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Researchers identify mutation in fat-storage gene that appears to increase risk for type 2 diabetes

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have identified a mutation in a fat-storage gene that appears to increase the risk for type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders, according to a study published online today in the New England Journal of Medicine.

23 May 2014

Eliminating scar tissue, inflammation may make tumors more deadly, find researchers

New research represents a significant change in the understanding of how pancreatic cancer grows - and how it might be defeated.

23 May 2014

New discovery cracks code of metabolic pathway that allows certain cancerous tumors to thrive

In a breakthrough discovery at the Children's Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern (CRI), a research team led by Ralph DeBerardinis, M.D., Ph.D., has taken a significant step in cracking the code of an atypical metabolic pathway that allows certain cancerous tumors to thrive, providing a possible roadmap for defeating such cancers.

23 May 2014

New database allows researchers to match old drugs for new diseases

There are thousands of drugs that silence many thousands of cancer-causing genetic abnormalities. Some of these drugs are in use now, but many of these drugs are sitting on shelves or could be used beyond the disease for which they were originally approved.

23 May 2014

Separating sperm and eggs from somatic cells preserves genetic building blocks

We have hundreds of types of cells in our bodies - everything from red blood cells to hair follicles to neurons. But why can't most of them create offspring for us?

23 May 2014

Research findings could lead to new approach to Alzheimer’s prevention

In surprise findings, scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have discovered that a protein with a propensity to form harmful aggregates in the body when produced in the liver protects against Alzheimer’s disease aggregates when it is produced in the brain. The results suggest that drugs that can boost the protein’s production specifically in neurons could one day help ward off Alzheimer’s disease.

22 May 2014

Agios Pharmaceuticals to present AG-221 Phase 1 study results at EHA meeting

Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leader in the fields of cancer metabolism and inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs), today announced that new clinical data from the Phase 1 study of AG-221, an orally available, selective, potent inhibitor of the mutated IDH2 protein, will be highlighted in an oral presentation at the 19th Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) taking place June 12 -15, 2014 in Milan, Italy.

22 May 2014

Group of 11 genes could help predict alcoholism risk

A group of 11 genes can successfully predict whether an individual is at increased risk of alcoholism, a research team from the United States and Germany reported Tuesday.

22 May 2014

Eisai launches new class of epilepsy treatment Fycompa in France

Fycompa (perampanel), the first in an entirely new class of treatment for partial onset seizures (the most common form of epilepsy), has today received reimbursement approval from the Comité Economique des Produits de Santé.

22 May 2014

Drugs that boost protein's production in neurons could help ward off Alzheimer's disease

In surprise findings, scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have discovered that a protein with a propensity to form harmful aggregates in the body when produced in the liver protects against Alzheimer's disease aggregates when it is produced in the brain.

22 May 2014

Research validates family history screening questionnaire as tool to cover multiple conditions

The family history screening questionnaire can be used to provide insight into people's susceptibility to breast, ovarian, bowel and prostate cancer, melanoma, ischaemic heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

22 May 2014

Soil bacteria have strategies for fighting antibiotics

Drug-resistant bacteria annually sicken 2 million Americans and kill at least 23,000. A driving force behind this growing public health threat is the ability of bacteria to share genes that provide antibiotic resistance.

22 May 2014

Researchers discover key proteins involved in DNA repair gone awry

Accumulation of DNA damage can cause aggressive forms of cancer and accelerated aging, so the body's DNA repair mechanisms are normally key to good health. However, in some diseases the DNA repair machinery can become harmful.

22 May 2014

Double mastectomies are unnecessary in women with breast cancer, says study

About 70 percent of women who have both breasts removed following a breast cancer diagnosis do so despite a very low risk of facing cancer in the healthy breast, new research from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center finds

22 May 2014

Scientists discover link between circadian clock disturbances and inflammatory diseases

A disruption of circadian rhythms, when combined with a high-fat, high-sugar diet, may contribute to inflammatory bowel disease and other harmful conditions, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at Rush University Medical Center.

22 May 2014

Researchers look at risky alcohol use in male-dominated industries

The workplace can provide an ideal environment to implement support, well-being, and testing interventions aimed at reducing risky alcohol use among men.

22 May 2014

Cholesterol plays vital role in cell mobility and tissue invasion

University of Barcelona's researchers led by Professor Carles Enrich, from the Department of Cell Biology, Immunology and Neurosciences of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Barcelona and CELLEX Biomedical Research Centre of IDIBAPS, have found that cholesterol plays a key role in cell mobility and tissue invasion.

21 May 2014

A novel strategy to uncover new antibiotics

Resistance to antibiotics has been steadily rising, posing a threat to public health. Now, a method from Mohammad Seyedsayamdost, an assistant professor of chemistry at Princeton University, may open the door to the discovery of a host of potential drug candidates.

21 May 2014

New in vitro 12-cell line panel assay predicts anti-cancer drug activity

Southern Research Institute today announced a new service offering - a novel in vitro 12-cell line panel assay designed to predict drug activity and improve the success rate of drugs tested in xenograft models.

21 May 2014

Cell Science Systems launches new blood test profile for GI disorders

Distinguishing the cause of gut disorders can be complicated. Therefore, Cell Science Systems, Corp. today announced the launch of a new test to help clinicians reach a diagnosis; and, suggest dietary strategies to improve whatever gut malady a person may have.

21 May 2014