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Scientists convert adult skin cells into cardiomyocytes using direct reprogramming strategy

Scripps Research Institute scientists have converted adult skin cells directly into beating heart cells efficiently without having to first go through the laborious process of generating embryonic-like stem cells. The powerful general technology platform could lead to new treatments for a range of diseases and injuries involving cell loss or damage, such as heart disease, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease.

30 Jan 2011

Research shows nestin regulates formation of neuromuscular junction

In a study published in the Jan. 30, 2011, advance online edition of Nature Neuroscience, Salk Institute of Biological Studies investigators led by Kuo-Fen Lee, PhD., show that nestin has reason for being in a completely different cell type--muscle tissue.

30 Jan 2011

Taxol reduces cell regeneration obstacles after spinal cord injury: Scientists

After a spinal cord injury a number of factors impede the regeneration of nerve cells. Two of the most important of these factors are the destabilization of the cytoskeleton and the development of scar tissue.

29 Jan 2011

FDA reports possible association between breast implants, ALCL

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported on January 26 that "a possible association between saline and silicone gel-filled breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma, a very rare type of cancer. Data reviewed by the FDA suggests that patients with breast implants may have a very small, but significant risk, of ALCL in the scar capsule adjacent to the implant.

29 Jan 2011

Genetic study helps investigators solve medical mysteries

The mystery began in 1976. Adolfo Pampena was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that caused a strange combination of symptoms and was associated with the occurrence of multiple tumours in his stomach and colon. His medical team was stumped and was unable to answer the most important questions for him and his family: the cause of his disease and the risk for future generations.

29 Jan 2011

Athersys enters definitive agreements to sell common stock, warrants

Athersys, announced today that it has entered into definitive agreements with certain investors to sell 4,366,667 shares of its common stock and warrants to purchase up to an additional 1,310,000 shares of common stock in a registered direct offering for gross proceeds of approximately $13.1 million, before deducting fees and offering expenses.

29 Jan 2011

U-M researchers reveal molecular signals that regulate catch-up growth

University of Michigan researchers have uncovered molecular signals that regulate catch-up growth---the growth spurt that occurs when normal conditions are restored after a fetus, young animal or child has been ill, under stress or deprived of enough food or oxygen to grow properly.

29 Jan 2011

BioTime announces acquisition of CTI assets

BioTime, today announced that it has acquired substantially all the assets of Cell Targeting, a Cleveland, Ohio-based biotechnology company conducting research in regenerative medicine.

29 Jan 2011

FDA approves Arteriocyte's Magellan MAR01 technology for Phase I trial to treat CLI

Arteriocyte, a leading clinical stage biotechnology company with offices in Cleveland, Ohio and Hopkinton, Massachusetts that develops proprietary stem cell and tissue engineering based therapies, announced today approval from the Food and Drug Administration to initiate a Phase I clinical trial using its Magellan MAR01 technology in the treatment of Critical Limb Ischemia.

29 Jan 2011

Light therapy can help preserve vocal cord function for patients with early stage laryngeal cancer: Study

Light, or photodynamic, therapy can help preserve the voice and vocal cord function for patients with early stage laryngeal (voice box) cancer, according to a study from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

29 Jan 2011

New research shows mini-stroke creates lasting damage to brain cells

Each year, approximately 150,000 Canadians have a transient ischemic attack, sometimes known as a mini-stroke. New research published today in Stroke, the journal of the American Heart Association shows these attacks may not be transient at all. They in fact create lasting damage to the brain

29 Jan 2011

UMMS, Lundbeck announce research collaboration to develop targeted therapy for HD

The University of Massachusetts Medical School and Lundbeck Inc. today announced a research collaboration aimed at further development of a targeted therapy to slow or halt the progression of Huntington's disease.

29 Jan 2011

Research provides new clues for compulsive behavior, cognitive defects linked with LND

Research from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine provides new clues for the compulsive behavior and cognitive defects associated with a rare childhood neurological disease called Lesch-Nyhan Disease.

29 Jan 2011

Antibiotic may help in development of new anti-cancer agents: Researchers

An antibiotic known for its immunosuppressive functions could also point the way to the development of new anti-cancer agents, researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine have reported.

28 Jan 2011

Both absence of insulin and resistance to insulin are associated with defects in FAS

A key mechanism that appears to contribute to blood vessel damage in people with diabetes has been identified by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

28 Jan 2011

Genentech, Biogen announce FDA approval of Rituxan to treat follicular lymphoma

Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, and Biogen Idec today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Rituxan as a maintenance treatment for patients with advanced follicular lymphoma who responded to initial treatment with Rituxan plus chemotherapy.

28 Jan 2011

DSM supports Queensland Premier's 'Disaster Relief Appeal'

Significant flooding occurred in many areas of Queensland during late December 2010 and early January 2011. Thousands of residents were affected. A disaster relief appeal, the 'Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal', was launched on 29 December 2010, by Premier of Queensland, Anna Bligh. DSM recognizes the efforts of Queenslanders who pitched in to help their fellow citizens clean-up in the wake of the floods and help families in need, many of whom lost everything.

28 Jan 2011

Neuralstem ends litigation with ReNeuron

Neuralstem, Inc. announced that it has reach a settlement with ReNeuron, Ltd. ending litigation between the parties.

28 Jan 2011

Connectome remains dynamic during development, says Scripps Research

Connected highways of nerve cells carry information to and from different areas of the brain and the rest of the nervous system. Scientists are trying to draw a complete atlas of these connections-sometimes referred to as the "connectome"-to gain a better understanding of how the brain functions in health and disease.

28 Jan 2011

EHSI examines business plans and product lines of OceanBASIS

Emerging Healthcare Solutions, Inc. is examining the business plans and product lines of German biotech firm OceanBASIS as part of the company's due diligence towards a potential profit sharing agreement.

28 Jan 2011