Source - EurekAlert – Biology:
Public Release: 14-Aug-2009
New strategy for inhibiting virus replication
Viruses need living cells for replication and production of virus progeny. Thus far, antiviral therapy primarily targets viral factors but often induces therapy resistance. New improved therapies attempt to targets cellular factors that are essential for viral replication.
Contact: Dr. Ralf Bartenschlager
Ralf_Bartenschlager@med.uni-heidelberg.de
062-215-64569
University Hospital Heidelberg
Public Release: 14-Aug-2009
Bionanomachines -- proteins as resistance fighters
Friction limits the speed and efficiency of macroscopic engines. Is this also true for nanomachines?
Contact: Florian Frisch
frisch@mpi-cbg.de
49-035-121-02840
Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
Public Release: 13-Aug-2009
Molecules wrestle for supremacy in creation of superstructures
Research at the University of Liverpool has found how mirror-image molecules gain control over each other and dictate the physical state of superstructures.
Contact: Kate Spark
kate.spark@liv.ac.uk
01-517-942-247
University of Liverpool
Public Release: 13-Aug-2009
MRC scientists advance understanding of cell death
Medical Research Council scientists have made an important advance in understanding the biological processes involved when cells are prompted to die. The work may help scientists to eventually develop new treatments for the many common diseases and conditions which occur when cell death goes wrong.
Contact: Nicola Osmond-Evans
press.office@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk
020-767-05138
University of Leicester
Public Release: 13-Aug-2009
New study suggests possible genetic links between environmental toxins and multiple myeloma
Several SNPs associated with bone disease in myeloma have been identified and reported in a paper in the current issue of Leukemia. Several of these SNPs are believed to be associated with toxin metabolism and/or DNA repair. Although these findings are still preliminary, they could explain an increasing incidence of myeloma, including the unexpected findings of myeloma among younger (under 45 years old) responders to the 9/11 World Trade Center site reported separately this week.
Contact: Jennifer Anderson
212-918-4642
BioCom Partners
Public Release: 13-Aug-2009
Technique enables efficient gene splicing in human embryonic stem cells
A novel technique allows for precise, efficient gene editing into the genomes of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. For years, scientists have easily swapped genes in and out of mouse ESC or iPS cell genomes, but have had a notoriously difficult time disrupting or inserting genes into their human equivalents. This hurdle has hampered efforts to create specific cell types for modeling genetic diseases, like Parkinson's.
Contact: Nicole Giese
giese@wi.mit.edu
617-258-6851
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
Public Release: 13-Aug-2009
First compound that specifically kills cancer stem cells found
The cancer stem cells that drive tumor growth and resist chemotherapies and radiation treatments that kill other cancer cells aren't invincible after all. Researchers reporting online on August 13 in the journal Cell, a Cell Press publication, have discovered the first compound that targets those cancer stem cells directly.
Contact: Cathleen Genova
cgenova@cell.com
617-397-2802
Cell Press
Public Release: 13-Aug-2009
New method takes aim at aggressive cancer cells
A multi-institutional team has discovered a chemical that works in mice to kill the rare, aggressive cells within breast cancers that can seed new tumors. These cells, known as cancer stem cells, are thought to enable cancers to spread -- and to reemerge after seemingly successful treatment. Although work is needed to determine whether this chemical holds promise for humans, the study shows that it is possible to find chemicals that selectively kill cancer stem cells.
Contact: Matt Fearer
fearer@wi.mit.edu
617-452-4630
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
Public Release: 13-Aug-2009
Cancer mortality rates experience steady decline
The number of cancer deaths has declined steadily in the last three decades. Although younger people have experienced the steepest declines, all age groups have shown some improvement, according to a recent report in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Contact: Jeremy Moore
jeremy.moore@aacr.org
267-646-0557
American Association for Cancer Research
Public Release: 12-Aug-2009
A window into the brain
Dr. Yaniv Assaf of Tel Aviv University has pioneered a new way to track the effect of memory on brain structure with a methodology called "Diffusion Imaging MRI."
