GBP Health / Biotech News Digest 08-26-2010

EurekAlert - Biology:

Public Release: 25-Aug-2010
Neuron
Scripps Research scientists uncover new mechanism of memory formation
Scientists from the Florida campus of the Scripps Research Institute have discovered a mechanism that plays a critical role in the formation of long-term memory. The findings shed substantial new light on aspects of how memory is formed, and could lead to novel treatments for memory disorders.

Contact: Mika Ono
mikaono@scripps.edu
858-784-2052
Scripps Research Institute

Public Release: 25-Aug-2010
Journal of Comparative Neurology
Research heralds potential for early diagnosis of degenerative brain disorders
A team of American scientists claim that a new method of testing for neurological diseases could provide doctors with a rapid and noninvasive method of diagnosing degenerative disorders. The research, published in The journal of Comparative Neurology, reveals that magnetic resonance spectroscopy can distinguish between different disorders in patients, allowing earlier diagnosis.

Contact: Ben Norman
Lifesciencenews@wiley.com
44-124-377-0375
Wiley-Blackwell

Public Release: 25-Aug-2010
Journal of Clinical Investigation
Liver cells created from patients' skin cells
By creating diseased liver cells from a small sample of human skin, scientists have for the first time shown that stem cells can be used to model a diverse range of inherited disorders. The University of Cambridge researchers' findings, which will hopefully lead to new treatments for those suffering from liver diseases, were published today in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council

Contact: Genevieve Maul
Genevieve.maul@admin.cam.ac.uk
44-122-376-5542
University of Cambridge

Public Release: 25-Aug-2010
Nature
Use the common cold virus to target and disrupt cancer cells?
A novel mechanism used by adenovirus to sidestep the cell's suicide program, could go a long way to explain how tumor suppressor genes are silenced in tumor cells and pave the way for a new type of targeted cancer therapy, report researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in the Aug. 26, 2010, issue of Nature.

Contact: Gina Kirchweger
kirchweger@salk.edu
858-453-410-01340
Salk Institute

Public Release: 25-Aug-2010
Faraday Discussions
Microneedle, quantum dot study opens door to new clinical cancer tools
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed extremely small microneedles that can be used to deliver medically-relevant nanoscale dyes called quantum dots into skin -- an advance that opens the door to new techniques for diagnosing and treating a variety of medical conditions, including skin cancer.
National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health

Contact: Matt Shipman
matt_shipman@ncsu.edu
919-515-6386
North Carolina State University

Public Release: 23-Aug-2010
Nature Precedings
Health diagnosis made simpler
ASU researchers have developed and tested instrumentation they say will make disease diagnosis technically simpler, quicker and less costly. Using the shape of a drop biological fluid to focus a beam from a light-emitting diode, the device enables diagnosis of infectious diseases and unhealthy levels of protein.

Contact: Joe Kullman
joe.kullman@asu.edu
480-965-8122

Arizona State University

Public Release: 23-Aug-2010
Biomaterials
A cluster bomb for cancer care
Dr. Dan Peer and Professor Ramona Margolit of Tel Aviv University have developed a nano-sized vehicle that can deliver chemotherapy drugs directly into cancer cells while avoiding interaction with healthy cells. "The vehicle is very similar to a cluster bomb," Dr. Peer says, and can be used to treat many different types of tumors, including lung, blood, colon and brain cancers.

Contact: George Hunka
ghunka@aftau.org
212-742-9070
American Friends of Tel Aviv 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.

