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New method helps study interactions needed for formation of lipopolysaccharides

Scientists have combined chemistry and biology research techniques to explain how certain bacteria grow structures on their surfaces that allow them to simultaneously cause illness and protect themselves from the body's defenses.

26 Apr 2010

University of Utah researchers knock out genes in nematode worms

Knocking genes out of action allows researchers to learn what genes do by seeing what goes wrong without them. University of Utah biologists pioneered the field. Mario Capecchi won a Nobel Prize for developing knockout mice. Kent Golic found a way to cripple fruit fly genes. Now, biologist Erik Jorgensen and colleagues have devised a procedure for knocking out genes in nematode worms.

26 Apr 2010

Chokeberry extract reduces weight gain in insulin-resistant animals

Chokeberry bushes have for centuries been residents of eastern deciduous forests where their bright red and dark purple fruits continue to be favorite snacks of local bird species. Native Americans have also traditionally eaten dried chokeberries and prepared teas from parts of the plant, and several domesticated varieties now grace contemporary lawns and gardens from coast to coast.

26 Apr 2010

FDA clears Osmetech's eSensor Thrombophilia Risk Test

Osmetech, plc today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the eSensor® Thrombophilia Risk Test (TRT), a multiplexed molecular diagnostic test for four genetic markers associated with thrombosis. The panel includes Factor V Leiden, Factor II Prothrombin, MTHFR 677 and MTHFR 1298 in a single test panel.

26 Apr 2010

Ethnic differences in genetic factors may affect susceptibility to development of breast cancer

A new study finds that factors known to increase the risk of breast cancer among white women have less influence in Hispanic women. Published early online in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the study indicates that research is needed to evaluate how breast cancer risk factors differ among ethnic and racial populations.

26 Apr 2010

Three genetic regions associated with cigarette smoking

A team of scientists has used data from genome-wide association studies to identify genetic variants associated with key smoking behaviors that have a significant impact on health.

26 Apr 2010

Controlling actions of FSH may help treat osteoporosis in menopausal women

Diminished bone density is common among menopausal women and raises their risk of osteoporosis, bone fractures and subsequent complications. Research has traditionally focused on therapies that seek to maintain the level of estrogen in the body. This hormone seems to sustain bone health, but it drops to an extremely low level during and after menopause.

26 Apr 2010

Study finds changes in astrocytes key to brain dysfunction

Neuroscience researchers have zeroed in on a novel mechanism that helps control the firing of electrical signals among neurons. By isolating the molecular and electrical events that occur when this control is disrupted, the new research sheds light on epileptic seizures and potentially on other prominent diseases involving poorly regulated brain activity.

26 Apr 2010

GBS serotype III more commonly associated with urinary tract infections

Research suggests pathogenic strains of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) are an under-recognised cause of urinary tract infections.

24 Apr 2010

Targeted therapy based on molecular signatures for treating lung cancer

The first lung cancer clinical trial to guide targeted therapies to patients based on molecular signatures in tumor biopsies is a step toward personalized care and more effective, efficient clinical trials for new drugs, study leaders reported today during the American Association for Cancer Research 101st Annual Meeting 2010.

24 Apr 2010

Temperature-sensing ability in proteins remain a mystery

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute and the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation (GNF) have shed new light on the molecular mechanism that enables us to sense temperature, such as the heat from a sizzling stove. In addition to contributing to our knowledge of basic biology, the findings could one day lead to new therapies for conditions such as acute or chronic inflammatory pain.

24 Apr 2010

New understanding of nerve cell influence in exchange of information

Nerve cells communicate with each other by means of electrical impulses. To create such an impulse, the cells exchange charged ions with their environment. However, the role played by the ever-present chloride channels remained obscure, although some theories predicted a relation between the chloride channel ClC-2 and epilepsy.

24 Apr 2010

Mechanisms pathogenic viruses exploit to evade immune systems of hosts

Viruses have evolved a broad range of strategies that enable them to evade the immune systems of their hosts. A team of researchers led by LMU virologist Professor J-rgen Haas has been studying a novel, recently discovered mechanism that pathogenic viruses exploit for this purpose, and their latest results could point the way to new antiviral therapies. The mechanism is based on the production of short RNA molecules, called microRNAs, by the virus.

24 Apr 2010

HeartWare International presents clinical trial data of Ventricular Assist System at ISHLT annual meeting

HeartWare International, Inc., a leading innovator of less invasive, miniaturized circulatory support technologies revolutionizing the treatment of advanced heart failure, today announced that data from its international clinical trial and commercial experience of the HeartWare® Ventricular Assist System showed a survival rate of 90 percent at six months and an actuarial survival rate of 86 percent at 12 months post implant.

24 Apr 2010

Current concepts and recent research findings on gene therapy for inner ear disorders

Gene therapy holds great potential for the treatment not only of genetic disorders, but also of many acquired diseases. This is as true for the inner ear as for any other organ. However, the technical challenges that must be overcome before gene therapy becomes more widely used are remarkable. In the inner ear the size, accessibility, delicacy and the involvement of many different cell types present unique conditions.

24 Apr 2010

Animal studies demonstrate safety profile of ACT's RPE cell therapy for SMD

Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. announced today that it has completed key animal studies in connection with its Phase I multicenter study using embryonic stem cell derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) cells to treat patients with Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy (SMD), for which it filed an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November. The studies demonstrated an excellent safety profile with no safety signals such as tumors or ectopic tissues.

24 Apr 2010

AlloMap molecular expression test reduces need for invasive heart-muscle biopsies

Monitoring rejection in heart transplantation patients with a simple blood test co-developed by NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center physician-scientist Dr. Mario Deng in 2005 can safely reduce their need for invasive heart-muscle biopsies, a new study has found.

24 Apr 2010

Trinean launches DropSense96 and DropPlate 16 G for genomic DNA quantification

Only 6 months after the release of its ground-breaking DropSense 96 spectrophotometer, Trinean, pioneer in high throughput analysis of droplets of samples in microfluidic structures, is now launching another device that will set the tone in scientific circles: the DropPlate 16 G. This upgrade of the current microfluid disposable, the DropPlate 16 U, allows researchers to quantify 96 DNA/RNA samples of only 2 microl in less than 5 minutes.

24 Apr 2010

RXi Pharmaceuticals to present data on rxRNA therapeutic platform development at upcoming conferences

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation, a biopharmaceutical company pursuing the development and commercialization of proprietary therapeutics based on RNA interference (RNAi), today announced that senior members of its management will be presenting at upcoming conferences and will highlight critical aspects of the development of RXi's next generation rxRNA™ therapeutic platform as well as specific preclinical data generated with this platform.

24 Apr 2010

Environmental factors may play bigger role in tumor development: BIDMC study

It is an accepted fact that genetics play a key role in a person's susceptibility to cancer, and that throughout life, mutations can cause damage to tumor suppressor genes further increasing the chances of developing cancerous tumors.

24 Apr 2010