Life Sciences Blog

CSHL study shows that some malignant tumors can be shut down after all

Alfie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:42:23 +0000

Story Summary: Mills and her team have succeeded in shutting off the growth of tumors in which p53 is missing by turning up the production of TAp63 proteins, which make up one class of proteins produced by the p63 gene. We were very excited to see that TAp63 shuts down cancer completely independently of p53, says Mills. This means that we now have a way of attacking cancers that have damaged p53, which are very difficult to treat in the clinic. Using a genetic maneuver called chromosome engineering, the CSHL team has found that TAp63 staves off cancer via senescence. When exposed to the cancer-causing protein Ras, normal cells underwent senescence and could not form tumors. When p53 and TAp63 were both missing, Ras caused extremely rapid and aggressive tumors. This tumor growth was much more severe than in tumors lacking either TAp63 or p53, suggesting that the two related proteins, working together, pack a stronger anti-cancer punch than either one alone. D. , another researcher at CSHL, Mills team genetically tricked tumors into producing TAp63 when they were exposed to a compound called doxycycline. In contrast, the tumors in the mice exposed to doxycycline were abruptly shut down, and the tumors even shrank in size. Mills speculates that the tumor cells disappear because the newly senescent cells might attract the attention of the immune system, which have the ability to destroy them. Mills proposes that robustly activating TAp63 might be a viable anti-cancer strategy in the future. Mills proposes that robustly activating TAp63 might be a viable anti-cancer strategy in the future. TAp63 induces senescence and suppresses tumorigenesis in vivo, was published online ahead of print on November 8th in Nature Cell Biology. TAp63 induces senescence and suppresses tumorigenesis in vivo, was published online ahead of print on November 8th in Nature Cell Biology. TAp63 induces senescence and suppresses tumorigenesis in vivo, was published online ahead of print on November 8th in Nature Cell Biology….Read the Full Story

Discovery in worms by Queens researchers points to more targeted cancer treatment

Alfie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:48:12 +0000

Story Summary: Another gene family, called Eph receptors, often shows high levels in cancers, but a connection between PTEN and Eph Receptors in cancer formation has never been shown. When the research team increased Eph receptor levels in worms, the PTEN levels diminished and the worms died prematurely. When they decreased the Eph receptor level in the worm, the PTEN levels went up and the worm lived longer than normal. The team believes the same principals are applicable to humans. The next step is to take a closer look at the interaction of these two genes in humans. The findings could lead to exciting breakthroughs in cancer treatment. The research on the worm may therefore provide a useful drug target for therapeutic intervention of breast cancer. In fact, this worm is becoming a bit of a scientific celebrity….Read the Full Story

Evolution of pandemic H1N1 2009 in animals

Alfie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:47:31 +0000

Story Summary: Instead, investigations led by competent national authorities point to possible humantoanimal transmission in most cases. The experiments demonstrated among other things at an early stage that pigs are susceptible to the pandemic H1N1 2009 virus but that infected pigs only showed mild signs of disease. Nevertheless, the OIE continues to encourage the surveillance and reporting of the presence of all epidemiologic events of significance in animals due to influenza viruses, as well as any other emerging pathogen. As national Veterinary Authorities continue and intensify surveillance for the pandemic H1N1 2009 virus in susceptible animals, it is very likely that there will be additional findings of other influenza strains, Dr Vallat commented. The OIE strongly encourages the effective implementation of international standards and notification obligations by all and offers its assistance to any Member Country wishing to comply with these standards. Please make sure to visit the official company or organization web site to learn more about the original release date….Read the Full Story

