of HIV
Most untreated Ugandans infected with type D were affected, study found

Ankle Circulation Could Warn of Future Strokes
Quick test may detect peripheral artery disease, research shows

Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 28, 2009
  • Gout
  • Depression
  • Triglycerides
Steady Improvements Seen for Young Blood Cancer Patients
Survival has significantly increased, research shows

Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 27, 2009
  • Flu Vaccine
  • Coronary Heart Disease
  • Osteoarthritis


Source - Yahoo Biotech News:


FDA Advisory Committee to Discuss Genzyme's Clolar for Adult AML on September 1 - Business Wire - Fri 12:22 pm ET
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.----Genzyme Corporation announced today that its supplemental New Drug Application for Clolar® will be discussed Tuesday, September 1 at a public meeting of the FDA’s Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Sinovac wins flu vaccine contract in China - AP - Fri 10:13 am ET
Sinovac Biotech Ltd. said Friday it won a contract through the Beijing Public Health Bureau to supply the seasonal flu vaccine Anflu in Beijing.


Source - Google Health News:

The global swine flu pandemic 1: exploring the background to ...
Nursing Times
Although mainly only infecting birds, the current genotype of HPAI H5N1 can infect humans and, as of May 2009, 431 confirmed human cases of avian influenza ...

Hundreds affected by H1N1 virus
Technique
Pandemic flu preparations have been in place at Tech since 2006 during the avian flu (H5N1) outbreaks. In addition, CDC officials have trained Tech health ...

Health, Fitness and Drugs : Avian Flu: Do You Want the Good News ...
SkyNewswire.com
In other words, the virus came from birds - it is believed - and a virus similar to this one -called the "H5N1" (a form of avian flu virus). Its origins? ...

Nanotechnology-based gene therapy technique could fight late-stage ...
Nanowerk LLC
- ‎5 hours ago‎
In preclinical studies, the investigators found that the gene therapy treatment was equally as effective and in some cases more effective than the ...



Source - Medical News Today:


Cumulative Radiation Exposure From Imaging Scans Should Be Weighed Against The Benefits Say Researchers
US
researchers found that repeated exposure to ionizing radiation from medical imaging such as x-rays, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT) and nuclear medicine scans can accumulate over time to substantial cancer-causing doses, and recommend that doctors and patients always weigh up the benefits of imaging against the risks. The study was the work of lead author Dr Reza Fazel and colleagues and appears in the 27 August issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, NEJM. Fazel, a cardiologist in the Department of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, told the media that:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162170.php

Ochsner Replaces Heart Valve Without Open Heart Surgery
On Tuesday, August 11, 2009, an 82-year old New Orleans resident with severe aortic stenosis successfully had a heart valve replaced at Ochsner Medical Center using the same technique as angioplasty, a far cry from the traditional open heart procedure. Patients who are considered high-risk or non-operable for conventional open heart valve surgery now have a potential new research option available regionally only through The John Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute. Ochsner Medical Center is the only hospital in the Gulf South selected to participate as an FDA investigative site in the PARTNER (Placement of AoRTic traNscathetER valves) clinical trial, evaluating the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter aortic heart valve in patients who are at high risk for open heart surgery and surgical valve repair.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162148.php

Many Hospitals Are Not Ready For H1N1: Nurse Survey Shows Deficiencies In Hospital Swine Flu Readiness
A patient health and safety survey of 190 American hospitals from coast to coast compiled by registered nurses in nine different states finds that a disturbing number of our nation's healthcare facilities are not prepared for the coming H1N1/swine flu pandemic, according to results released today by the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee. The data reflects a survey conducted over the past four weeks by RNs in hospitals in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Texas. And it comes just a day after release of a report from the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology predicting nearly 2 million Americans could be hospitalized due to swine flu infections this winter, and as many as 90,000 could die, nearly triple the deaths that occur in a normal flu season.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162032.php

Scientists Discover Cause Of Breast Cancer Spread
Scientists in London have identified a molecule that could be helping breast cancer to spread, according to research published recently. Dr Amanda Harvey, based at London's Brunel University, has previously established that a molecule called Brk, found in 60 per cent of breast tumours, plays an important role in making breast cancer cells grow quicker. According to her latest research findings, published in the American Journal of Pathology, Brk has also been shown to be involved in helping breast cancer cells to spread (metastasis).
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162077.php

Source - MIT's Technology Review:

A Beacon to Guide Cancer Surgery
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/23311/

GBP Health / Biotech News 08-26-2009


Since August, 2005, this news digest has been a complimentary service of GBP Capital, a private equity firm investing in early to mid-stage life science companies. See www.gbpcap.com. The digest is published two to four days a week. If you have colleagues who would be interested in receiving this digest by email, they can be added to the list at: http://www.gbpcap.com/ . Also, the complete history of the entire content of all news articles in our digests since August, 2005 is searchable with Google's enterprise search engine at the same site.

