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Source - EurekAlert – Biology
Public Release: 26-Jun-2009
Xie Lab uncovers molecular machinery related to stem cell fate
The Stowers Institute's Xie Lab has revealed how the BAM protein affects germline stem cell differentiation and how it is involved in regulating the quality of stem cells through intercellular competition. The work was published today by PNAS Early Edition.
Contact: Marie Jennings
mfj@stowers.org
816-926-4015
Stowers Institute for Medical Research
Public Release: 26-Jun-2009
Making nanoparticles in artificial cells
Two processes can be used to control the size of nanoparticles, which could serve as tiny light sources.
Contact: Dr. Rumiana Dimova
Rumiana.Dimova@mpikg.mpg.de
49-331-567-9615
Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
Public Release: 25-Jun-2009
Like burrs on your clothes, molecule-size capsules can deliver drugs by sticking to targeted cells
It is now possible to engineer tiny containers the size of a virus to deliver drugs and other materials with almost 100 percent efficiency to targeted cells in the bloodstream.
Contact: Blaine Friedlander
bpf2@cornell.edu
607-254-8093
Cornell University
Public Release: 25-Jun-2009
MU scientists convert pigs' connective tissue cells into stem cells
Scientists at the University of Missouri have developed the ability to take regular cells from a pig's connective tissues, known as fibroblasts, and transform them into stem cells, eliminating several of the hurdles associated with stem cell research. The new study appeared in a recent issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.
Contact: Christian Basi
BasiC@missouri.edu
573-882-4430
University of Missouri-Columbia
Public Release: 25-Jun-2009
MicroRNAs help control HIV life cycle
Scientists at Burnham Institute for Medical Research have discovered that specific microRNAs (non-coding RNAs that interfere with gene expression) reduce HIV replication and infectivity in human T-cells. In particular, miR29 plays a key role in controlling the HIV life cycle. The study suggests that HIV may have co-opted this cellular defense mechanism to help the virus hide from the immune system and antiviral drugs.
Contact: Josh Baxt
jbaxt@burnham.org
858-795-5236
Burnham Institute
Public Release: 25-Jun-2009
Effective pain treatment for cancer patients?
Cancer patients often suffer from severe pain that cannot be effectively treated with conventional medication. Researchers at the Pharmacology Institute of the University of Heidelberg have found the possible reasons for this -- tumors release two signal substances that make nerve cells especially sensitive and enhance tumor growth. In animal tests, when the researchers blocked the effect of the signal substances on the nerve cells, the sensitivity of the nerve cells and tumor growth were reduced.
Contact: Dr. Rohini Kuner
rohini.kuner@pharma.uni-heidelberg.de
49-622-154-8289
University Hospital Heidelberg
Public Release: 25-Jun-2009
New nanoparticles could revolutionize therapeutic drug discovery
A revolutionary new protein stabilization technique has been developed by scientists funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council which could lead to 30 per cent more proteins being available as potential targets for drug development -- opening up exciting possibilities in drug discovery.
Contact: Matt Goode
press.office@bbsrc.ac.uk
44-179-341-4694
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Public Release: 25-Jun-2009
STAT3 protein found to play a key role in cancer
A protein called STAT3 has been found to play a fundamental role in converting normal cells to cancerous cells, according to a new study led by David E. Levy, Ph.D., professor of pathology and microbiology at NYU Langone Medical Center. The study, published in the June 26 issue of the journal Science, found that STAT3, in addition to its role in the cell nucleus regulating gene expression, is also present in mitochondria, and regulates the activity of the electron transport chain in tumors cells.
Contact: Dorie Klissas
Dorie.Klissas@nyumc.org
212-404-3555
NYU Langone Medical Center / New York University School of Medicine
Public Release: 25-Jun-2009
Vitamin A derivative provides clues to better breast cancer drugs
A comparison of the effects of estrogen and retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A, on the genome of breast cancer cells showed that they have a "yin-yang" effect, with estrogen tipping the scales towards cell proliferation and retinoic acid inhibiting cellular growth. The finding could lead researchers to a new set of drug targets for this disease.
