Pharmacology News and Research

Latest Pharmacology News and Research

New technique could lead to better and faster diagnoses of life-threatening melanomas

The fight against skin cancer just got a new weapon. For years, melanoma researchers have studied samples that were considered uniform in size and color, making them easier to examine by more conventional means.

5 May 2017

Lost function of genes impairs development of motor skills in maturing mice

Scientists report in Neuron the lost function of two genes prevents infant laboratory mice from developing motor skills as they mature into adults. Researchers also suggest in their study that people with certain motor development disabilities be tested to see if they have mutant forms of the same genes.

3 May 2017

NUS researchers develop novel dual-mode contrast agent for better liver cancer imaging

Scientists from the National University of Singapore have developed a novel nanodiamond-based contrast agent - a chemical "dye" used to enhance the visibility of internal body structures in magnetic resonance imaging - that improves visualization of liver cancer tumors

2 May 2017

Penn study sheds new light on mysterious powers of spider silk genes

They can be stronger than steel at a mere fraction of weight, and also can be tougher and more flexible. Spider silks also tend not to provoke the human immune system. Some even inhibit bacteria and fungi, making them potentially ideal for surgery and medical device applications.

2 May 2017

Scientists rewire mouse stem cells to fight inflammation caused by arthritis

Using new gene-editing technology, researchers have rewired mouse stem cells to fight inflammation caused by arthritis and other chronic conditions.

28 Apr 2017

Researchers aim to test asthma drug for treating patients with heart disease

Researchers at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust have launched an innovative new trial which aims to improve the recovery of patients with serious heart conditions.

27 Apr 2017

New technique dramatically accelerates search for new cancer treatments

A new technique developed at the University of Virginia School of Medicine will let a single cancer research lab do the work of dozens, dramatically accelerating the search for new treatments and cures.

26 Apr 2017

Genetic factors may increase person's risk for adverse effects of synthetic cannabinoids

Synthetic cannabinoid abuse is a growing problem in the United States, with new versions of the drugs coming on the market every year. New research is examining how the body processes these man-made drugs and the role that genetics might play in their metabolism.

25 Apr 2017

Engineered nanosponges can reduce severity of infections caused by group A Streptococcus

In a new study, researchers show that engineered nanosponges that are encapsulated in the membranes of red blood cells can reduce the severity of infections caused by group A Streptococcus, the bacteria responsible for strep throat and life-threatening infections such as necrotizing fasciitis, or flesh-eating disease.

25 Apr 2017

UTSW researchers develop new nanoparticle vaccine immunotherapy that targets multiple tumor types

Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a first-of-its-kind nanoparticle vaccine immunotherapy that targets several different cancer types.

24 Apr 2017

New model for toxicity risk assessment could reduce reliance on animal testing

Traditional toxicological investigations performed on animals (in vivo) are expensive, time-consuming and may cause animal suffering.

24 Apr 2017

Researchers discover cancer-fighting properties in beta blockers

A new study finds that carvedilol, a drug typically used to treat high blood pressure, can protect against the sun-induced cell damage that leads to skin cancer. Researchers serendipitously discovered the beta blocker's cancer-fighting properties after making an error in the lab.

24 Apr 2017

Study reveals potential therapeutic target for kidney fibrosis

When the kidneys - vital organs for filtering the body's entire blood supply - become injured, it can set in motion an unfortunate chain of events that leads to a decline in health.

20 Apr 2017

Study finds higher state of consciousness under the influence of psychedelic drugs

The study led by the University of Sussex has revealed scientific evidence for a higher state of consciousness.

20 Apr 2017

Scientists develop new drug that combats two ‘priority pathogens’

Scientists at St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre and the University of Manitoba have developed a drug that combats 2 of the top 10 "priority pathogens" recently defined by the World Health Organization as antiobiotic-resistant bacteria requiring new interventions.

20 Apr 2017