Improving University-Community Research Partnerships

Alfie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:28:23 +0000

Story Summary: At times, the rigorous university procedures around protocol review and informed consent were frustrating and even confusing to community organizations who work closely and regularly within this population, says Hyatt. The academic researchers also had success in bringing a Tufts IRB administrator to meet face-to-face with community partners. The meeting promoted greater understanding of the IRB process and reinforced the shared goal of protecting participants. It is encouraging to see such positive results stem from our efforts to bring together university researchers, IRB administrators, and members of the community, says Hyatt. We will use this experience to help secure more funding for local initiatives, says Alex Pirie, head of the Somerville Immigrant Service Providers Group/Health. They encourage researchers to share personal experiences involving the IRB to help bring the process to life, and they suggest constant communication between community partners, researchers, and the IRB. Hyatt RR, Gute DM, Pirie A, Page H, Vasquez I, and Dalembert F. American Journal of Public Health. Ranked among the top in the nation, the School of Medicine is affiliated with six major teaching hospitals and more than 30 health care facilities. The Sackler School undertakes research that is consistently rated among the highest in the nation for its impact on the advancement of medical science. The Sackler School undertakes research that is consistently rated among the highest in the nation for its impact on the advancement of medical science….Read the Full Story

Now hear this: Mouse study sheds light on hearing loss in older adults

Alfie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:01:12 +0000

Story Summary: Free radicals trigger a process called apoptosis, or programmed cell death, by which damaged cells commit suicide. We also thought that oxidative stress — the presence of free radicals — contributes to age-related hearing loss, so we put two and two together and showed that oxidative stress does indeed induce age-related hearing loss. In mice, Prolla and the studys first author, Shinichi Someya, a postdoctoral researcher at UW-Madison, found that the suicide program was operating in hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons, and that the suicide program relied on activity in a suicide gene called bak. In our study, a mutation in the gene prevents the disease. The new results, obtained with collaboration from the universities of Florida, Washington and Tokyo, hint that the oxidative stress and hearing loss may be preventable. Although antioxidants have been widely used, with generally disappointing results, to prevent free-radical damage in aging, Someya and Prolla found that two oral antioxidants were effective. The study provides strong evidence linking free radicals, the bak gene and hearing loss, Prolla says. We wanted to know how oxidative stress leads to deaths of these critical cells, and when we looked at mice without bak, they were entirely protected from age-related hearing loss. Mice without bak still accumulated oxidative damage, but did not undergo programmed cell death, did not lose hair cells or these neurons, and their hearing was fine. This study focused on hearing loss, but there is evidence that other diseases associated with the loss of neurons, like Parkinsons or Alzheimers, are associated with oxidative stress, and its possible that the bak protein plays a role in apoptosis in those diseases as well. This study focused on hearing loss, but there is evidence that other diseases associated with the loss of neurons, like Parkinsons or Alzheimers, are associated with oxidative stress, and its possible that the bak protein plays a role in apoptosis in those diseases as well….Read the Full Story

PandemrixaC/ Data On Co-Administration With Annual Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (FluarixA(r))

Alfie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:14:23 +0000

Story Summary: The trial showed that co-administration of one dose of both vaccines in separate arms, induced a strong response in adults for both the H1N1 pandemic vaccine as well as the seasonal vaccine. The trial involves 168 adults aged over 60 years of age, and was designed to evaluate the tolerability and immunogenicity of the co-administration of Pandemrix and Fluarix. This provides the valuable insight into vaccination in this specific age group that generally benefits from the annual seasonal vaccination. The immune response for the seasonal vaccine exceeded the regulatory threshold defined by international licensing authorities for registration of the seasonal influenza vaccine each year (69. The tolerability of the vaccine in this study was shown to be in line with that observed in the previously EMEA approved H5N1 adjuvanted vaccine as well as in the pandemic H1N1 trials to date. Local reactions such as pain, redness, and swelling at the site of injection were observed in this trial. General reactions such as fatigue, low grade fever, headache, and muscle ache were also observed in this trial, and were similar between the group that received both vaccines at the same time to those in a comparison group receiving the adjuvanted pandemic influenza vaccine with co-administration of a placebo injection. htmGlaxoSmithKline- one of the worlds leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. Factors that may affect GSK s operations are described under Risk Factors in the Business Review in the company s Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2008….Read the Full Story

Caltech Scientists Develop DNA Origami Nanoscale Breadboards for Carbon Nanotube Circuits