Source - EurekAlert – Biology:

Public Release: 26-Aug-2009
Diabetes
Pitt study finds molecular link between insulin resistance and inflammation
An exploration of the molecular links between insulin resistance and inflammation may have revealed a novel target for diabetes treatment, say scientists at the John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Their findings were published earlier this month in the online version of Diabetes, one of the journals of the American Diabetes Association.
National Institutes of Health, American Diabetes Association
Contact: Anita Srikameswaran
SrikamAV@upmc.edu
412-647-3555
University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences

Public Release: 26-Aug-2009
Journal of the American Chemical Society
A better test to detect DNA for diagnosing disease, investigating crimes
Researchers in Singapore are reporting development of a new electronic sensor that shows promise as a faster, less expensive, and more practical alternative than tests now used to detect DNA. Such tests are done for criminal investigation, disease diagnosis, and other purposes. The new lab-on-a-chip test could lead to wider, more convenient use of DNA testing, the researchers say. Their study is scheduled for the Sept. 2 issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society, a weekly publication.
Contact: Michael Woods
m_woods@acs.org
202-872-6293
American Chemical Society

Public Release: 26-Aug-2009
American Journal of Pathology
Bird flu leaves the nest -- adapting to a new host
Current research suggests that viral polymerase may provide a new therapeutic target for host-adapted avian influenza. The related report by Gabriel et al., "Spread of Infection and Lymphocyte Depletion in Mice Depends on Polymerase of Influenza Virus" appears in the September 2009 issue of the American Journal of Pathology.
Contact: Angela Colmone
acolmone@asip.org
301-634-7953
American Journal of Pathology

Public Release: 26-Aug-2009
Journal of Biological Chemistry
UCF discovery could open door to obesity, diabetes treatments
A UCF research team has identified a new genetic mechanism that controls the body's fat-building process. The discovery could open the door to new treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes, and it has the potential to help hundreds of millions of people and dramatically cut health care costs.
Contact: Barb Abney
babney@mail.ucf.edu
407-823-5139
University of Central Florida

Public Release: 26-Aug-2009
Nature
OHSU Primate Center scientists develop gene therapy method to prevent some inherited diseases
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University believe they have developed one of the first forms of genetic therapy which would combat inherited diseases passed on from mothers to their children through mutated DNA in cell mitochondria.
National Institutes of Health
Contact: Jim Newman
newmanj@ohsu.edu
503-494-8231
Oregon Health & Science University

Public Release: 25-Aug-2009
Clinical Cancer Research
Blood-flow metabolism mismatch predicts pancreatic tumor aggressiveness
Researchers from Turku, Finland, have identified a blood-flow glucose consumption mismatch that predicted pancreatic tumor aggressiveness, according to results of a study 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: 25-Aug-2009
New technology helps Parkinson's patients speak louder
Researchers have developed a new technology that helps Parkinson's patients overcome the tendency to speak too quietly by playing a recording of ambient sound, which resembles the noisy chatter of a restaurant full of patrons.
National Institutes of Health
Contact: Emil Venere
venere@purdue.edu
765-494-4709
Purdue University

Public Release: 24-Aug-2009
UCSB scientists discover potential drug delivery system
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara have discovered a potential new drug delivery system. The finding is a biological mechanism for delivery of nanoparticles into tissue. The results are published in this week's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Contact: Gail Gallessich
gail.g@ia.ucsb.edu
805-893-7220
University of California - Santa Barbara

Public Release: 19-Aug-2009
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Novel polymer could improve protein-based drugs
A new method for attaching a large protective polymer molecule to a protein appears to improve protein drugs significantly.
Contact: Richard Merritt
Richard.merritt@duke.edu
919-660-8414
Duke University

Public Release: 19-Aug-2009
Nature
Study reveals new metabolic safeguards against tumor cells
Researchers have found a new mechanism by which the body kills potential tumor cells. When cells separate from their normal environment -- a common event during tumor formation -- they develop certain metabolic disabilities that prevent them from becoming cancerous. While some tumor genes can help these cells escape such defects, the researchers also found that antioxidant treatment can restore normal metabolic activity in these detached, homeless cells, giving them a second chance to survive and potentially become cancerous.
NIH/National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
Contact: David Cameron
david_cameron@hms.harvard.edu
617-432-0441
Harvard Medical School


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.

