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Certain proteins, genes play key role in regenerating lost body parts: Research

Another option may be on the horizon for patients who lose limbs due to war, accident, or disease. Instead of using artificial legs or arms, patients actually may regrow their own missing limbs. An article in the current issue of Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN), ACS' weekly newsmagazine, focuses on research efforts to turn the long-standing dream of human limb regeneration into reality.

5 Aug 2010

Scientists develop new chip to increase forensic DNA testing speed

A newly developed test could make checking DNA from people arrested for crimes with DNA samples from crime scenes stored in forensic databases almost as easy as matching fingerprints. With the test, police could check on whether a person's DNA matches that found at past crime scenes while suspects are still being processed and before a decision on whether to release them on bail. A report on the fast forensic test appears in the ACS' Analytical Chemistry, a semi-monthly journal.

5 Aug 2010

Study links sea sponge genome sequence with first animals and cancer

The sponge, which was not recognized as an animal until the 19th century, is now the simplest and most ancient group of animals to have their genome sequenced. In a paper appearing in the August 5 issue of the journal Nature, a team of researchers led by Daniel Rokhsar of the University of California, Berkeley, and the Department of Energy's Joint Genome Institute (JGI), report the draft genome sequence of the sea sponge Amphimedon queenslandica and several insights the genome gives into the origins of both the first animals and cancer.

5 Aug 2010

Sensory dysfunction affects quality of life of patients with Autism

The way the brain reacts differently to the sense of touch in people with Autism will be examined as part of an innovative Cardiff University study designed to create better understanding of the condition. Dr David McGonigle from Cardiff University's Schools of Psychology and Biosciences will use the latest brain imaging techniques to create a clearer picture of how touch is processed differently.

4 Aug 2010

Study to understand processes that lead to onset of testicular germ cell cancer

Scientists have developed a model that will enable them to investigate, for the first time, how human testes develop in baby boys while they are in the womb. Until now it has been impossible to study testicular development during pregnancy in humans and this discovery will enable researchers to understand the processes that can lead to the onset of testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) in young adult life, and how factors, such as common environmental chemicals, might play a role.

4 Aug 2010

Special hearing on potential environmental health factors associated with autism spectrum disorders

Autism Speaks' Chief Science Officer Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D. emphasized the importance of research on environmental risk factors for autism spectrum disorders as the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, Subcommittee on Children's Health convened a special hearing on potential environmental health factors associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and related neurodevelopmental disorders. The hearing is examining the latest research on potential environmental factors that may increase the risk for autism spectrum disorders.

4 Aug 2010

Neuroglobin may protect against Alzheimer's disease: Study

A team of scientists at the University of California, Davis and the University of Auckland has discovered that neuroglobin may protect against Alzheimer's disease by preventing brain neurons from dying in response to natural stress. The team published the results of their study in the April, 2010 issue of Apoptosis.

3 Aug 2010

OECD approves new, non-animal testing guideline for skin irritation

After more than a decade of scientific research and lobbying by animal protection groups, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has approved a new, non-animal testing guideline for skin irritation. The guideline was adopted on July 22 and it is now available for use by companies and governments worldwide.

3 Aug 2010

microRNA protects red blood cells from oxidant stress: Study

Pediatric researchers have discovered a new biological pathway in which small segments of RNA, called microRNA, help protect red blood cells from injury caused by chemicals called free radicals. The microRNA seems to have only a modest role when red blood cells experience normal conditions, but steps into action when the cells are threatened by oxidant stress.

2 Aug 2010

Active ingredients continue to attract new, loyal investors

Active ingredients ranging from weight-loss herbals to cancer-killing cytotoxics attract billions in venture investment dollars every year. But technologies designed to selectively deliver active ingredients to targeted locations are beginning to gain momentum, as their application in drugs, medical devices, food, personal care, and agricultural chemicals rapidly grows and corporate venture investors take notice, according to a new report from Lux Research.

31 Jul 2010

Scientist examines relationship between stress of human isolation, immune system

A remote Canadian island is being used to simulate isolated space flight conditions for a NASA-funded medical research study that could produce important information to assist astronauts in potential long duration flights to Mars or an asteroid.

30 Jul 2010

Researchers find new pathway that leads to brain cell death in neurodegenerative disorders

Although their genetic underpinnings differ, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease are all characterized by the untimely death of brain cells. What triggers cell death in the brain? According to a new study published by researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute in the July 30 issue of Molecular Cell, the answer in some cases is the untimely transfer of a gaseous molecule (known as nitric oxide, or NO) from one protein to another.

