Laboratory News and Research

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EndoChoice announces acquisition of Pathworks Anatomic Pathology Laboratory

EndoChoice, Inc. announced today that it has acquired Pathworks Anatomic Pathology Laboratory. Founded in 1989, Pathworks is a College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited national reference laboratory located in Atlanta, GA. Robert Smith, MD, founder of the laboratory, will assume the Medical Director position of EndoChoice Pathology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EndoChoice, Inc.

8 Apr 2010

Orchid Cellmark acquires paternity and immigration DNA testing business unit of Strand Analytical Laboratories

Orchid Cellmark Inc., a leading international provider of identity DNA testing services, today announced it has acquired the paternity and immigration DNA testing business unit of Strand Analytical Laboratories, LLC.

7 Apr 2010

Study demonstrates potential ability of Chronix serum DNA assays in diagnosis of breast cancer

Chronix Biomedical today announced publication of a study that supports the utility of its serum DNA blood tests to predict clinical status and monitor disease activity and response to treatment in multiple sclerosis (MS). Chronix Biomedical uses proprietary technology to identify disease-specific genetic fingerprints based on the circulating DNA that is released into the bloodstream by damaged and dying cells.

7 Apr 2010

Actual cost of blood 37% higher than previously estimated

A new blood transfusion cost analysis study published in the April 2010 issue of Transfusion, a peer-reviewed academic journal, shows that when all of the complex cost factors leading up to and after a red blood cell (RBC) transfusion are considered, the actual cost of blood is substantially higher than previously estimated.

7 Apr 2010

Research highlights first steps in the formation of Lewy bodies, the hallmark of Parkinson's brain

Although the cause of Parkinson's disease remains a mystery, scientists now have a better understanding of the earliest stages of abnormal aggregation of a key disease-associated protein. The research, published by Cell Press online on April 6th in Biophysical Journal, provides new insight into the first steps in the formation of neurotoxic structures called Lewy bodies that are the hallmark of the Parkinson's brain.

7 Apr 2010

MDA, FFSHR award $200,000 grant for developing FSH dystrophy therapy

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), headquartered in Tucson, Ariz., and Friends of FSH Research (FFSHR), based in Kirkland, Wash., has jointly awarded a two-year, $200,000 grant to Dr. Joel Chamberlain, a research assistant professor of medical genetics at the University of Washington. The grant, equally funded by the two organizations, will enable the laboratory led by Dr. Chamberlain to study RNA interference as an investigative and therapeutic tool for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.

7 Apr 2010

BD Diagnostics adds Innova Preanalytical Automated Microbiology Specimen Processor to product portfolio

BD Diagnostics, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), announced today the expansion of its product portfolio with the addition of the BD Innova™ Preanalytical Automated Microbiology Specimen Processor, which is designed to help increase laboratory efficiency and automate the modern microbiology laboratory.

From BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) 7 Apr 2010

Astrogenetix narrows in on MRSA virulence onboard space shuttle Discovery

Astronauts on board Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-131) activated an experiment this morning as part of the ninth scientific payload for Astrogenetix, an Austin, Texas-based commercial biotech company. Astrogenetix is conducting the International Space Station National Laboratory Pathfinder Vaccine (NLP-V) missions to take advantage of the unique conditions of microgravity to uncover changes in bacteria that can be targeted to create new vaccines and therapeutics.

6 Apr 2010

New study shows utility of Chronix Biomedical's serum DNA tests in MS

Chronix Biomedical today announced publication of a study that supports the utility of its serum DNA blood tests to predict clinical status and monitor disease activity and response to treatment in multiple sclerosis. Chronix Biomedical uses proprietary technology to identify disease-specific genetic fingerprints based on the circulating DNA that is released into the bloodstream by damaged and dying cells.

6 Apr 2010

Antiarrhythmic drug dronedarone less effective and causes fewer side effects

In a rigorous new review of the antiarrhythmic drug dronedarone (Multaq), researchers at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute conclude that the controversial drug is only modestly effective and has no clear safety benefits.

6 Apr 2010

Study: Carbon nanotubes degraded by MPO enzyme induce less inflammation

A team of Swedish and American scientists has shown for the first time that carbon nanotubes can be broken down by an enzyme - myeloperoxidase (MPO) - found in white blood cells.

6 Apr 2010

Dalfampridine drug for multiple sclerosis now available in the U.S.

A drug whose clinical benefit in treating multiple sclerosis was discovered at Rush University Medical Center was approved by the Food and Drug Administration on January 22 and is now available in the U.S.

6 Apr 2010

Menstrual stem cells may help in treatment of stroke and central nervous system disorders

Cryo-Cell International, Inc. today announced results of a study published this month in the cover article of Stem Cells and Development showing that stem cells found in menstrual blood may one day be a potential source for stem cell therapies in stroke and other central nervous system disorders.

5 Apr 2010

AllCells expands office, laboratory production space and staff

AllCells LLC, a leading supplier of primary cell types, today announced it has completed its expansion into 10,000 additional square feet of office and laboratory production space located in Emeryville, California.

5 Apr 2010

Juventas Therapeutics commences enrollment in Phase I trial of JVS-100 for treatment of Class III heart failure

Juventas Therapeutics, a privately held, clinical-stage regenerative medicine company announced it has started enrolling patients in a Phase I clinical trial for JVS-100 to evaluate safety and efficacy in the treatment of patients with Class III heart failure. JVS-100 encodes Stromal Cell-derived Factor-1 (SDF-1) and has been shown in pre-clinical studies to significantly increase cardiac function by promoting cell survival and increasing new blood vessel formation in the damaged organ.

5 Apr 2010

Rosetta Genomics' Philadelphia lab commences FNA cell block sample analysis with miRview squamous test

Rosetta Genomics, Ltd., a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, announced today that starting April 1, 2010 physicians are able to send FNA cell block samples to Rosetta Genomics' CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratory in Philadelphia for analysis using Rosetta's miRview squamous test. FNA is a less invasive method to obtain tumor cells compared with tumor resections or biopsies.

5 Apr 2010

Request for lift of full clinical hold on Proellex program

Repros Therapeutics Inc. today announced that the Company has requested a lift of the full clinical hold on its oral drug Proellex® being developed for the treatment of uterine fibroids and endometriosis. On August 4, 2009, the FDA noted that further testing of Proellex® was placed on full clinical hold due to findings of serious adverse events associated with liver toxicity.

5 Apr 2010

Scientists show carbon nanotubes can be broken down by MPO

A team of Swedish and American scientists has shown for the first time that carbon nanotubes can be broken down by an enzyme - myeloperoxidase - found in white blood cells. Their discoveries are presented in Nature Nanotechnology and contradict what was previously believed, that carbon nanotubes are not broken down in the body or in nature.

5 Apr 2010

A1C test for diagnosing diabetes must be reevaluated: Journal of Diabetes

As a benchmark for diagnosing diabetes, the importance of the A1C test must be reevaluated to improve glycemic numeracy of policy makers, patients and providers - who must make real-world decisions. This is based on a commentary published by Wiley-Blackwell in the Journal of Diabetes.

5 Apr 2010

Diabetic tests must be regulated

As a benchmark for diagnosing diabetes, the importance of the A1C test must be reevaluated to improve glycemic numeracy of policy makers, patients and providers – who must make real-world decisions. This is based on a commentary published by Wiley-Blackwell in the Journal of Diabetes.

5 Apr 2010