Unlocking The Body's Defenses Against Cancer
August 26, 2009
— Scientists have discovered a way of allowing healthy cells to take charge of cancerous cells and stop them developing into tumors in what could provide a new approach to treating early-stage ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825100649.htm

Blood-flow Metabolism Mismatch Predicts Pancreatic Tumor Aggressiveness
August 26, 2009
— Researchers from Finland have identified a blood-flow glucose consumption mismatch that predicted pancreatic tumor aggressiveness, according to results of a new ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825150952.htm

The Ends Of MRNAs May Prevent The Beginnings Of Cancer
August 26, 2009
— The tail end of a cell's protein templates may contain important cues that control protein creation. When this section is lopped off of a template, a cell can make too many copies of that protein and ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820123935.htm

Two Million Expected To Die Each Year From Tobacco-induced Cancers By 2015
August 26, 2009
— The Tobacco Atlas, 3rd Edition, published by the American Cancer Society and World Lung Foundation, estimates that tobacco use kills some six million people each year -- more than a third of whom ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825151011.htm

Some Brain Tumors May Be Mediated By Tiny Filament On Cells
August 26, 2009
— Scientists have discovered that a tiny filament extending from cells, until recently regarded as a remnant of evolution, may play a role in the most common malignant brain tumor in ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090823184359.htm

Evaluating More Lymph Nodes May Not Improve Identification Of Late-stage Colorectal Cancer
August 26, 2009
— Surgically removing and evaluating an increasing number of lymph nodes does not appear to identify a greater number of patients with stage III colorectal cancer, according to a new ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720163546.htm

Low-carb Diets Linked To Atherosclerosis And Impaired Blood Vessel Growth
August 25, 2009
— Even as low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets have proven successful at helping individuals to rapidly lose weight, little is known about the diets' long-term effects on vascular health. Now, a study ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824151300.htm

Retina Cells Created From Skin-derived Stem Cells
August 25, 2009
— Scientists have successfully grown multiple types of retina cells from two types of stem cells -- suggesting a future in which damaged retinas could be repaired by cells grown from the patient's own ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824151258.htm

Parkinson's Disease: When Cells Run Out Of Fuel
August 25, 2009
— Insights into the function of Parkinson's genes can help to understand the causes of this neurodegenerative disease -- and to develop new therapies. Researchers have now discovered that two ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824115756.htm

Some Skin Cancer May Be Mediated By Primary Cilia Activity
August 25, 2009
— Tiny, solitary spikes that stick out of nearly every cell in the body play a central role in a type of skin cancer, new research has found. The discovery in mice shows that the microscopic structures ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090823184401.htm

Device For On-The-Spot Blood Analysis
August 25, 2009
— A hand-held device could offer point-of-care blood cell analysis in doctors' surgeries. The chip within the device uses microfluidics -- a set of technologies that control the flow of minute amounts ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825103225.htm

New Treatment Option For Ruptured Brain Aneurysms
August 25, 2009
— Researchers in Finland have identified an effective new treatment option using stent-assisted coil embolization on patients who have suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm, a potentially life-threatening ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825081119.htm

Disrupting A Destructive Duo: Researchers Inhibit Cancer Proteins
August 24, 2009
— Researchers have developed a new way to split up a dangerous pair of cancer proteins, a finding that could ultimately lead to chemotherapy that is more effective and has fewer side ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820124127.htm

Early, Aggressive Treatment Recommended For Critically Ill Patients With Hematological Malignancy
August 24, 2009
— A study of 7,689 admissions from 178 adult intensive care units in England, Wales and Northern Ireland has revealed the factors associated with a higher mortality rate in hematological malignancy. ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824204116.htm

Melanosome Dynamics And Sensitivity Of Melanoma Cells To Chemotherapy
August 24, 2009
— Manipulating the functions of melanosomes -- the organelles in pigment-producing cells -- may enhance the activity of anticancer drugs used against melanoma, according to a new ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824182433.htm

Little Known Type Of Cholesterol -- Oxycholesterol -- May Pose The Greatest Heart Disease Risk
August 23, 2009
— Researchers are reporting that a little known type of cholesterol, oxycholesterol, may be a bigger heart disease threat than other forms of cholesterol. The study could lead to new targets and ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820123923.htm

'Glow-in-the-dark' Red Blood Cells Made From Human Stem Cells
August 23, 2009
— Victorian stem cell scientists have modified a human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line to glow red when the stem cells become red blood cells. The modified hESC line, ErythRED, represents a major step ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824115915.htm

Neural Networks Mapped In Dementia Patients
August 21, 2009
— Different types of dementia show dissimilar changes in brain activity. A network mapping technique has been applied to EEG data obtained from patients with Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820204454.htm

Hello Wearable Kidney, Goodbye Dialysis Machine
August 21, 2009
— Researchers are developing a Wearable Artificial Kidney for dialysis ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820175853.htm

Painless 'Microneedle' Patch May Take Sting Out Of Shots
August 21, 2009
— Scientists report the design of a painless patch that may someday render hypodermic needles -- as well as annual flu shots -- a thing of the past. Lined with tiny "microneedles," these patches could ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819110010.htm