Alfie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:14:12 +0000

Story Summary: Credit: Paul W. K. Rothemund, Hareem Maune, and Si-ping Han/Caltech/Nature NanotechnologyA paper about the work appeared November 8 in the early online edition of Nature NanotechnologyThis project is one of those great Where else but at Caltech? The project began in 2005, shortly after Paul W. K. Rothemund invented his revolutionary DNA origami technique. At the time, Rothemund was a postdoctoral scholar in Winfrees laboratory; today, he is a senior research associate in bioengineering, computer science, and computation and neural systems. With diameters measuring less than 2 nm and yet with lengths of many microns, they have a reputation as some of the strongest, most heat-conductive, and most electronically interesting materials that are known. After hearing Pauls talk, Hareem got excited about the idea of putting nanotubes on origami, Winfree recalls. Underlying the students excitement was the hope that DNA origami could be used as 100 nm by 100 nm molecular breadboards–construction bases for prototyping electronic circuits–on which researchers could build sophisticated devices simply by designing the sequences in the origami so that specific nanotubes would attach in preassigned positions. Before talking with these students, Winfree continues, I had zero interest in working with carbon nanotubes or applying our labs DNA-engineering expertise toward such practical ends. Carbon nanotube chemistry is notoriously difficult and messy–the things are entirely carbon, after all, so its extremely difficult to make a reaction happen at one chosen carbon atom and not at all the others, Winfree explains. This difficulty with chemically grabbing a nanotube at a well-defined handle is the essence of the problem when youre trying to place nanotubes where you want them so you can build complex devices and circuits, he says. Its this stickiness that unites the two strands that make up a DNA helix, through the pairing of DNAs nucleotide bases (A, T, C, and G) with those that have complementary sequences (A with T, C with G). However, we make sure that a little bit of each DNA molecule is protected, so that that little portion doesnt stick to the nanotube, and we can use it to recognize DNA attached to the DNA origami instead. The scientists created two batches of carbon nanotubes labeled by DNA with different sequences, which they called red and blue. Metaphorically, we dipped one batch of nanotubes in red DNA paint, and dipped another batch of nanotubes in blue DNA paint, Winfree says. These DNA molecules served as handles because a pair of single-stranded DNA molecules with complementary sequences will wrap around each other to form a double helix. To make nanometer-scale electronic circuits out of carbon nanotubes requires the ability to draw nanometer-scale stripes of DNA. They then designed the origami so that the red-labeled nanotubes would cross perpendicular to the blue nanotubes, making what is known as a field-effect transistor (FET), one of the most basic devices for building semiconductor circuits. When the teams simple device was wired up to electrodes, it indeed behaved like a field-effect transistor. One carbon nanotube can switch the conductivity of the other due only to the electric field that forms when a voltage is applied to it. We expect that our approach can be improved and extended to reliably construct more complex circuits involving carbon nanotubes and perhaps other elements including electrodes and wiring, Goddard says, which we anticipate will provide new ways to probe the behavior and properties of these remarkable molecules. That is, one can design the origami to construct complex logic units, and to do this for thousands or millions or billions of units that self-assemble in parallel….Read the Full Story

Genomes of biofuel yeasts reveal clues that could boost fuel ethanol production worldwide

Alfie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:35:31 +0000

Story Summary: Two studies published in Genome Researchhave taken a major step toward this goal, identifying genomic properties of industrial fuel yeasts that likely gave rise to more robust strains. Interestingly, these chromosomal rearrangements in PE-2 amplified genes involved in stress tolerance, which likely contributed to the adaptation of this strain to the industrial environment. As PE-2 is amenable to genetic engineering, the authors believe that their work on PE-2 will open the door to development of new technologies to boost bioethanol production. In a second study published in Genome Research, researchers from Stanford University and Brazil led by Boris Stambuk and Gavin Sherlock have also analyzed the genome structure of industrial bioethanol yeasts, searching for variations in the number of gene copies in five strains employed in Brazil, including PE-2. Furthermore, the authors suggest that this knowledge can be utilized to engineer new strains of yeast capable of even more efficient bioethanol production, from a wider range of agricultural stocks….Read the Full Story