Contact: John Easton
john.easton@uchospitals.edu
773-702-6241
University of Chicago Medical Center
Public Release: 25-Jun-2009
Stem cell surprise for tissue regeneration
Scientists working at the Carnegie Institution's department of embryology have overturned previous research that identified critical genes for making muscle stem cells. It turns out that the genes that make muscle stem cells in the embryo are surprisingly not needed in adult muscle stem cells to regenerate muscles after injury. The finding challenges the current course of research into muscular dystrophy, muscle injury and regenerative medicine; it also favors using age-matched stem cells for therapy.
Contact: Christoph Lepper
lepper@ciwemb.edu
410-246-3039
Carnegie Institution
Public Release: 24-Jun-2009
Proteins in gel
Biochips carrying thousands of DNA fragments are widely used for examining genetic material. Experts would also like to have biochips on which proteins are anchored. This requires a gel layer which can now be produced industrially.
Contact: Dr. Andreas Hollaender
andreas.hollaender@iap.fraunhofer.de
49-331-568-1404
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
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.
Fish Protein Link To Controlling High Blood Pressure
June 26, 2009 — Medical scientists are investigating how a species of fish from the Pacific Ocean could help provide answers to tackling chronic conditions such as hereditary high blood pressure and kidney disease. ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622064716.htm
Unique Portion Of Enzyme Fights Lung Infection
June 26, 2009 — An enzyme known to play a key role in the development of emphysema serves as the first line of defense against bacterial infection of the lung, according to researchers. They also found that the ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617131358.htm
Pushmi-pullyu Of B-cell Development Discovered
June 26, 2009 — Scientists have identified two "molecular motors" that work in opposing directions to control the development of B cells in the immune ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625100351.htm
New Piece Found In Colorectal Cancer Puzzle
June 26, 2009 — Prostasin, a relatively unknown protease enzyme expressed in most epithelial cells, may play a role in the genesis of colorectal cancer. Researchers have associated a reduction in the expression of ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624193457.htm
Virus Filters For Medical Diagnosis
June 26, 2009 — In biomedicine and biotechnology the smallest, complex, compound sample quantities must be reliably processed. Microsystems with new mechanisms of action for pumping, filtering and separating will ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625074820.htm
Gene Findings Revealing Reasons For Neuroblastoma Risk
June 26, 2009 — Two new studies advance the search for genetic events that result in neuroblastoma, a puzzling, often-deadly type of childhood cancer. Scientists performed a genome-wide association study to discover ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617131352.htm
Enzyme Fights Mutated Protein In Inherited Parkinson's Disease
June 26, 2009 — An enzyme that naturally occurs in the brain helps destroy the mutated protein that is the most common cause of inherited Parkinson's disease, researchers have ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626091133.htm
Uncovering How Cells Cover Gaps In Wound Healing And Embryonic Development
June 26, 2009 — Scientists develop a clearer picture of dorsal closure and shed light on wound healing. Researchers came a step closer to understanding how cells close gaps not only during embryonic development but ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626084427.htm
New And Efficient Breast Biopsy Technique Developed
June 25, 2009 — Researchers have developed a new breast biopsy technique that could lead to decreased procedure times, and reduced patient discomfort and morbidity, according to a new study. The new technique uses a ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623133527.htm
Effective Pain Treatment For Cancer Patients?