Antiviral Gene Helps Suppress Jumping of AIDS Viruses Between Host Species

August 25, 2010 — The human AIDS viruses originated as viruses of apes and monkeys, respectively, yet little is known about whether or how these invaders adapted to the new genetic "environment" encountered in humans. ...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100824171616.htm

Microneedle, Quantum Dot Study Opens Door to New Clinical Cancer Tools

August 25, 2010 — Researchers have developed extremely small microneedles that can be used to deliver medically-relevant nanoscale dyes called quantum dots into skin -- an advance that opens the door to new techniques ...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100825093301.htm

Putting the Squeeze on Alzheimer's

August 25, 2010 — Brain cells exposed to a form of the amyloid beta protein, the molecule linked to Alzheimer's disease, become stiffer and bend less under pressure, researchers have ...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100820101408.htm

Researchers Zero in on Protein That Destroys HIV

August 25, 2010 — Using a $225,000 microscope and the wisdom of Yogi Berra, researchers have identified the key components of a protein called TRIM5a that destroys HIV in rhesus monkeys. The finding could lead to ...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100824121022.htm

Applying Stem Cell Technology to Liver Diseases

August 25, 2010 — Great excitement greeted the discovery a few years ago that certain cells from mice and humans could be reprogrammed to become inducible pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) as they hold promise for ...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100825131542.htm

Gene Therapy to Treat Epilepsy a Step Closer

August 25, 2010 — Current antiepileptic drugs have many side-effects, among others slowing down brain activity, which in turn reduces patients’ ability to react. These side-effects could be eliminated if genes ...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100825093541.htm

New Cardiac Imaging Device Pioneered

August 24, 2010 — Researchers have for the first time developed a way to visualize coronary artery plaques vulnerable to rupture using multicolor computed tomography, an innovation that will lead to better and earlier ...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100816110459.htm

Health Diagnosis Made Simpler: Bioengineers Design Device to Help Detect Diseases Quickly

August 24, 2010 — Researchers have developed and tested instrumentation they say will make disease diagnosis technically simpler, quicker and less costly. Using the shape of a drop biological fluid to focus a beam ...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100823172333.htm

Math from the Heart: Simulating Stent Design and Coating

August 24, 2010 — Using computer models to study the strengths and weaknesses of different stent structures could help manufacturers optimize stent design and help doctors choose the right stents for their ...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100823121937.htm

Double-Therapy Approach Effectively Inhibited Brain Cancer Recurrence

August 24, 2010 — Researchers have identified a novel approach of combining chemotherapy with a targeted therapy to decrease the recurrence of glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and aggressive brain ...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100824132347.htm

Source - Health Day:

Health Highlights: Aug. 26, 2010

� Seniors Face Large Drug Cost Increases: Report

� Epidurals During Labor Protect Muscles: Study

� FDA Warns About TimeOut Capsules

� Traffic Crashes Cost $99 Billion Annually: Report

� Millions Of Seniors May Have To Change Medicare Drug Plans: Analysis

Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 26, 2010

� Osteoarthritis of the Knee

� Schizophrenia

� Depression

Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 25, 2010

� Tinnitus

� Hot Flashes (Postmenopausal Women)

� Daily Aspirin Use

Source - Google Health News:

In Early Trial, Targeted Therapy Fights Advanced Melanoma
Experimental drug could help patients whose tumors carry particular gene mutation

Gene therapy firm seeks partners
Witney Gazette
By Maggie Hartford � GENE THERAPY company Oxford BioMedica is seeking partners to develop two of its potential treatments after half-year losses rose to ...

Scientists Look to Gene Therapy as Way to Boost Immune System Response to HIV
TheBody.com
The Los Angeles Times reports on the recent efforts of scientists to use gene therapy to strengthen the ability of patients living with HIV to fight off the ...

Non-Viral Gene Therapy Retards Retinal Degeneration
Medgadget.com
Bringing forth a more potent and enduring result will move us closer to clinical application of non-viral gene therapy,” said Kumar-Singh. ...

Source - Yahoo Biotech News:

Investors Eye Stem Cell Shares Amid Court Dispute - Indie Research - Thu 9:14 am ET
Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth hit the brakes an executive order aimed to remove "barriers to responsible research involving human stem cells," by ruling that millions in government grants can't be made.