$6-Million NIH Grant To Study Rare Brain Disease

Alfie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:00:23 +0000

Story Summary: And as the work could not be done by any one of us individually, it represents a perfect collaborative opportunity, Atwood said. One of the serotonin receptors in the carbohydrate complex serves to attach the virus to the cells. The new grant will seek details about how the JC virus gains traction in the brain. The idea is to look at the surface of the virus now, and try to understand what parts of the virus interact with the receptors on the cell, said Atwood. In recent years, some antibody-based therapies for autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Crohns diseasehas left some patients vulnerable to PML. Atwood has studied the JC Virus since 1991, initially as a postdoctoral fellow at the NIH. Source: Mark Hollmer Brown University Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. Contact Our News EditorsFor any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form. Contact Our News EditorsFor any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form. It is highly contagious and sometimes fatal. Learn why the classic symptoms of a high fever and stiff neck shouldnt be ignored….Read the Full Story

Nicotinic Receptor Deletion Could Result In Developmental Delay

Alfie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:46:23 +0000

Story Summary: This gene encodes a subunit of a nicotinic receptor, said Beaudet. Defects in ion channels have previously been associated with forms of epilepsy or seizure disorder. If insufficient expression of the nicotinic receptor causes most or all of the problems associated with deletions in this particular area of chromosome 15, then it offers a target for drug treatment, said Stankiewicz. One such drug mentioned in the paper is Chantix, a medicine now used in smoking cessation efforts. Four of the 10 had seizure disorders or an abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG). In one family, researchers found the same deletion in the patients mother, two siblings, maternal aunt and maternal grandmother. The patient had severe mental retardation and obesityand mild facial dysmorphism. Source: Glenna Picton Baylor College of Medicine Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. Please send any medical news or health news press releases to: These are the most read articles from this news category for the last 6 months: Cellphones Cause Brain Tumors, Says New Report By International EMF Collaborative26 Aug 2009A new report, Cellphones and Brain Tumors: 15 Reasons for Concern, Science, Spin and the Truth Behind Interphone, was released today by a collaborative of international EMF activists. Listen as experts — both in government and in the private sector — describe some of the steps taken to improve the health care system. Meningitis OverviewEach year you hear about small outbreaks of meningitis. It is highly contagious and sometimes fatal….Read the Full Story

Nanoparticles for gene therapy improve

Alfie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:23:31 +0000

Story Summary: Sawicki was working on treating ovarian cancer by delivering through viruses the gene for the diphtheria toxin, which kills tumor cells. I had been working with adenoviruses to deliver DNA, and I was running into some problems with using them, says Sawicki. This summer, the two laboratories reported that the nanoparticle-delivered gene therapy successfully suppressed ovarian tumor growth in mice. Though Anderson found his thesis topic scientifically interesting, it didnt have a sense of immediate impact for me. I wanted to see if I could get closer to medicine. Anderson and chemist David Lynn, then a postdoctoral fellow in Langers lab and now a professor at the University of Wisconsin, developed a large collection of different biodegradable polymers (large molecules composed of repeating subunits) known as poly(beta-amino esters). When these synthetic polymers are mixed with DNA, they spontaneously assemble to form nanoparticles. In some ways, these polymer-DNA nanoparticles can act like an artificial virus, delivering functional DNA when injected into or near the targeted tissue. If you can try one or two things every six months, it might take a while to find something that works. But if you can try tens of thousands of things, your chances of success are much greater, and thats true for any venue, says Langer. Non-viral vectors are now comparable to viral vectors, in some cases, says Huang, whose research focuses on delivering genes surrounded by a fatty membrane. Both viral and non-viral methods could eventually prove useful and safe, says gene therapy researcher Katherine High, who is part of a team that recently used viral gene therapy to restore some sight to children suffering from a congenital retinal disease. Its been a slow road, says High, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, but over the past 20 years scientists have made much progress in managing the safety issues posed by viral vectors….Read the Full Story

