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.org202-416-1930 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 ... 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/ | 
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