Summary Box: J&J recalls 2 hip replacement systems - AP - 20 minutes ago
PERPETUAL PROBLEM: Johnson & Johnson announces its 11th recall of products since last September -- the second disclosed this week

Source - Medical News Today :

Insulin Resistance, Type 2 Diabetes Linked To Plaques Associated With Alzheimer's Disease

People with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes appear to be at an increased risk of developing plaques in the brain that are associated withAlzheimer's disease, according to new research published in the August 25, 2010, issue of Neurology�, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Insulin resistance, or the stage before diabetes, happens when insulin, a hormone in the body, becomes less effective in lowering blood sugar.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/198973.php

Novel Stem Cell Therapy From Cellonis Biotechnologies Can Help Children With Diabetes Get Back Their Normal Lives

Cellonis Biotechnologies, a Beijing and HK-based medical research and application company, has recorded some remarkable results in the treatment of a twelve-year-old boy with diabetes using their stem cell therapy in aBeijing partner hospital. He has completely regained his normal life, enjoying sports and school activities just like every other person his age, and has been free from injections and drugs for more than half a year. "Our whole family is delighted with this outcome," his mother commented in a Cellonis interview. "He is now no different from any other child at his school. There is no sign of diabetes anymore. He previously coughed a lot in spring and winter, but after the therapy we haven't seen him coughing at all. We are very pleased."

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/198840.php

Nano-Vehicle To Deliver Chemotherapy Treatments On Target

Chemotherapy, while an effective cancer treatment, also brings debilitating side effects such as nausea, liver toxicity and a battered immune system. Now, a new way to deliver this life-saving therapy to cancer patients - getting straight to the source of the disease - has been invented by Dr. Dan Peer ofTel Aviv University's Department of Cell Research and Immunology and the Center for Nano Science and Nano Technology together with Prof. Rimona Margalit of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/198736.php

Source - MIT's Technology Review :