June 25, 2009 — Cancer patients often suffer from severe pain that cannot be effectively treated with conventional medication. Researchers have found the possible reasons for this -- tumors release two signal ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625100347.htm
New Approach To Treating Heart Attacks Reduces Risk Of Life-threatening Complications
June 25, 2009 — Transferring heart attack patients to specialized hospitals to undergo angioplasty within six hours after receiving clot-busting drugs reduces the risk of life-threatening complications including ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624193506.htm
Anti-inflammatory Drugs May Defeat Treatment-resistant Type Of Cancer
June 25, 2009 — Effective drugs for treating a chemotherapy-resistant form of lymphoma might already be on the market according to a study that has pieced together a chemical pathway involved in the disease. By ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624161636.htm
Study Challenges Routine Use Of MRI Scans To Evaluate Breast Cancer
June 25, 2009 — Reviewing the records of 577 breast cancer patients, researchers found that women with newly diagnosed breast cancer who receive a breast MRI are more likely to receive a mastectomy after their ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625202012.htm
Diabetes Is Significant Economic Burden For US Health-care System
June 25, 2009 — Excess medical expenses and reduced productivity due to diabetes costs the US economy more than $174 billion annually, a figure that could be reduced by lifestyle modifications and preventive ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625202004.htm
Early Alzheimer's: Not Remembering What Is Important To Remember
June 25, 2009 — People in very early stages of Alzheimer's disease already have trouble focusing on what is important to remember, psychologists ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625152933.htm
Controversial Cancer Stem Cells Offer New Direction For Treatment
June 25, 2009 — Researchers sort out the controversy and promise around a dangerous subtype of cancer cells, known as cancer stem cells, which seem capable of resisting many modern ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625141456.htm
Non-invasive Method For Early, Serological Diagnosis Of Parkinson’s Disease Developed
June 24, 2009 — Researchers in Spain have developed a non-invasive method for serological diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. The scientists have analyzed and purified proteins associated with this disease, such ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090612122457.htm
Genetic Markers To Help Fight Diabetes Discovered
June 24, 2009 — Scientists have identified five genetic biomarkers that could help lead to improved treatments, with fewer side effects, for patients with ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616103215.htm
'Chemical Nose' May Sniff Out Cancer Earlier
June 24, 2009 — Using a "chemical nose" array of nanoparticles and polymers, researchers have developed a fundamentally new, more effective way to differentiate not only between healthy and cancerous cells but also ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623164539.htm
Biomarkers Predict Brain Tumor's Response To Therapy
June 24, 2009 — A new biomarker may be useful in identifying patients with recurrent glioblastoma, or brain tumors, who would respond better to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, specifically ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623133520.htm
Source - Health Day:
Health Highlights: June 26, 2009
- Pop Star Michael Jackson Dies at 50
- Actress Farrah Fawcett Dies of Cancer at 62
- New York State Will Buy Women's Eggs for Stem Cell Research
- European Regulator Wants Painkiller Off Market
- E. coli Scare Spurs Big Beef Recall
But not significant enough to halt drug therapy, researchers say
FDA Seizes All Drugs From Generics Maker
Agency cites poor quality at Michigan plants, warns of potential shortage of one pain reliever
Cell Protein Could Help Spur Malignancy
Discovery may lead to new cancer treatments, scientists say
Clinical Trials Update: June 25, 2009
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Diabetes Mellitus, Types 1 and 2
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Osteoarthritis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C)
- Asthma
- Healthy Patient Studies
- Smoking Cessation
- Women's Health
Source - Yahoo Biotech News:
Insmed shares plummet on Iplex study results
Shares of Insmed Corp. plunged Thursday after the company said its drug Iplex failed to treat the most common form of muscular dystrophy in a midstage study.
Bristol diabetes drug gets positive EU review
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and AstraZeneca PLC said Thursday that a European Union regulatory panel gave a positive recommendation to their type 2 diabetes drug candidate Onglyza.
Source - Google Health News:
Swine flu virus 'stable,' WHO head says
CBC.ca - Toronto,Ontario,Canada
Health officials are looking for any signs the pandemic virus could be combining with the deadlier H5N1 avian flu virus. "The virus is still very stable," ...
Pandemic reveals strengths of new flu database
CIDRAP - Minneapolis,MN,USA
Jun 25, 2009 (CIDRAP News) – Against the backdrop of a global struggle to solve a dispute related to H5N1 avian influenza virus sharing and an anxious watch ...
Cleveland stem cell projects receive $10 million commercialization ...
MedCity News - Cleveland,OH,USA
Lentigen, a Maryland gene delivery company, to develop a gene therapy approach to treating brain tumors. Oakwood Laboratories, a Cleveland area drug ...
Like Burrs On Your Clothes, Molecule-size Capsules Can Deliver ...
Science Daily (press release) - USA
The research is published in the journal Gene Therapy. "This study greatly extends the range of therapies," said Michael King, Cornell associate professor ...
Prototype developed for gene therapy through the skin
HealthJockey.com - Mumbai,Maharashtra,India
Professor Marc Gitzinger seems to have developed a prototype for gene therapy through the skin. A key role in this study was believed to have been played by ...
Blacksburg firm gets $10 million infusion
Roanoke Times - Roanoke,VA,USA
Last month, the company announced the availability of an experimental treatment for people with advanced metastatic melanoma in which gene therapy and cell ...
New vaccine process proposed
Worcester Telegram - Worcester,MA,USA
There are no peptide vaccines approved for use in the United States, but Antigen Express has been testing peptides against H5N1 avian influenza in Lebanon ...
