Laboratory News and Research

RSS

DNA of uncultured organisms sequenced using novel single cell genome sequencing approach

Scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Genome Institute (JGI) and the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences have assembled high quality, contamination-free draft genomes of uncultured biodegrading microorganisms using a novel single cell genome sequencing approach.

22 Apr 2009

Grapes may prevent heart health risks beyond the simple blood pressure-lowering impact

Can a grape-enriched diet prevent the downhill sequence of heart failure after years of high blood pressure?

22 Apr 2009

AEterna Zentaris presents results for AEZS-112 in advanced cancer and lymphoma

AEterna Zentaris Inc. has presented a poster outlining Phase 1 results for its orally-active tubulin and topoisomerase II inhibitor compound, AEZS-112, in patients with advanced solid tumors or lymphoma, which may potentially provide a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer.

22 Apr 2009

Walnuts can reduce breast cancer risk

Walnut consumption may provide the body with essential omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols that reduce the risk of breast cancer, according to a study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research 100th Annual Meeting 2009.

22 Apr 2009

Researchers study why people who are obese become hypertensive

When Francois Abboud began his work at the University of Iowa in 1960, little was known about the constant physiological chatter between the brain and the blood vessels.

22 Apr 2009

Retooled chemotherapy agents for drug delivery may increase effectiveness

Researchers may have found a way to combine imaging with chemotherapy in a single agent for the treatment of prostate cancer, according to data presented at the American Association for Cancer Research 100th Annual Meeting 2009

22 Apr 2009

Discovery of genetic pattern that may predict response to Gleevec in GIST

Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center uncovered a genetic pattern that may help predict how gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients respond to the targeted therapy imatinib mesylate (Gleevec).

22 Apr 2009

A nanoscale motor in the ear

Utah and Texas researchers have learned how quiet sounds are magnified by bundles of tiny, hair-like tubes atop "hair cells" in the ear: when the tubes dance back and forth, they act as "flexoelectric motors" that amplify sound mechanically.

22 Apr 2009

Scientists suggest a mechanism for how lithium works in bipolar treatment

Lithium has been established for more than 50 years as one of the most effective treatments for bipolar mood disorder.

22 Apr 2009

Mouse model provides a new tool for investigating Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome

Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome (WHS) is a human disease caused by spontaneous genetic deletions.

22 Apr 2009

How cells control the great divide

A scientist whose work is key to understanding how cancer cells divide and spread in the body is to present advances in his latest research at a public forum to be held at the University of Leicester.

22 Apr 2009

Light-scattering techniques may help determine chemo's effectiveness

By examining the patterns in which light bounces off cell surfaces, researchers may be able to assess chemotherapy's success in inducing cancer cell death, according to a study led by investigators in the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center and Duke's Pratt School of Engineering.

22 Apr 2009

Louse infestation calibrates immune system regulation

Some parasites can exert a moderating effect on the immune system, perhaps reducing the risk of developing immune dysfunctions like asthma, allergies and some forms of arthritis.

22 Apr 2009

Discovery of agents that speed up destruction of amyloid beta proteins

Taking a new approach to the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease, a research team led by investigators at the Mayo Clinic campus in Florida has shown that druglike compounds can speed up destruction of the amyloid beta (A-beta) proteins that form plaque in the brains of patients with the disorder.

22 Apr 2009

The DNA proteome

The human genome complete sequencing project in 2003 revealed the enormous instruction manual necessary to define a human being.

22 Apr 2009

New insights into how to combat avian flu

An in-depth analysis of blood from patients recovering from the H5N1 avian influenza virus has provided important insights into how to combat the potentially lethal virus.

22 Apr 2009

Poor sleep disturbs neuroendocrine control of appetite

Laboratory and epidemiological studies continue to show that sleep curtailment and/or decreased sleep quality can disturb neuroendocrine control of appetite, leading to overeating, and can decrease insulin and/or increase insulin resistance, both steps on the road to Type 2 diabetes.

22 Apr 2009

Antioxidant ellagic acid prevents UV skin damage that leads to wrinkles

Using a topical application of the antioxidant ellagic acid, researchers at Hallym University in the Republic of Korea markedly prevented collagen destruction and inflammatory response - major causes of wrinkles -- in both human skin cells and the sensitive skin of hairless mice following continuing exposure to UV-B, the sun's skin-damaging ultraviolet radioactive rays.

22 Apr 2009

Is it preferable for patients' families or doctors to make tragic choices?

In the medical realm, people sometimes need to make very difficult choices, such as deciding to end life-support for a terminally ill patient.

21 Apr 2009

Cells from human blood can morph into stem cells

In a recent study, U.S. researchers have reprogrammed cells found in circulating blood into cells that are molecularly and functionally indistinguishable from embryonic stem cells, a revolutionary achievement that provides a readily accessible source of stem cells and an alternative to harvesting embryonic stem cells.

21 Apr 2009