Contact: George Hunka
ghunka@aftau.org
212-742-9070
American Friends of Tel Aviv University
Public Release: 12-Aug-2009
Gene therapy 1 year later: Patients healthy and maintain early visual improvement
Three young adults who received gene therapy for a blinding eye condition remained healthy and maintained previous visual gains one year later, according to an August online report in Human Gene Therapy. One patient also noticed a visual improvement that helped her perform daily tasks, which scientists describe in an Aug. 13 letter to the editor in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Contact: National Eye Institute
neinews@nei.nih.gov
301-496-5248
NIH/National Eye Institute
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.
Cancer Mortality Rates Experience Steady Decline: Conventional Method May Underreport Declining Death Rate For All Age Groups
August 14, 2009 — The number of cancer deaths has declined steadily in the last three decades. Although younger people have experienced the steepest declines, all age groups have shown some improvement, according to a ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142359.htm
White Tea Could Keep You Healthy And Looking Young
August 14, 2009 — Next time you're making a cup of tea, new research shows it might be wise to opt for a white tea if you want to reduce your risk of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or even just age-associated wrinkles. ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810085312.htm
Discovery Brings Hope To Treatment Of Lymphatic Diseases
August 14, 2009 — Researchers have discovered the first naturally occurring molecule that selectively blocks lymphatic vessel ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810122141.htm
Novel, Orally Inhaled Migraine Therapy Is Effective, Study Shows
August 14, 2009 — A new study shows an investigational, orally-inhaled therapy is effective in treating migraines. The multi-center, phase three FREEDOM-301 trial for the orally-inhaled migraine therapy, LEVADEX, ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143546.htm
Mediterranean Diet, Physical Activity Linked With Lower Risk Of Alzheimer Disease
August 13, 2009 — Elderly individuals who had a diet that included higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereal and fish, and was low in red meat and poultry and who were physically active had an ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811161306.htm
Multiple Types Of White Blood Cells Made Directly From Embryonic And Adult Stem Cells
August 13, 2009 — In an advance that could help transform embryonic stem cells into a multipurpose medical tool, scientists have transformed these versatile cells into progenitors of white blood cells and into six ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810174223.htm
New No-needle Approach To Prevent Blood Clots
August 13, 2009 — Scientists have found a better way to prevent deadly blood clots after joint replacement surgery -- a major problem that results in thousands of unnecessary deaths each ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811191705.htm
Estrogen-dependent Switch Tempers Killing Activity Of Immune Cells
August 13, 2009 — The sex hormone estrogen tempers the killing activity of a specific group of immune cells, the cytotoxic T cells, which are known to attack tumor cells and cells infected by viruses. The key player ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810104805.htm
Discovery Of A Mechanism Controlling The Fate Of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
August 13, 2009 — Hematopoietic stem cells are capable of manufacturing all types of blood cells. But which factors influence the production of a specific type of cell? Until now, it was thought that this was a random ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090730233126.htm
Bypassing Bypass Surgery: New Blood Vessels Grown To Combat Heart Disease
August 13, 2009 — Although open-heart surgery is a frequent treatment for heart disease, it remains extremely dangerous. Now groundbreaking research has shown the potential for an injected protein to regrow blood ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142438.htm
New Method Takes Aim At Aggressive Cancer Cells
August 13, 2009 — Researchers have discovered a chemical that works in mice to kill the rare, aggressive cells within breast cancers that can seed new tumors. These cells, known as cancer stem cells, are thought to ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142135.htm
MRI May Cause More Harm Than Good In Newly Diagnosed Early Breast Cancer
August 13, 2009 — A new review says using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before surgery to assess the extent of early breast cancer has not been shown to improve surgical planning, reduce follow-up surgery, or ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813083331.htm
Novel Tumor Suppressor Discovered