Watching Stem Cells Repair The Human Brain
August 21, 2009
— Researchers have been able to track mesenchymal stem cells through the human brain using in-vivo MRI, which gives new information on the viability of these cells and their benefits to damaged ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819153931.htm

Detecting Bias In The Reporting Of Clinical Trials
August 20, 2009
— Researchers in the United Kingdom are developing new methods for detecting distorted medical ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819110014.htm

New Light-emitting Biomaterial Could Improve Tumor Imaging, Study Shows
August 20, 2009
— A new material -- an oxygen nanosensor that couples a light-emitting dye with a biopolymer -- simplifies the imaging of oxygen-deficient regions of tumors. Such tumors are associated with increased ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810162107.htm


Source - Health Day:

Health Highlights: Aug. 26, 2009
  • U.S. Issues New Guidelines for Treating Children With HIV
  • FDA Approves Swine Flu Test for Troops
  • Spending on Health Care for Seniors Still Rising: Report
  • Extreme Obesity Takes Years Off Life: Report
  • Circumcision Won't Shield Gay Men From HIV: Study
'Electronic Nose' Could Spot Kidney Disease
Rat study suggests potential for noninvasive, early diagnostic test

Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 26, 2009
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Swine Flu Vaccine
  • Migraine
More Women Surviving After Early Breast Cancer
Still too little is known about these 'in situ' malignancies, experts say

Tobacco Use Kills 6 Million People Annually: Report
And costs the global economy $500 billion each year

Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 25, 2009
  • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Alzheimer's Disease
Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 24, 2009
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Chronic Low Back Pain
  • Anxiety
Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 21, 2009
  • Acute Migraines
  • Constipation-IBS
  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 20, 2009
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Osteoarthritis of the Hip
  • Female Low Libido
Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 19, 2009
  • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
  • Schizophrenia
  • Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)


Source - Yahoo Biotech News:


Cell Therapeutics submits cancer drug to FDA - AP - Mon Aug 24
Cell Therapeutics Inc. said Monday its application for an experimental cancer treatment has been accepted for review by the Food and Drug Administration.

All Eyes on the Stem Cell Index Ahead of Study Results - Indie Research - Mon Aug 24
After last week's news from Geron weighed on the sector, stem cell stocks were ahead to start the week.

J&J consolidating management, eliminating biz unit - AP - 1 hour, 45 minutes ago
Health care giant Johnson & Johnson is consolidating management, starting by eliminating the smallest of its four business groups, with news of more changes expected over the next several weeks.


Source - Google Health News:



H1N1 Flu: Be A Little Afraid — But Not Of An Unproven Vaccine
TIME
26, 2009 Bridget Roberts of Columbia, Maryland, receives an experimental vaccine designed to prevent her from contracting the H1N1 swine flu virus at the ...

There Could be Serious Social Disruption from H1N1 this Winter ...
HSToday
It's why there's been so much concern in recent years about the consequences of an outbreak of a pandemic level influenza strain like the H5N1 bird flu, ...

Swine Flu Vaccine: Will It Catch On?
WebMD
The authors say “no significant changes in the level of intention to accept pre-pandemic H5N1 vaccine were observed,” despite the escalation to phase 5 of ...

No Side Effects So Far in Trial of Swine Flu Shot
New York Times
The H5N1 bird flu, by contrast, is lethal to poultry, and infected flocks are usually culled. Although the possibility exists that the mild pandemic flu ...

Deafness gene found
UI The Daily Iowan
The study was partially funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health and supported by the UI Carver College of Medicine in the UI Gene Therapy ...

Case Western Reserve University researcher demonstrates that ...
EurekAlert (press release)
This has huge impact on cellular protein levels and perhaps this understanding would lead to new advances in gene therapy and viral vaccinations. ...

OHSU Researchers Hope New Therapy Will Prevent Diseases In Children
OPB News
... genes donated by a healthy egg donor.” Mitalipov believes that if clinical trails in humans are successful, the new gene therapy could be ready in 5 years.


Life Extending Gene Therapy Progress and Rundown of Life Extension ...
Next Big Future
By using this specific gene therapy vector, the virus, to introduce the longevity gene, Duan and Li opened the possibility of human treatment. ...

New nanoparticle formulation for gene delivery to treat cancers
ecancermedicalscience
The success of cancer gene therapy relies on effective delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to the specific genes that cause disease, ...

Gene therapy for hepatitis
China Daily
Scientists say they've found a big reason why treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection works better for white patients than for African-Americans. ...

Looking at the Longevity Gene
KOMU-TV
COLUMBIA - A new MU study explores a gene that could give you more energy and a longer life, and one researcher hopes the gene therapy could lead to much ...

Gene Therapy To Counter Aging
Oneindia
It seems that getting old and infirm would soon be a thing of the past, as researchers claim that they have found a gene therapy to counter aging and ...


