Immune System News and Research

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Muscle, aptly enough, is born of cellular bullying, and not mutual consent

In fact, according to new research from Johns Hopkins, the fusion of muscle cells is a power struggle that involves a smaller mobile antagonist that points at, pokes and finally pushes into its larger, stationary partner using a newly identified finger-like projection.

17 Feb 2011

Study: 1 in 5 homeless people with tuberculosis die within a year of diagnosis

One in five homeless people with tuberculosis die within a year of their diagnosis, according to a study led by St. Michael's Hospital's Dr. Kamran Khan. And that number remains unchanged over the last decade despite recommendations calling for greater improvements in prevention and control of tuberculosis in homeless shelters.

17 Feb 2011

New fully human monoclonal antibodies to battle Chikungunya

The Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), an institute of the Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and VIVALIS, a French biopharmaceutical company, announced today the discovery of two new fully human monoclonal antibodies which could battle Chikungunya, a disease that currently has no available vaccine or specific treatment.

16 Feb 2011

Vical announces issuance of U.S. Patent for cytomegalovirus vaccines

Vical Incorporated announced today the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 7,888,112 covering DNA vaccines for cytomegalovirus containing specific gene sequences and formulated with Vical's Vaxfectin adjuvant.

16 Feb 2011

Bone remodeling inflammatory protein linked to metastatic lung cancer development in mice with breast cancer

When doctors discover high concentrations of regulatory T cells in the tumors of breast cancer patients, the prognosis is often grim, though why exactly has long been unclear.

16 Feb 2011

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia establishes Jeffrey Modell Endowed Chair in Pediatric Immunology Research

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia today announced the establishment of the Jeffrey Modell Endowed Chair in Pediatric Immunology Research.

16 Feb 2011

New research shows regular walking can reduce risk of breast, bowel and other cancers

As winter sets in, most of us are probably not as active as we usually are during warmer months. Winter is a time of stillness, reflection and rest. However, we still need to exercise, even if it's at a slower pace. Walking offers us a chance to move our bodies, keeping our systems running smoothly without the over exertion of other high powered activities such as jogging or competitive sports.

16 Feb 2011

Advaxis added to Mentor Capital Cancer Immunotherapy Index

Mentor Capital, Inc. reports that Advaxis, Inc. has been added as the newest member of the Mentor Capital Cancer Immunotherapy Index.

16 Feb 2011

AML patient raises awareness in community about national stem cell registry

By the age of 28, Dana Severson was already an Iraq war veteran, an accomplished clinical engineer, a wife and mother. Days following her daughter Genevieve's first birthday, Severson was faced with a reality that would turn her life upside down. After several weeks of experiencing severe headaches and extreme exhaustion, the young mother was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

16 Feb 2011

The Lancet publishes Baxter's PREFLUCEL phase III trial results against seasonal influenza

Baxter International Inc. announced today results of a study published in this week's issue of The Lancet that demonstrate effectiveness and tolerability of Baxter's PREFLUCEL in protecting against seasonal influenza.

From Baxter International Inc. 15 Feb 2011

RPCI offers first FDA-approved cancer treatment vaccine

The nation's first FDA-approved cancer treatment vaccine, Provenge, is being offered for the first time in Western New York at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

15 Feb 2011

Efficacy of zinc in common cold - Review of clinical trials

A new study has added to the existing literature that debates the role of zinc in combating the common cold. It suggests that the supplement might modestly reduce cold duration and severity or maybe even prevent it. The report was published as a Cochrane Review.

15 Feb 2011

Dengue strikes in a “vicious” way in north Qld

According to health authorities a vicious strain of Dengue fever is hospitalising people in far north Queensland. 20 people have been diagnosed with the Type 2 variant of the virus in East Innisfail and another five have Type 4 Dengue. 12 other people are possibly ill with the virus and awaiting laboratory confirmation.

15 Feb 2011

Leading foundations support Australian diabetes treatment

Two international charitable foundations, New Zealand-based Cure Kids and U.S.-based Children with Diabetes Foundation, have each pledged to provide US$140,000 to fund the final two patients in a Phase II clinical trial in New Zealand that has the potential to transform the treatment of Type 1 diabetes.

15 Feb 2011

February is again peak time for influenza across the nation

If you thought the regular seasonal flu has been late making its annual appearance, you might be surprised to learn that based on recent history, it's right on time.

15 Feb 2011

State court jury rules in favor of Merck in FOSAMAX trial

Merck & Co., Inc. today said a state court jury in New Jersey found in its favor in the Rosenberg v. Merck case, rejecting the claims of a woman who blamed her dental and jaw related problems on her FOSAMAX use.

15 Feb 2011

Researchers find placentas of preeclampsic women have abundance of genes linked with immune system regulation

Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered that the placentas of women who suffer preeclampsia during pregnancy have an overabundance of a gene associated with the regulation of the body's immune system. Their discovery may lead to improved screening and prenatal care for these patients and their babies.

14 Feb 2011

Contaminated alcohol prep pad may have caused sudden death of two year old

A lawsuit filed in Federal court claims that a contaminated alcohol prep pad manufactured by Triad Group, Inc. caused the sudden death of a two year old boy. The lawsuit claims Bacillus cereus bacteria from a contaminated alcohol prep pad caused a deadly meningitis infection.

14 Feb 2011

Study shows beneficial anti-fibrotic effects of Pentraxin-2 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Promedior, Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company developing novel therapies to treat fibrotic and inflammatory diseases, announced today the publication of collaborative research in the International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology entitled, "TGF-beta driven lung fibrosis is macrophage dependent and blocked by Serum amyloid P."

14 Feb 2011

Novel technology to diagnose Alzheimer's disease before symptoms appear

UT Southwestern Medical Center scientists have helped develop a novel technology to diagnose Alzheimer's disease from blood samples long before symptoms appear.

14 Feb 2011