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Study shows complement activation plays an important role in inherited macular degeneration

In a study published on line this week in the journal Human Molecular Genetics, Drs. Donita Garland, Rosario Fernandez-Godino, and Eric Pierce of the Ocular Genomics Institute at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, along with their colleagues, reported the unexpected finding that in mice genetically engineered to have an inherited form of macular degeneration, turning off the animals' complement system, a part of the immune system, prevented the disease.

20 Aug 2013

Caltech biologists identify mechanism by which beneficial bacteria reside, thrive in gastrointestinal tract

The human body is full of tiny microorganisms-hundreds to thousands of species of bacteria collectively called the microbiome, which are believed to contribute to a healthy existence. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract-and the colon in particular-is home to the largest concentration and highest diversity of bacterial species.

20 Aug 2013

Arrays of nanoscale sensors detect flaws in drugs and help improve production

MIT chemical engineers have discovered that arrays of billions of nanoscale sensors have unique properties that could help pharmaceutical companies produce drugs - especially those based on antibodies - more safely and efficiently.

17 Aug 2013

Animal model of HIV sexual transmission

Infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a debilitating disorder in which progressive weakening of the immune system makes affected individuals more susceptible to potentially life-threatening infections and chronic diseases. Despite advances in the treatment and management of AIDS, there is no cure, and HIV infection remains a major global health problem.

16 Aug 2013

Employers can prevent and treat cancer diseases by promoting health programs in workplace

Employers can have a significant role in improving efforts to prevent and treat diseases such as cancer by introducing and supporting health promotion programs in the workplace. Together, companies can influence health care policies and reimbursement and industry practices to support the fight against cancer.

14 Aug 2013

LMU immunologists develop new technique to fight against tumors, autoimmune diseases

Immunologists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU) in Munich have come up with a new technique that can be used both to fight tumors and to treat autoimmune diseases. A new grant from the Federal Ministry for Education and Research will enable the method to be developed further.

14 Aug 2013

BMI can be sole measure to evaluate interventions for child obesity

Body mass index (BMI) or a change in BMI is often the sole measure used to evaluate whether an intervention intended to combat childhood obesity is effective. But a new study clearly shows that an intervention can have beneficial effects on other health outcomes, such as cardiovascular fitness, regardless of its effect on BMI.

13 Aug 2013

Genetically engineered proteins may be promising new tool for mapping brain cell activity

Scientists used fruit flies to show for the first time that a new class of genetically engineered proteins can be used to watch nerve cell electrical activity in live brains. The results, published in Cell, suggest these proteins may be a promising new tool for mapping brain cell activity in multiple animals and for studying how neurological disorders disrupt normal nerve cell signaling.

9 Aug 2013

Study: Immune-regulating molecules can trigger lymphomas

A small group of immune-regulating molecules, when overproduced even moderately, can trigger the blood cancers known as lymphomas, according to a new study led by scientists from The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI).

9 Aug 2013

Research suggests treadmill training after spinal cord injury can have positive effects on recovery

New research suggests that treadmill training soon after a spinal cord injury can have long-lasting positive effects on recovery - as long as the training is accompanied by efforts to control inflammation in the lower spinal cord.

8 Aug 2013

High-tech laser technique offers control of gene therapy and genetic engineering method

The applications of gene therapy and genetic engineering are broad: everything from pet fish that glow red to increased crop yields worldwide to cures for many of the diseases that plague humankind.

8 Aug 2013

UCLA researchers combine cellular and gene therapies to develop treatment for breast cancer

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have successfully combined cellular therapy and gene therapy in a mouse-model system to develop a viable treatment strategy for breast cancer that has spread to a patient's brain.

7 Aug 2013

Life Tech, Raintree Launch Oncology Testing, Patient Data Initiatives

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6 Aug 2013

New England Biolabs Gains Access To Advanced NGS Library Prep Method

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From New England Biolabs 6 Aug 2013

Bayer Collaboration Could Net $540M+ For Compugen

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6 Aug 2013

Duke Medicine researchers identify a protein critical to TMJD pain

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) is the most common form of oral or facial pain, affecting over 10 million Americans. The chronic disorder can cause severe pain often associated with chewing or biting down, and lacks effective treatments.

2 Aug 2013

Severe arthritis pain treatments: an interview with Professor Walsh, University of Nottingham and Professor Wood, UCL

Pain is defined by the sufferer’s experience. Pain may be severe because it is intense, frequent or sustained, and because it is distressing. The severity of pain is not simply due to what is going on in the joint, but is also affected by how the body processes the pain signals, and the context in which it is experienced.

31 Jul 2013

New technology enables all of the world's crops to take nitrogen from the air

A major new technology has been developed by The University of Nottingham, which enables all of the world's crops to take nitrogen from the air rather than expensive and environmentally damaging fertilisers.

26 Jul 2013

Scientists find way to sneak nanoparticles carrying anticancer drugs past cells of immune system

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17 Jul 2013

Scientists discover how BRCA1 gene mutations predispose women to breast and ovarian cancers

Scientists led by Drs. Mona Gauthier and Tak Mak at The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre have solved a key piece in the puzzle of how BRCA1 gene mutations specifically predispose women to breast and ovarian cancers.

16 Jul 2013