Source - Medical News Today:

New Route To Potential Breast Cancer Cure Discovered
UK
scientists have discovered a new route to a potential cure for breast cancer , one that focuses on how the cancer manipulates genetic pathways to spread through the body, rather than on how tumors develop in the first place. They are already working on a new drug to switch off the cancer's effect on the pathways and say it could be ready in a couple of years, but experts suggest this could be rather optimistic. The landmark study was the work Dr Justin Stebbing of Imperial College London (ICL) and other colleagues from ICL and also from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York, USA. They have written a paper on it in the 24 August online before print issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, PNAS.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161861.php

Obese People Are At Greater Risk For Developing Alzheimer's
Obesity is on a rampage, with the World Health Organization pegging the numbers at more than 300 million worldwide, with a billion more overweight. With obesity comes the increased risk for cardiovascular disease, Type II diabetes , and hypertension . Now comes more discouraging news. In the current online edition of the journal Human Brain Mapping, Paul Thompson, senior author and a UCLA professor of neurology, and lead author Cyrus A. Raji, a medical student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and colleagues compared the brains of people who were obese, overweight, and of normal weight, to see if they had differences in brain structure; that is, did their brains look equally healthy.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161933.php

Unlocking The Body's Defenses Against Cancer
Scientists have discovered a way of allowing healthy cells to take charge of cancerous cells and stop them developing into tumours in what could provide a new approach to treating early-stage cancers . University of Manchester researchers found that a special type of the chemicals known as 'kinase inhibitors' opened up communication channels on the surface of cells that enabled healthy cells to 'talk' to the cancer
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161923.php

Report That Premiums To Rise 94% By 2020 A Reminder Why Medicare For All Would Best Control Costs, Say RNs
Alarming new numbers released Thursday by the Commonwealth Fund on expected insurance premium increases in the coming decade are yet another reminder that genuine healthcare reform, in particular Medicare for all, is the most effective way to rein in costs said the nation's largest organization of nurses. Private insurance premiums for employer-sponsored coverage will rise by 94 percent by 2020, on top of the 119 percent increase since 1999, according to the Commonwealth Fund report. The increases in premiums from 1999 to 2008 were four times greater than the rise in family incomes, even prior to the current recession.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161608.php


Source - MIT's Technology Review:


Changing the Biological Battery
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/23314/

Creating a Heart Patch
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/23303/

Biotech Bacteria Could Help Diabetics
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/23302/

A Step Forward for Microbial Machines
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/23297/

Reprogrammed Human Cells Shed Light on Rare Disease
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/23288/

Fighting Stomach Flu with Tobacco
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/23283/

Decoding the Profit Gene
http://www.technologyreview.com/business/23282/

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

GBP Health / Biotech News 08-18-2009


Since August, 2005, this news digest has been a complimentary service of GBP Capital, a private equity firm investing in early to mid-stage life science companies. See www.gbpcap.com. The digest is published two to four days a week. If you have colleagues who would be interested in receiving this digest by email, they can be added to the list at: http://www.gbpcap.com/ . Also, the complete history of the entire content of all news articles in our digests since August, 2005 is searchable with Google's enterprise search engine at the same site.

Source - EurekAlert – Biology:

Public Release: 18-Aug-2009
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Scripps Research, UCSD, and University of Oslo team ties genetic variations to brain size
Using advanced brain imaging and genomics technologies, an international team of researchers co-led by Scripps Research Institute scientists has shown for the first time that natural variations in a specific gene influence brain structure. By establishing this link, the researchers have opened the door to a range of potential research efforts that could reveal gene variations responsible for a number of neurological conditions such as autism.
National Institutes of Health
Contact: Mika Ono
mikaono@scripps.edu
858-784-2052
Scripps Research Institute

Public Release: 18-Aug-2009
Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
Fine-tuning an anti-cancer drug
Biochemists at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen, in collaboration with researchers from San Diego-based Nereus Pharmaceuticals, have illuminated a reaction pathway that blocks the action of proteasomes, vital intracellular waste-processing plants. In the current issue of the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, they report insights that could potentially lead to development of custom-tailored anti-cancer drugs with improved efficacy and safety.
No.
Contact: Patrick Regan
regan@zv.tum.de
49-892-892-2743
Technische Universitaet Muenchen

Public Release: 18-Aug-2009
2 software tools that improve identification of cancer biomarkers earn certification
Two new software programs that improve the process of identifying cancer biomarkers from gene expression data earned silver-level compatibility certification from the the NIH/National Cancer Institute's cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid, also known as caBIG.
National Institutes of Health
Contact: Abby Vogel
avogel@gatech.edu
404-385-3364
Georgia Institute of Technology Research News

Public Release: 17-Aug-2009
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Does sugar feed cancer?
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah have uncovered new information on the notion that sugar "feeds" tumors. The findings may also have implications for other diseases such as diabetes. The research is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Contact: Linda Aagard
linda.aagard@hci.utah.edu
801-587-7639
University of Utah Health Sciences