Artificial Cornea Offers Long-Term Vision

http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/26115/

GBP Health / Biotech News Digest 08-04-2010

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. EurekAlert - Biology: Public Release: 4-Aug-2010 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Caltech biologists discover microRNAs that control function of blood stem cells One key to fighting diseases such as leukemia and anemia is gaining an understanding of the genes and molecules that control the function of hematopoietic -- or blood -- stem cells, which provide the body with a constant supply of red and white blood cells and platelets. Biologists at Caltech have taken a large step toward that end, with the discovery of a novel group of molecules that are found in high concentrations within hematopoietic stem cells and appear to regulate their production. Cancer Research Institute, NIH/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Science Foundation, NIH/National Cancer Institute Contact: Kathy Svitil ksvitil@caltech.edu 626-395-8022 California Institute of Technology Public Release: 4-Aug-2010 Nature NIH genomic mapping study finds largest set of genes related to major risk factor for heart disease Scanning the genomes of more than 100,000 people from all over the world, scientists report the largest set of genes discovered underlying high cholesterol and high triglycerides -- the major risk factors for coronary heart disease, the nation's number one killer. Taken together, the gene variants explain between a quarter and a third of the inherited portions of cholesterol and triglyceride measured in the blood. National Institutes of Health Contact: NHLBI Communications Office nhlbi_news@nhlbi.nih.gov 301-496-4236 NIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Public Release: 4-Aug-2010 Nature Gene for cholesterol and cardiovascular disease identified through genome scan Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, the Broad Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc., are some of the first to prove that a gene linked to a disease trait by genome-wide association studies can be clinically relevant and an important determinant of disease risk. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Contact: Jessica Mikulski Jessica.mikulski@uphs.upenn.edu 215-349-8369 University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Public Release: 3-Aug-2010 Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Fluorescent probe for oral cancer The probe stimulates molecules in the patient's tissues with a laser. Some of these molecules naturally respond by re-emitting fluorescent light. The device rapidly detects and analyzes this light using a process called "time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy." By using sensitive measurements of the change in fluorescence over time, surgeons can see the tumor margins even as they are cutting the tissue. Contact: Andy Fell ahfell@ucdavis.edu University of California - Davis - Health System Public Release: 3-Aug-2010 Biomedical Optics New imaging technique could help physicians ease the aftermath of breast cancer A new study of breast cancer survivors may help physicians ease a common side effect of cancer treatments. The collaborative research by Eva Sevick, Ph.D., director of the Center for Molecular Imaging at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, and Caroline Fife, M.D., director of the Memorial Herman Wound Care Clinic at UTHSC, could bring relief to millions. Contact: Lyndsay Basista lbasista@osa.org 202-416-1930 Optical Society of America Public Release: 2-Aug-2010 Apoptosis Scientists discover how neuroglobin protects against Alzheimer's The researchers developed predictions from computational modeling and validated them with biological experiments. They found that neuroglobin binds to cytochrome c and prevents it from forming an apoptosome. In Alzheimer's disease, a toxic type of protein accumulates in brain neurons and leads to mitochondrial rupture and cell death. The finding suggests that high neuroglobin levels may buffer neurons against the effect of this protein by preventing apoptosomes from forming. Contact: Holly Ober hjober@ucdavis.edu University of California - Davis - Health System Public Release: 1-Aug-2010 Nature Neuroscience Epileptic seizures may be linked to an ancient gene family New research points to a genetic route to understanding and treating epilepsy. The research has identified an ancient gene family that plays a role in regulating the excitability of nerves within the brain. National Institutes of Health Contact: Barbara K. Kennedy science@psu.edu 814-863-4682 Penn State 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. Gum Inflammation Linked to Alzheimer's Disease August 4, 2010 — Dental researchers have found the first long-term evidence that periodontal disease may increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease in healthy individuals as well ... http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100803112811.htm Revascularization in Elderly Seniors May Help Survival Rates After Heart Attack August 4, 2010 — Revascularization procedures in very elderly patients after heart attacks may be responsible for improved survival rates after one year, a new study ... http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100803132732.htm 'Designer Protein' Opens New Door in Cancer Research August 4, 2010 — A major breakthrough in how to target and destroy the most malignant and aggressive brain cancer cells has been made by researchers. Scientists have identified a way to target and destroy ... http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100803112813.htm New Diagnostic Chip Able to Generate Single-Cell Molecular 'Fingerprints' for Brain Tumors August 4, 2010 — Given the clinical need for improved in vitro molecular diagnostic technologies for brain tumor biopsies, the research team combined the advantages of microfluidics and microscopy-based cell imaging ... http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100803101926.htm Fighting Infections With Blood Clots August 4, 2010 — Clot formation within small blood vessels helps in the fight against pathogenic microbes, researchers in Germany have shown. At the molecular level, clot formation turns out to be intimately ... http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100803101920.htm Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Becoming Tools for Brain Tumor Imaging and Treatment August 3, 2010 — Tiny particles of iron oxide could become tools for simultaneous tumor imaging and treatment, because of their magnetic properties and toxic effects against brain cancer cells. In mice, researchers ... http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100802165455.htm Boosting the Efficacy of Anticancer Vaccines August 2, 2010 — Researchers have now developed a way to overcome some of the hurdles that limit the efficacy of therapeutic anticancer vaccines and found that their new approach is associated with longer overall ... http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100802125817.htm Research Defines Timeframes, Factors to Deem Early Stage Lung Cancer Cured August 2, 2010 — In patients with non-small cell lung cancer, five-year disease-free survival is currently the benchmark of cure. However, there are two issues that remain with the follow-up standards: when can cure ... http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100802131130.htm Novel Bee Venom Derivative Forms a Nanoparticle 'Smart Bomb' to Target Cancer Cells August 2, 2010 — The next time you are stung by a bee, here's some consolation: a toxic protein in bee venom, when altered, significantly improves the effectiveness liposome-encapsulated drugs or dyes, such as those ... http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100802101817.htm Source - Health Day: Health Highlights: Aug. 4, 2010 Loving Siblings Help Shield Against Depression: Study Large Drop In Heart Bypass Surgery Deaths: U.S. Report Iams and Eukanuba Dry Dog Foods Recalled New Rules Would Improve Medical Device Safety: FDA 7 Hours Of Sleep Optimal For Heart Health: Study Patients With Hepatitis B May Face Greater Risk of Blood Cancer Study finds twice the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma Patient's Pulmonary Valve May Substitute for Donor Aortic Valve Procedure led to improved survival, quality of life, study found Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 4, 2010 � Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (Females Age 40-65) � Depression and Physical Pain � Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 3, 2010 � Excessive Daytime Sleepiness � Depression � Menstrual Migraine Source - Yahoo Biotech News: Dendreon shares rise on Provenge sales - AP - Wed 12:11 pm ET Shares Dendreon Corp. rose Wednesday after the company reported increased prescriptions for its new prostate cancer drug Provenge. Amplimmune, GlaxoSmithKline enter development deal - AP - 2 hours, 54 minutes ago Drug developer Amplimmune Inc. said Wednesday it has entered a development agreement with British drug company GlaxoSmithKline PLC that could be worth more than $500 million if certain milestones are met. Source - Google Health News: TroVax trial on prostate cancer patients Witney Gazette By Maggie Hartford � GENE THERAPY company Oxford Biomedica has received permission from US regulators to test its treatment on prostate cancer patients. ... Gene makeovers Boston Globe By Karen Weintraub A 17-year-old Cambridge biotechnology firm is betting $35 million in new financing on the success of its budding gene therapyprogram. ... Ben Bova: Gene therapy will one day cure diseases ... It's the 'law' Naples Daily News Gene therapy is another example. Half a century after biologists determined the structure of DNA and the molecular code that guides every living cell's ... Source - Medical News Today : Discovery Of New, Harmful Fat Cell As if fat weren't troublesome enough, a research team at the University of Colorado School of Medicine has discovered a new type of fat cell with potentially harmful characteristics. The new fat cells arise from stem cellsin the bone marrow that travel through the blood stream to fat tissue. They are termed bone marrow progenitor-derived adipocytes. The discovery also revealed that male and female subjects accumulate the new fat cells differently. The research also may help to explain the link between types ofobesity and heart disease and other illnesses. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/196670.php Brain Tumor Imaging And Treatment Employing Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Tiny particles of iron oxide could become tools for simultaneous tumor imaging and treatment, because of their magnetic properties and toxic effects against brain cancer cells. In mice, researchers from Emory University School of Medicine have demonstrated how these particles can deliver antibodies to implanted brain tumors, while enhancing tumor visibility via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The results are published online by the journal Cancer Research. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/196669.php FDA Approves First Embryonic Stem Cell Trial On Friday, FDA announced that it has lifted a hold on the first human test of a treatment derived from embryonic stem cells , the New York Timesreports. Experts are calling the trial -- developed by Geron Corporation and the University of California-Irvine -- a milestone in health research because it will provide the first look at the safety and efficacy of embryonic stem cell therapy. Although stem cell therapies have been lauded for their "vast medical promise," they also have been "embroiled in political and ethical controversy" because the technology involves the destruction of human embryos. FDA approved the trial in January 2009 but later suspended it after rats injected with stem cells in a testing phase developed cysts(Pollack, New York Times, 7/30). FDA officials did not comment on why they removed the hold on the trial, but Geron officials said the company determined that the cysts "did not lead to any adverse consequences to the animals" and Geron changed its procedures "to minimize the likelihood of cyst formation" (Johnson, Contra Costa Times , 7/30). http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/196595.php Source - MIT's Technology Review : Clear CT Scans with Less Radiation http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/25919/ Growing Organs and Helping Wounds Heal http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/25918/