Nutritional Value Of Andalusian Lupins Revealed

Alfie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:32:23 +0000

Story Summary: The data reflect that the species studied display a high protein content fluctuating between 23. Moreover, the protein digestibility of these lupins is high (between 82% and 89%) and is also similar to that of other legumes and cereals. The study concludes that L. luteus, L. hispanicusand L. cosentiniicontain the proteins with the best nutritional properties and that the amino acid composition of the latter species is the most balanced. Legumes as a source of proteinsLegumes, together with cereals, represent the main source of vegetable proteins in the human diet. Despite the above, the consumption of legumes has decreased in recent years, especially that of autochthonous and locally-distributed species. The legumes of the Lupinus species are no exception to the problem. For the conservation and expansion of these local crops, we need to continue studying their characteristics as a source of food,, says Vioque, who emphasizes that research like this confirms the interest in studying populations of wild species, cultivated or not, so that they can provide seeds with good nutritional properties. Journal reference:Elena Pastor-Cavada, Rocio Juan, Julio E. Pastor, Manuel Alaiz y Javier Vioque. Analytical nutritional characteristics of seed proteins in six wild Lupinus species from Southern Spain….Read the Full Story

Most Who Want Swine Flu Shot Cant Get It

Alfie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:47:16 +0000

Story Summary: Schuchat noted the vaccine supply would continue to increase and next week an additional 8 million doses are expected. But, we have all been burned on predictions, so I am not going to get more specific than that. As demand for both H1N1 swine flu vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine has reached unprecedented levels, the H1N1 strain continues to circulate and is widespread in 48 states. More people are being hospitalized and confirmed deaths from swine flu among children have reached 129, according to the CDC. Last week, a CDC report estimated that for every confirmed case of swine flu there were 79 unreported cases. Those who should be near the front of the line for a swine flu shot include pregnant women, children, people who care for infants, health-care workers, and people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. In addition, adding to the H1N1 vaccine shortage is a shortfall in available seasonal flu vaccine. While vaccine supplies are still limited, any vaccine distribution decisions that appear to direct vaccine to people outside the identified priority groups have the potential to undermine the credibility of the program. I ask each of you to review your plans immediately and work to ensure that the maximum number of doses is delivered to those at greatest risk as rapidly as possible. The story was originally reported on Nov. 2 by Business Week….Read the Full Story

New Support Showing Immunoglobulin Supplementation Enhances Immune System

Alfie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:11:31 +0000

Story Summary: The team first developed a novel model of mild inflammation using very low levels of a potent toxin produced by a common bacterial cause of food poisoning, Staphylococcus aureus. Group leader Prof. Moreto adds, While our research will continue, these studies provide an explanation of the benefits reported in food animal species and the mode of action of plasma proteins and immunoglobulin concentrates when given orally. Eric Weaver, Chief Scientific Officer for Proliant adds, We appreciate the research efforts of this group. This research contributes significantly to understanding the role of specialized proteins in the GI tract and changing the way health professionals view proteins. The studies are important because all of us can relate to attacks from food, air, contact and water in the world today. ImmunoLin is the premiere ingredient that can genuinely provide rapid support to the immune system, states Steve Welch, CEO. Contact Our News EditorsFor any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form….Read the Full Story

Developmental Delay Could Stem From Nicotinic Receptor Deletion

Alfie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:18:23 +0000

Multiple treatment failures occur less frequently but remain associated with high mortality rates in North American cohort