Public Release: 17-Aug-2009
Journal of Clinical Investigation
Research points to new target for stopping colon cancer
New research led by scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine have found a drug target that suggests a potent way to kill colon cancers that resist current drugs aimed at blocking a molecule found on the surface of cells.
NIH/National Cancer Institute, National Science Foundation, Korea Science and Engineering Foundation
Contact: Les Lang
llang@med.unc.edu
919-966-9366
University of North Carolina School of Medicine

Public Release: 17-Aug-2009
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Engineered protein-like molecule protects cells against HIV infection
With the help of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and molecular engineering, researchers have designed synthetic protein-like mimics convincing enough to interrupt unwanted biological conversations between cells.
National Institutes of Health
Contact: Sam Gellman
gellman@chem.wisc.edu
608-262-3303
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Public Release: 17-Aug-2009
Developmental Cell
Cancer's break-in tools possibly identified at Duke
A single cell in a 1-millimeter nematode worm is providing valuable new clues into cancer's deadliest behavior -- its ability to put down roots in new tissues after spreading throughout the body.
National Institutes of Health, Pew Scholars, Basil O'Connor
Contact: Karl Leif Bates
karl.bates@duke.edu
919-681-8054
Duke University

Public Release: 17-Aug-2009
Developmental Cell
Gene vital to brain's stem cells implicated in deadly brain cancer
Researchers from Columbia University Medical Center's Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a protein that activates brain stem cells to make new neurons -- but that may be hijacked later in life to cause brain cancer in humans. The protein called Huwe1 normally functions to eliminate other unnecessary proteins and was found to act as a tumor suppressor in brain cancer.
Contact: Elizabeth Streich
eas2125@columbia.edu
212-305-6535
Columbia University Medical Center

Public Release: 17-Aug-2009
Nature
Faster, cheaper way to find disease genes in human genome passes initial test
Researchers have successfully developed a novel genomic analysis strategy for faster, cheaper discovery of gene-disease links. The strategy was tested on the genomes of unrelated individuals with the same inherited disorder. The method might be extended to common medical conditions with complex genetics by making it possible to study the genomes of large groups of people.
National Insitutes of Health, NIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Washington Research Foundation, Singapore Agency for Science, Technology and Research
Contact: Leila Gray
leilag@u.washington.edu
206-685-0381
University of Washington

Public Release: 17-Aug-2009
American Association for Cancer Research 97th Annual Meeting
Genome Research
New DNA test uses nanotechnology to find early signs of cancer
Using tiny crystals called quantum dots, Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a highly sensitive test to look for DNA attachments that often are early warning signs of cancer.
NIH/National Cancer Institute, National Science Foundation, Hodson Foundation, Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute
Contact: Phil Sneiderman
prs@jhu.edu
443-287-9960
Johns Hopkins University

Public Release: 16-Aug-2009
Nature Cell Biology
UGA researchers propose model for disorders caused by improper transmission of chromosomes
University of Georgia scientists have developed a model system for plants and animals that shows the loss of a key structural protein can lead to the premature separation of one DNA copy called a chromatid. The new model shows for the first time that the loss of this protein can lead to aneuploidy -- the name given to birth disorders caused by extra or too few chromosomes.
Contact: Kelly Dawe
kelly@plantbio.uga.edu
706-542-1658
University of Georgia

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.


Prion Protein Identified As Novel Early Pancreatic Cancer Biomarker
August 18, 2009
— Mad cow disease is caused by the accumulation of an abnormal protein, the prion, in the brain of an affected patient. Outside of the brain, very little is known about prions. Researchers have, for ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817184439.htm

New, Faster Way To Diagnose, Fight Flu
August 18, 2009
— Researchers are using a new and faster method of rapidly producing highly targeted monoclonal antibodies for use in diagnostic tests as well as a temporary therapy to stave off infectious diseases ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090802194524.htm

New Devices Harness Carbon Nanomaterials For Drug Delivery Systems, Oxygen Sensors
August 18, 2009
— Two nanoscale devices recently reported in two separate journals harness the potential of carbon nanomaterials to enhance technologies for drug or imaging agent delivery and energy storage systems, ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817190745.htm

New Method To Selectively Kill Metastatic Melanoma Cells Identified
August 18, 2009
— Scientists have identified a new method for selectively killing metastatic melanoma cells, which may lead to new areas for drug development in melanoma -- a cancer that is highly resistant to current ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803132742.htm

Needle-free, Inhalant Powder Measles Vaccine Could Save Thousands Of Lives
August 18, 2009
— The first inhalable vaccine for measles is moving toward clinical trials next year in India, where the disease still sickens millions of infants and children and kills almost 200,000 annually, ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090816170913.htm

