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Genes in Tasmanian Devil give new hope to children with cancer

Cancer researchers have generated a genetic blueprint of the Tasmanian Devil genome, revealing cancer-associated genes that may answer important questions about adult and childhood cancer.

30 Jun 2011

Impulsivity linked to superstitions in pathological gamblers

Research led by the University of Cambridge has found a link between impulsivity and flawed reasoning (such as believing in superstitious rituals and luck) in problem gamblers.

29 Jun 2011

U.Va. and Epsilon partner to provide commercial version of computer-based diabetes simulation tool

A computer-based diabetes simulation tool developed by University of Virginia researchers is now commercially available, thanks to a partnership with the Charlottesville-based medical research firm The Epsilon Group. The simulator is the only protocol that has been accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an alternative to animal testing of Type 1 diabetes control strategies.

29 Jun 2011

New strategies for minimising the consequences of preterm babies

Babies born prematurely could be at greater risk of developing kidney diseases later in life according to a landmark study investigating the impacts of preterm birth on kidney development.

28 Jun 2011

HIV drug linked to accelerated and early aging

New research published this Sunday reveals that a class of generic AIDS drugs often used to treat HIV in Africa and other poor regions can cause premature aging and lead to age-related illnesses such as heart disease and dementia.

27 Jun 2011

Lean gene and heart disease risk

According to a new study published Sunday, being lean may not always lead to a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes. The researchers have successfully identified a gene linked both to having a lean body and to a higher risk of metabolic diseases.

27 Jun 2011

Anticholinergic medications linked to risk of cognitive impairment, death in older population

A large, long-term study confirms that medications with anticholinergic activity, which include many drugs frequently taken by older adults, cause cognitive impairment. The research is also the first to identify a possible link between these drugs - which include over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids and incontinence treatments - and risk of death.

27 Jun 2011

Some HIV drugs can cause premature ageing

A class of anti-retroviral drugs commonly used to treat HIV, particularly in Africa and low income countries, can cause premature ageing, according to research published today in the journal Nature Genetics. The study shows that the drugs damage DNA in the patient's mitochondria - the 'batteries' which power their cells.

27 Jun 2011

Department of Defense awards Impel Phase II SBIR grant for blood-brain barrier bypass technology

Impel NeuroPharma, a medical device company whose technology is designed to enable pharmaceutical drugs to bypass the blood-brain barrier and enter the central nervous system (CNS), today announced that it was selected to receive a Phase II Small Business Investigational Research (SBIR) grant from the Department of Defense's Chemical and Biological Defense SBIR Program entitled, "Blood Brain Barrier Drug Delivery of Therapeutics for Chemical Warfare Agents."

24 Jun 2011

Nature News examines controversy surrounding Indian HPV vaccine trial

After four teenage girls involved in a clinical trial in India testing vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV) died last year, the study "threatens to have a dual legacy: inflaming unfounded fears about a lifesaving vaccine and raising new questions about the management of medical research in the country," Nature News reports.

24 Jun 2011

Anticholinergic drugs might increase risk of cognitive impairment, death in older people

A side effect of many commonly used drugs appears to increase the risks of both cognitive impairment and death in older people, according to new research led by the University of East Anglia.

24 Jun 2011

Reductions in obesity-related medical costs offset cost of gastric banding surgery within 2.25 years

Allergan, Inc. today announced a new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases that found the cost of a gastric banding weight-loss surgery procedure, such as Allergan's LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System, was offset by reductions in obesity-related medical costs within 2.25 years for surgery eligible patients with diabetes, and within four years of the procedure for all surgery eligible patients.

23 Jun 2011

Spinal manipulative therapy provides minor but significant benefits for patients with chronic low back pain

Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) has significant but very small benefits for patients with chronic low back pain, according to a special review article in the June 1 issue of Spine.

23 Jun 2011

Unraveling molecular dysfunction due to environmental toxin exposure

In a new article published in the journal Molecular Neurodegeneration, researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine take some of the first steps toward unraveling the molecular dysfunction that occurs when proteins are exposed to environmental toxins. Their discovery helps further explain recent NIH findings that demonstrate the link between Parkinson's disease and two particular pesticides - rotenone and paraquat.

23 Jun 2011

Research provides important insight into 'systemizing' theory of autism

A new study from Cambridge University has for the first time found that autism diagnoses are more common in an IT-rich region.

21 Jun 2011

SAIC receives USAMRMC contract to provide CDMRP with scientific services

Science Applications International Corporation announced today it was awarded a follow-on contract by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) to provide scientific and other support services to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs.

20 Jun 2011

Adolescent obese males at risk of cancer later in life: Study

According to a new study, men who are obese as teenagers are at a greater risk of cancer. Researchers claim that the risk remains even among those who lose weight later in life.

17 Jun 2011

Lund University professor receives Robert A. Pritzker Prize for Parkinson's research

Anders Björklund from Lund University in Sweden has been awarded the Robert A. Pritzker Prize for his many years of leadership in research on Parkinson's disease. The prize has long been an institution in American architecture and this year, for the first time, it is also being awarded to recognise cutting-edge medical research.

16 Jun 2011

Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor-beta plays key role in onset of obesity

A new study from Mount Sinai School of Medicine has found that a cellular signaling pathway governs the differentiation of cells into fat tissue or smooth muscle, which lines the vascular system. Engaging this signaling pathway and its capacity to govern cell differentiation has important implications in preventing obesity and cardiovascular disease.

16 Jun 2011

Non-invasive intervention can greatly improve patients' inhibitory control

Inhibitory control can be boosted with a mild form of brain stimulation, according to a study published in the June 2011 issue of Neuroimage, Elsevier's Journal of Brain Function.

16 Jun 2011