Alfie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:59:16 +0000

Story Summary: However, mortality rates remained high among cohort members with multiple treatment failures. While antiretroviral therapy indisputably slows the progression of HIV disease, its efficacy has been studied primarily in pre-screened clinical trial populations. Between 1996 and 2005, crude incidence of second treatment failure declined from 56 to 16 events per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval CI, 50-63, and 95% CI, 14-18, respectively). A higher CD4 cell count at the time of the first regimen switch was also associated with lower risk of second treatment failure (relative hazard, 0. 95), while a higher viral load at that time was associated with higher risk of second treatment failure (relative hazard, 1. The initial type of potent antiretroviral regimen was not a predictor of second treatment failure. When the analysis was restricted to people who had been antiretroviral-naive at the time they began taking their first potent combination regimen, findings about predictors were similar. Researchers also examined mortality after second treatment failure among the 6,698 people for whom data were available. However, among those who experience virologic failure of at least two distinct regimens, the overall clinical prognosis remains poor. The paper observes that the decline in second-line failures probably resulted from a combination of factors, including more effective antiretroviral regimens, earlier initiation of antiretroviral therapy and better medication adherence. Because the last year of the study period was 2005, findings do not reflect the impact of newer drugs that have provided additional options to people with multiple treatment failures. ReferenceDeeks SG et al. Trends in multidrug treatment failure and subsequent mortality among antiretroviral therapy-experienced patients with HIV infection in North America. ReferenceDeeks SG et al. Trends in multidrug treatment failure and subsequent mortality among antiretroviral therapy-experienced patients with HIV infection in North America….Read the Full Story

New Mechanism Increases Atherosclerosis In Mice

Alfie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:04:23 +0000

Story Summary: When activated, PXR, which resides in the nucleus of liver cells in all animals, including humans, latches on to strips of DNA and turns on genes that regulate how chemicals or drugs are metabolized and cleared from the liver. In their work, Zhou and Breslow introduced a mouse-specific PXR activator called PCN into the diets of normal mice for two weeks and found that while their levels of good cholesterol, or HDL, were not affected, their levels of bad cholesterol skyrocketed six-fold. Another group of mice that were fed PCN for eight weeks and were genetically engineered to lack the protein ApoE experienced the flipside: Their good cholesterol plummeted and they also went on to develop full-blown atherosclerosis. Several gene targets of PXR were the same for both normal mice and those lacking the ApoE protein, including a cholesterol metabolism enzyme called CYP39A1 and a transportation protein called Apo-IV. Many chemicals exposed in the air are also PXR activators, says Zhou. So what we have in our hands now may not only be a heart health issue but also a public health one. Journal reference:Zhou et al. Activation of PXR induces hypercholesterolemia in wild-type and accelerates atherosclerosis in apoE deficient mice. Unlike mice that are fed a normal diet (top), those fed a diet laced with a PXR-activating drug (bottom) develop clogged arteries, a symptom of atherosclerosis….Read the Full Story

Low-Cost Sequencing Of 3 Human Genomes

Alfie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:59:31 +0000

Story Summary: The consumables cost for these three genomes sequenced on the proof-of-principle genomic DNA nanoarrays ranged from $8,005 for 87x coverage to $1,726 for 45x coverage for the samples described in this report. Weve demonstrated that its possible to accurately and affordably sequence and detect variants across entire human genomes, said Cliff Reid, chairman, president and CEO of Complete Genomics. Detailed validation of one genome dataset demonstrates a sequence accuracy of just one false variant per 100 kilobases, a remarkably low error rate, particularly for such an affordable technology. 7 micron pitch, will enable Complete Genomics to sequence 10,000 human genomes in 2010. Source: Andrea Long Complete Genomics Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. Contact Our News EditorsFor any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form….Read the Full Story