Cardiovascular Diseases: Researchers Have Found A Way To Treat Ischemic Pathologies
August 18, 2009
— Scientists have developed a new area of research which looks extremely promising regarding the development of new therapeutic responses to ischemic pathologies and cardiovascular diseases in ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805075753.htm

Researchers Sequence 'Exomes' Of 12 People; New Strategy For Finding Disease Genes
August 17, 2009
— In a pioneering effort that generated massive amounts of DNA sequence data from 12 people, a team of researchers has demonstrated the feasibility and value of a new strategy for identifying
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090816171012.htm

Metastatic Cancer And Macrophages: Cells Thought To Protect Against Cancer May Actually Promote It
August 17, 2009
— The deadliest part of the cancer process, metastasis, appears to rely on help from macrophages, potent immune system cells that usually defend vigorously against disease, researchers ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810174303.htm

How To Make A Lung
August 17, 2009
— A tissue-repair-and-regeneration pathway in the human body, including wound healing, is essential for the early lung to develop properly. Genetically engineered mice fail to develop lungs when two ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817190648.htm

Nanomagnets Guide Stem Cells To Damaged Tissue
August 17, 2009
— Microscopic magnetic particles have been used to bring stem cells to sites of cardiovascular injury in a new method designed to increase the capacity of cells to repair damaged tissue, scientists ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817190640.htm

'Swiss Army Knife' Protein Plays Unexpected Role Protecting Chromosome Tips; Possible Tie To Metastatic Cancer
August 16, 2009
— A protein specialist that opens the genomic door for DNA repair and gene expression also turns out to be a multi-tasking workhorse that protects the tips of chromosomes and dabbles in a ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142440.htm

Inherited Risk Factors Increase Odds Of Developing Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
August 16, 2009
— Scientists have identified inherited variations in two genes that account for 37 percent of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, including a gene that may help predict drug ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090816171005.htm



Source - Health Day:

Health Highlights: Aug. 18, 2009
  • Less Swine Flu Vaccine Than Expected by October, U.S. Says
  • Vermont, Hawaii Tops in Healthy Behaviors
  • German Doctors Implant World's Smallest Artificial Heart Pump
  • FDA Approves New Drug for Gaucher Disease
Abnormal Protein May Signal Pancreatic Cancer
'Prion' could become diagnostic tool, researcher says

Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 18, 2009
  • High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia)
  • Diabetes
  • Depression (Ages 18-65)
Antioxidants Pose No Melanoma Threat
Despite earlier study, new report finds no risk from common vitamin and mineral supplements

Pain Level May Predict Survival in Certain Cancer Patients
Discomfort should be monitored in those with head and neck malignancies, researchers say

Worries May Worsen Peripheral Arterial Disease
Distressed 'type D' personality associated with mortality risk, study suggests

Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 17, 2009
  • Overactive Bladder
  • Psoriasis (Ages 18-65)
  • Alcoholism (Opiate Dependence)


Source - Yahoo Biotech News:


Sinovac says it finished swine flu vaccine tests - AP - 2 hours, 57 minutes ago
Chinese drugmaker Sinovac Biotech Ltd. said Tuesday it completed clinical testing of a swine flu vaccine and its product was successful at creating an immune system response to the virus.

NOVAVAX Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Protects Against 2009 Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus - PR Newswire - Tue 8:00 am ET
Novavax, Inc. announced positive preclinical results with Novavax's 2009 novel H1N1 influenza virus-like particle vaccine.

Amgen's Vectibix meets goal in colon cancer study - AP - Mon 5:54 pm ET
Biotechnology company Amgen Inc. said Monday its cancer drug Vectibix met the key treatment goals in a late-stage study focusing on patients with colon cancer.


Source - Google Health News:


Swine flu may hit Africa hardest
The Southern Times
Although H5N1 bird flu led to increased diagnostic and surveillance capacity in some countries, many still have no capacity and surveillance efforts cover ...

Goudsmit, - Crucell Receives NIH Award for the Development of ...
Ad-Hoc-News (Pressemitteilung)
They were also found to be active against the pandemic 'swine flu' H1N1 influenza viruses and the avian H5N1 'bird flu' viruses, which are still circulating ...

BioSante Pharmaceuticals Reports 100% Protection From H1N1 ...
Business Wire (press release)
... a BioVant-adjuvanted matrix protein M1 vaccine, and to H5N1 (bird flu), using a BioVant-adjuvanted H5N1 vaccine delivered via intranasal administration

GSK starts first trials for H1N1 vaccine in Germany
Pharmafocus
GSK said in clinical studies using the bird flu influenza strain (H5N1), its adjuvanted formulation has been shown to stimulate a higher immune response ...

H1N1 vaccine wars to plague world
PRESS TV
... a vaccine - as in mock-up vaccines for changing H5N1 to H1N1 - does not substantially affect the safety or level of protection offered by the vaccine. ...