August 12, 2009 — Researchers studying an enzyme believed to play a role in allergy onset, instead have discovered its previously unknown role as a tumor suppressor that may be important in myeloproliferative diseases ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803122719.htm
Viral Mimic Induces Melanoma Cells To Digest Themselves
August 12, 2009 — Recent research has uncovered an unexpected vulnerability in deadly melanoma cells that, when exploited, can cause the cancer cells to turn against themselves. The study identifies a new target for ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803122717.htm
Cell Reproduction Research May Point To 'Off Switch' For Cancer
August 12, 2009 — New insight into how human cells reproduce could help scientists move closer to finding an "off switch" for cancer. Cancer cells divide uncontrollably and can move from one part of the body to ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090812163756.htm
Source - Health Day:
Health Highlights: Aug. 14, 2009
- Fewer Full-Time, Low-Income Workers Have Insurance
- Fatty Foods Impair Memory and Exercise Performance: Study
- Stent Study Expanded
- Canadian Isotope Reactor Down Till 2010
Finding could lead to new therapeutic possibilities, researchers say
Device May Offer Alternative to Warfarin for Arrhythmia
Implantation in people at risk for stroke could reduce medication use, study suggests
Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 14, 2009
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Insomnia
Genetic mutation could explain why some function fine on six hours a night
Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 13, 2009
- Acne
- Schizophrenia
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
- Chronic Knee Pain
- Adolescent Depression
- Smoking
Source - Yahoo Biotech News:
Schering-Plough gets FDA approval for Saphris
Schering-Plough Corp. says the Food and Drug Administration approved its drug Saphris for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Source - Google Health News:
Experts expect flu pandemic at some point
Coastal Courier
There is no current vaccine for the H5N1 avian virus but a new swine influenza vaccine has finished its trial run and will be available in a few months. ...
Vaccine R&D takes national priority
Bangkok Post
Vaccine research and development is being rushed on to the national agenda amid fears the absence of a vaccine against deadly diseases could affect national ...
Homeless people die after bird flu vaccine trial in Poland
Center for Research on Globalization
The suspects said that the all those involved knew that the trial involved an anti-H5N1 drug and willingly participated. The news of the investigation will ...
Gene Therapy Offers Hope Against Inherited Blindness
U.S. News & World Report
12 (HealthDay News) -- Gene therapy for an inherited form of blindness shows promise, a US study shows. The phase I trial included three patients, aged 22, ...
Cash for Cardiovascular: Who Might Be Next?
Seeking Alpha
Several of these approaches, including gene therapy and stem cell therapy, are making significant progress in the preclinical and clinical space. ...
Landmark finding on cystic fibrosis gave CWRU's Mitch Drumm an ...
The Plain Dealer - cleveland.com
The discovery raised hopes that the disease would soon be eliminated through gene therapy. So far, gene therapy for CF hasn't paid off. ...
Source - Medical News Today:
Scientists Develop Way To Seek And Destroy Cancer Stem Cells
Scientists in the US have developed a way of identifying chemicals that specifically seek and destroy cancer stem cells
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160741.php
Wine May Provide Radioprotective Effect For Breast Cancer Patients
Drinking wine while undergoing radiation treatment for breast carcinoma may reduce the incidence of skin toxicity in breast cancer
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160653.php
Human Genome Sequenced For Less Than $50K
With the help of two other people, the resources of one lab and a commercially available, refrigerator-sized machine, a US university professor has sequenced his entire genome at a cost of less than $50,000. In 2001 when scientists started mapping the DNA of humans, such a feat would have cost hundreds of million of dollars and involved enough people to fill half a jumbo jet, and even last year, the lowest reported cost for this was quarter of a million dollars and needed 200 people. Dr Stephen Quake, a professor of bioengineering at Stanford University and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, California, and his two colleagues, research manager Dr Norma F Neff and doctoral student Dmitry Pushkarev, have written a paper about it in the 10 August online issue of Nature Biotechnology.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160563.php
Source - MIT's Technology Review:
Gene Therapy Creates a New Fovea
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/23239/
Killing Cancer Stem Cells
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/23222/
Molecular Condom Blocks HIV
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/23214/
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.