30 Jul 2010

ADHD linked to poorer eating habits: Study

A new study by researchers in Perth has linked attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder with “western-style” diets in teenage sufferers. For the study the Telethon Institute for Child Health and Research examined the diets of 1,800 adolescents, categorizing them as either eating a healthy mix of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and fish or the “western-style” highly-processed, fried and take-away foods. The latter contained more food additives, flavors or colors, which could lead to hyperactivity or changes to chemicals that control parts of the brain dealing with attention and concentration say researchers.

29 Jul 2010

Covidien third-quarter 2010 net sales increase 2% to $2.56 billion

Covidien plc today reported results for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 (April - June 2010). Third-quarter net sales of $2.56 billion increased 2% from the $2.52 billion reported a year ago, with foreign exchange rate movement having no impact on the quarterly sales growth rate.

29 Jul 2010

Saint Peter's University joins Curemark's clinical trial program for CM-AT autism treatment

Curemark, LLC , a drug research and development company focused on the treatment of neurological diseases, announced that Saint Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is participating in the company's Phase III clinical trials for CM-AT, Curemark's autism treatment.

29 Jul 2010

Toxic chemicals contribute to chronic disease epidemic: Health care sector leaders

Health care sector leaders are urging Congress to move swiftly to pass chemical reform legislation, citing the measure as critical to public health protection. On the eve of tomorrow's hearing on the "Toxic Chemicals Safety Act of 2010," a bill intended to overhaul the nation's chemical regulatory system, the sector is highlighting the link between preventing disease, containing costs, and reforming the law.

29 Jul 2010

Scientists develop new version of medication to relieve severe forms of pain

Scientists have developed a new version of a medication, first isolated from the saliva of sea snails, that could be taken in pill form to relieve the most severe forms of pain as effectively as morphine but without risking addiction. An article on the topic appears in the current issue of Chemical & Engineering News, ACS' weekly newsmagazine.

29 Jul 2010

Metabolix second-quarter net loss decreases to $9.5 million

Metabolix, Inc., a bioscience company focused on developing sustainable solutions for plastics, chemicals and energy, today reported financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2010.

29 Jul 2010

Scientists identify new catalytic process to create pharmaceuticals with less chemical waste

Much like two children in the back seat of a car, it can be challenging to get two catalysts to cooperate for the greater good. Now Northwestern University chemists have gotten two catalysts to work together on the same task -- something easily done by nature but a difficult thing to do in the laboratory.The findings, published by the journal Nature Chemistry, will allow medicinal chemists to invent new reactions and produce valuable bioactive compounds faster with less impact on the environment.

29 Jul 2010

Hospira second-quarter 2010 net sales increase 1.2% to $968 million

Hospira, Inc., a leading global specialty pharmaceutical and medication delivery company, today reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2010. Net sales for the quarter were $968 million, and adjusted diluted earnings per share were $0.86.

28 Jul 2010

Chemicals News and Research

Certain proteins, genes play key role in regenerating lost body parts: Research

Scientists develop new chip to increase forensic DNA testing speed

Study links sea sponge genome sequence with first animals and cancer

Sensory dysfunction affects quality of life of patients with Autism

Study to understand processes that lead to onset of testicular germ cell cancer

Special hearing on potential environmental health factors associated with autism spectrum disorders

Neuroglobin may protect against Alzheimer's disease: Study

OECD approves new, non-animal testing guideline for skin irritation

microRNA protects red blood cells from oxidant stress: Study

Active ingredients continue to attract new, loyal investors

Scientist examines relationship between stress of human isolation, immune system

Researchers find new pathway that leads to brain cell death in neurodegenerative disorders

ADHD linked to poorer eating habits: Study

Covidien third-quarter 2010 net sales increase 2% to $2.56 billion

Saint Peter's University joins Curemark's clinical trial program for CM-AT autism treatment

Toxic chemicals contribute to chronic disease epidemic: Health care sector leaders

Scientists develop new version of medication to relieve severe forms of pain

Metabolix second-quarter net loss decreases to $9.5 million

Scientists identify new catalytic process to create pharmaceuticals with less chemical waste

Hospira second-quarter 2010 net sales increase 1.2% to $968 million

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