Gene Therapy Treatment for Blindness Proves Safe--and Effective ...
Scientific American
By Katherine Harmon MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE: Although some previous trials have gone awry, gene therapy appears to have been both safe and effective in this ...


Source - Medical News Today:

Second Wave Of Swine Flu Could Overwhelm Resources In Europe And North America Say Canadian Experts
A panel of experts in Canada has written an article in a leading medical journal suggesting that if the H1N1 pandemic swine flu follows the same disease pattern in the northern hemisphere this fall as it has in the southern hemisphere, then resources in North America and Europe could be overwhelmed. The experts say strong leadership will be needed to mobilize effective immunization and other campaigns and they also call for the appointment of national and local leaders and champions. The editorial article was written by Dr Paul Hébert, Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), and colleagues, and appears in the 17 August issue of the journal.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160981.php

Alarming Rise In Oral Cancer Rates Among Forty-somethings
Rates of oral cancers , such as cancers of the mouth, tongue and lip, have increased by around a quarter in the past decade among people in their 40s, according to figures from Cancer Research UK today. Oral cancer is largely a preventable disease with tobacco and alcohol use being the main risk factors.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160943.php

SVS Clarifies Surgeons' Role In Diabetic Foot Care
The Society for Vascular Surgery® (SVS) represents more than 3,000 practicing vascular surgeons in the United States, dedicated to the prevention and management of vascular disease. The Society is responding to President Barack Obama's remarks on August 11, 2009 at a town hall meeting in New Hampshire. President Obama stated "Right now if we paid a family if a family care physician works with his or her patient to help them lose weight, modify diet, monitors whether they're taking their medications in a timely fashion, they might get reimbursed a pittance. But if that same diabetic ends up getting their foot amputated, that's $30,000, $40,000, $50,000 immediately the surgeon is reimbursed." This statement obviously does not accurately reflect the actual reimbursement to the surgeon for this procedure; surgeons receive reimbursement of less than $1,000, which includes follow-up care provided for 90 days after the operation. Furthermore, surgeons perform amputations only as last resort in an effort to save a patient's life, when and only when all attempts at limb salvage are exhausted. SVS is dismayed by those remarks. As vascular surgeons, we have the privilege of caring for a large number of Medicare beneficiaries. We perform minimally invasive intervention and bypass procedures to improve circulation to the lower extremities, thereby preventing amputation in many situations. While caring for their patients, SVS members attempt to use the best available medical evidence on which to make treatment recommendations. Since questions remain regarding optimal treatment of some forms of advanced vascular disease, SVS supports the efforts of the Administration to fund comparative effectiveness research; SVS published a position paper to this effect in the Journal of Vascular Surgery®.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160914.php

FDA Approves New Cholesterol-Lowering Drug
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the 4 milligram maximum dose of Livalo (pitavastatin), a drug intended to improve blood cholesterol levels in persons with elevated or abnormal blood cholesterol levels. Like other statins, Livalo is intended for patients when diet and exercise fail to lower their cholesterol levels. Statins improve elevated blood cholesterol levels primarily by inhibiting a liver enzyme called HMG Co-A reductase, thus reducing the liver's ability to make cholesterol.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160898.php

Dermatologist Skin Examinations Detect More, Thinner Skin Cancers Than Patients Identify Themselves
Most melanomas detected in a general-practice dermatology clinic were found by dermatologists during full-body skin examinations of patients who had come to the clinic for different complaints, according to a report in the August issue of Archives of Dermatology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. In addition, cancers detected by dermatologists were thinner and more likely to be in situ (only on the outer layer of skin) than were cancers detected by patients. "Early melanoma detection is the cornerstone of effective treatment, but guidelines remain sparse regarding appropriate screening procedures for both the general population as well as high-risk patients," the authors write as background information in the article. "While it is known that screening identifies melanomas at an earlier stage than would be found otherwise and that physicians detect melanomas with less tumor thickness, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force states that current evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routine screening. The population seen in skin cancer screenings differs markedly from that seen in a dermatology practice with a high-risk patient population."
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160748.php

Delinquent Duo May Help Trigger Alzheimer's Disease
For close to a decade, pharmaceutical researchers have been in hot pursuit of compounds to activate a key nicotine receptor that plays a role in cognitive processes. Triggering it, they hope, might prevent or even reverse the devastation wrought by Alzheimer's disease . A new study from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, however, suggests that when the receptor, alpha-7, encounters beta amyloid, the toxic protein found in the disease's hallmark plaques, the two may actually go rogue. In combination, alpha-7 and beta amyloid appear to exacerbate Alzheimer's symptoms, while eliminating alpha-7 seems to nullify beta amyloid's harmful effects.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160765.php


Source - MIT's Technology Review:

Bone-setting Glue
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/23270/

From the Labs: Biomedicine
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/23176/