Source - Medical News Today:
Alcohol Contributes To 1 In 25 Deaths Worldwide
Research led by scientists in Canada suggests that alcohol is a factor in 1 in 25 deaths worldwide, prompting calls that an international framework is needed to reduce the harm that alcohol is causing to global health. The research was conducted by first author Dr Jürgen Rehm, of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, and the University of Toronto, and colleagues and is published as part of a cluster of studies and commentary papers on alcohol and health in the 27 June issue of The Lancet. Rehm also holds posts at the Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany, and the World Health Organization.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155447.php
MicroRNAs Help Control HIV Life Cycle
Scientists at Burnham Institute for Medical Research (Burnham) have discovered that specific microRNAs (non-coding RNAs that interfere with gene expression) reduce HIV replication and infectivity in human T-cells. In particular, miR29 plays a key role in controlling the HIV life cycle. The study suggests that HIV may have co-opted this cellular defense mechanism to help the virus hide from the immune system and antiviral drugs. The research was published today in the journal Molecular Cell. Tariq Rana, Ph.D., director of the Program for RNA Biology at Burnham, and colleagues, found that the microRNA miR29 suppresses translation of the HIV-1 genome by transporting the HIV mRNA to processing-bodies (P-bodies), where they are stored or destroyed. This results in a reduction of viral replication and infectivity. The study also showed that inhibition of miR29 enhances viral replication and infectivity. The scientists further demonstrated that strains of HIV-1 with mutations in the region of the genome that interact with miR29 are not inhibited by miR29.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155430.php
Blood Flow In Alzheimer's Disease
Dr. Jennifer C Palmer and colleagues at the University of Bristol have discovered that endothelin converting enzyme-2 (ECE-2) may cause the decrease in cerebral blood flow seen in Alzheimer's disease. These results are presented in the July 2009 issue of the American Journal of Pathology. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. Aβ peptide, which accumulates in the brain of Alzheimer's disease patients, is thought to lead to tightening of the blood vessels and reduction of cerebral blood flood. ECE-2 may contribute to these symptoms by converting an inactive precursor to endothelin-1, which constricts blood vessels.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155387.php
Thousands Of Older People Dying Prematurely From Cancer, Say Researchers
As many as 15,000 people over 75 could be dying prematurely from cancer each year in the UK, according to research presented today at the National Cancer Intelligience Network
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155360.php
Drug May Prolong Survival In Melanoma Patients
The Northern California Melanoma Center (NCMC)'s research showed patients who received GM-CSF (Sargramostim, trade name Leukine
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155280.php
Specialized Solutions For Brain Mapping And Soft Tissue Imaging
Carl Zeiss has developed a unique series of solutions addressing the different methods for brain mapping and soft tissue imaging. "Scientists are right now attacking one of the last secrets of mankind: imaging and reconstruction of the brain," Dr. Dirk Stenkamp, Member of the Board at Carl Zeiss SMT explains. "We specifically enable the acquisition and analysis of cell images at ultra-high resolution. For that purpose we have developed an extensive range of solutions, based on the sophisticated use of advanced electron and ion-beam microscopes," Stenkamp adds. At center stage, with a combination of a special detector system and large framestore, the SIGMA™ FE-SEM is enabling extremely fast imaging of huge areas of thin sections. "With this system, which is currently being evaluated by several leading research institutes worldwide, throughput is increased by a factor of 100," application product specialist Dr. Stewart Bean from Carl Zeiss SMT´s Cambridge facilities says.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155275.php
Study Finds Skin Cancer Rates Higher Among Athletes
With skin cancer rates on the increase, most individuals know the importance of applying sunscreen regularly, but in a recent literature study published in the July/August issue of Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach, athletes may be even more at risk for developing the deadly disease. "Studies further confirm that although exposure to the sun or UV light may help maintain vitamin D levels, exposure also results in a higher risk for developing skin cancers. This is especially true of summer and winter outdoor athletes, who are exposed to higher amounts of UV light due to training and competition schedules. Sun protection strategies, including sunscreens and sun protective clothing, may help to reduce this risk for athletes," said author Wilma Bergfeld, MD, Senior Staff, of the Department of Dermatology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155242.php
Source - MIT's Technology Review:
New Drug Kills Cancer with Few Side Effects
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/22928/?nlid=2130
Repairing the Stroke-Damaged Brain
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/22921/?nlid=2126
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