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Novel agents found to inhibit growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells

Researchers have discovered a new family of agents that inhibit the growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells. The finding, described at a meeting of the Endocrine Society, has opened an avenue of research into new drugs to combat estrogen-dependent breast cancers.

16 Jun 2008

Computer predicts anti-cancer molecules

A new computer-based method of analyzing cellular activity has correctly predicted the anti-tumour activity of several molecules.

16 Jun 2008

Misoprostol off-label use may have led to deaths

Preliminary U-M studies indicate that oral use of RU-486's companion drug misoprostol is safe, but vaginal use may undermine body's immune responses

16 Jun 2008

Compound in grapes and red wine may help battle obesity

Resveratrol, a compound present in grapes and red wine, reduces the number of fat cells and may one day be used to treat or prevent obesity, according to a new study. The results will be presented at The Endocrine Society's 90th Annual Meeting in San Francisco.

16 Jun 2008

Breakthrough toxin delivery system could pave way for new antibiotic drugs

Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have achieved a breakthrough in monitoring the toxin-delivery system of highly pathogenic bacteria - an accomplishment that could help pave the way for new drugs that will be capable of neutralizing those germs.

16 Jun 2008

Discovery of mechanisms that direct cholinergic synapse assembly between neurons in vivo

Rapid information processing in the nervous system requires synapses, specialized contact sites between nerve cells and their targets. One particular synapse type, cholinergic, uses the chemical transmitter acetylcholine to communicate between nerve cells. Cholinergic synapses are essential for normal learning and memory, arousal, attention, and all autonomic (involuntary) nervous system functions.

16 Jun 2008

Peregrine Pharmaceuticals awarded two new U.S. patents for targeted anti-aminophospholipid agents

Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today reported the issuance of two U.S. patents that significantly broaden the company's intellectual property leadership in the field of targeted anti-aminophospholipid agents.

16 Jun 2008

VistaGen Therapeutics announces new broad composition of matter patent protection for its ES Cell-derived pluripotent precursor cells

VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company using leading-edge embryonic stem cell (ES Cell) technologies for predictive toxicology and drug discovery, has announced new broad composition of matter patent protection for its ES Cell-derived pluripotent precursor cells. VistaGen has exclusive rights for commercial use in its ES Cell-based tools platform for drug discovery and development.

16 Jun 2008

Victorian Government invests heavily in life-saving medical technology

A new trans-Tasman $30 million research commercialisation fund for local universities - announced today in San Diego by Premier of Victoria John Brumby and in New Zealand by New Zealand's Minister for Economic Development Pete Hodgson - will drive research into life-saving medical technology.

16 Jun 2008

Fluorescent-probe in worm creates real-time "view" of cellular stress

Scientists at the University at Buffalo have created a mutant worm that changes color when it moves. The color change is generated by an optical sensor called stFRET. The sensor is composed of a pair of fluorescent molecules connected by a molecular spring that is inserted into structural proteins in the worm's cells.

16 Jun 2008

Evolution may have lumbered humans with allergy problems

Scientists funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) have discovered how evolution may have lumbered humans with allergy problems.

15 Jun 2008

European researchers take lid off the genome

European researchers have made significant progress unravelling how genes are governed and why this sometimes goes wrong in disease.

15 Jun 2008

Nanoparticles trigger built-in cell-death signal to overcome drug resistance

One of the most vexing problems in treating cancer is the propensity of tumors to develop resistance to a wide range of anticancer drugs. Over 70 percent of ovarian cancer patients, for example, have drug-resistant tumors at the time of their initial diagnosis, and virtually all patients who relapse have drug-resistant tumors.

15 Jun 2008

High-content screening as a universal tool for fingerprinting of vytotoxicity of nanoparticles

As researchers develop an ever-expanding toolkit of nanoparticles for use as drug and imaging agent delivery vehicles, there is a growing need to understand how a given nanoparticle's physical and chemical properties affect biological activity and toxicity.

15 Jun 2008

Cancer-detecting nanoparticles

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be a doctor's best friend for detecting a tumor in the body without resorting to surgery. MRI scans use pulses of magnetic waves and gauge the return signals to identify different types of tissue in the body, distinguishing bone from muscle, fluids from solids, and so on.

15 Jun 2008

Human tumor nanoparticles induce apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells

Using nanoparticles made from pieces of tumor cells, investigators from Aix-Marseille University in Marseille, France, have developed a new type of anticancer agent that appears to stop tumor cell growth and proliferation.

15 Jun 2008

Targeted quantum rods probe blood-brain barrier

One of the chief difficulties in treating brain tumors involves getting potential tumor-killing drugs across the blood-brain barrier and into the brain.

15 Jun 2008

Discovery of mechanism that prevents cells from transforming into cancer cells

MRC scientists have discovered a mechanism that prevents cells from transforming into cancer cells. As cells age they enter a state called senescence, a kind of suspended animation that allows a cell to keep functioning but prevents it from changing. This state can also be triggered by what's called an 'insult' to the cell, for example a signal from a cancer-initiating gene.

15 Jun 2008

New technique provides greater understanding of how drugs get in and out of cells in our bodies

A team led by female scientists at the Universities of Bristol and Cambridge has developed an exciting new technique which may lead to a greater understanding of how drugs get in and out of the cells in our bodies. The method identifies the structures that guard the entrance and exits to cells.

15 Jun 2008

Scientists identify molecular trick that may explain part of Salmonella's fierceness

Salmonella is serving up a surprise not only for tomato lovers around the country but also for scientists who study the rod-shaped bacterium that causes misery for millions of people.

15 Jun 2008