Mapping the needs of a generation

Alfie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:11:16 +0000

Story Summary: com) – Emerging findings from a major three-year research study into the information-seeking behaviour of doctoral students have highlighted the need for far greater understanding of the generation born between 1982 and 1994 commonly dubbed Generation Y. Researchers of Tomorrow was commissioned by the British Library and JISC to establish a benchmark for research behaviour, against which future generations can be measured and also to provide guidance for librarians and information specialists on how best to meet the research needs of Generation Y scholars. Only a small proportion of respondents ( 10-30% ) in any age group say they use emergent technology such as wikis, virtual research environments, social networking and other Web 2. 0 applications in their research, Of those that do use them, more generally find them useful in their research than not. Compared to other age groups, more Generation Y researchers work from a dedicated or shared office space ( or laboratory or studio ) ( 40% ), than work from their own home ( 39% ). net68 colleges and universities around the UK collaborated with the distribution of the wider context-setting survey, and a total of 6562 questionnaires were returned. This excellent response rate provides a detailed and nation-wide snapshot of doctoral research across all types of education providers. Joanna Newman, the British Librarys Head of Higher Education, said, The interim findings of the Researchers of Tomorrow study provide a fascinating snapshot of current research behaviour of doctoral students. Charles Hutchings, JISCs market research manager, said, Of those students who have used advanced technologies in their research 27 per cent have received no advice or guidance at all or they self-help for instance using online guides and manuals. This could be because these technologies are being underused and undervalued, due to a lack of understanding of the benefit they can deliver during the research process. As the study continues it will be interesting to see if this is true. The study is being conducted by Education for Change, in association with The Research Partnership, and builds on the study by CIBER of the Google Generation, which was published by the British Library and JISC in January 2008. Joanna Newman concluded: Although its still early days with this project, were already uncovering some fascinating detail about how doctoral research behaviours are evolving some of which throw into question some of the key assumptions often made about Generation Y in particular. The three-year longitudinal study that began this September will add much concrete detail to our understanding of researchers changing needs and, once complete, will help inform and guide research support over the coming decade. For more information please contact Ben Sanderson at the British Library Press Office, ben. uk The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the worlds greatest research libraries. Please make sure to visit the official company or organization web site to learn more about the original release date….Read the Full Story

Developmental delay could stem from nicotinic receptor deletion

Alfie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:50:23 +0000

Story Summary: He believes that the deletion will be identified in other people with behavioral problems as well as schizophrenia, developmental delay and epilepsy. edu/genetics/?pmid=11046), assistant professor of molecular and human genetics at BCM, and colleagues found that a smaller deletion of genetic material the whole of the gene in question, CHRNA7, and a part of another was associated with similar problems in 10 members of four families. It is a gene that mediates the response to nicotine via a receptor whose normal ligand is acetylcholine. The gene encodes a protein called an ion channel, which allows ions to flow in and out of neurons in the brain. If insufficient expression of the nicotinic receptor causes most or all of the problems associated with deletions in this particular area of chromosome 15, then it offers a target for drug treatment, said Stankiewicz. In this study, an international group of researchers identified 10 people from four unrelated families with the same deletion in the chromosome. The area deleted encompasses all of CHRNA7, which encodes a whole subunit of the nicotinic receptor. Both the patients mother and her sister had mental retardation and epilepsy. A second patient with impaired growth and severe developmental delay inherited her deletion from her mother, who had normal intelligence but had suffered from epilepsy from childhood. Stankiewicz is also with the Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland….Read the Full Story

H1N1 Deaths Exceed 6,000 – Animals Affected As Well

Alfie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:23:16 +0000

Story Summary: There are also signs of increasing and active transmission of pandemic flu virus across Northern and Eastern Europe, including Ukraine and Belarus and eastern Russia, the WHO said. Although these cases were isolated and did not impact how the A(H1N1) pandemic evolved in humans, recent findings may indicate broader potential for flu viruses to mix and mutate, the WHO said. While most influenza A viruses circulating in mammals preferentially infect a single species, cross-species transmission is known to occur, said the WHO in a briefing note. Currently, nations are only required to notify international authorities of avian influenza cases, although some nations have additional domestic rules that apply to other animals, such as pigs. The agency stressed that lab tests had not detected signs that the virus had mutated to a more virulent form. The recent cases involving animals have included swine flu in pigs. As human infections become increasingly widespread, transmission of the virus from humans to swine is likely to occur with greater frequency, the Geneva-based health agency added. However, testing of workers at the mink farms detected no spread to humans. However, the incident demonstrates the constantly evolving ecology of influenza viruses, the potential for surprising changes, and the need for constant vigilance, also in animals, the WHO said. A new telephone poll conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found than just one-in-three adults who have attempted to get a swine flu vaccine have been able to do so. The figures held true even among those at heightened risk for severe complications and among parents who had tried to obtain the vaccine for their high-risk children. The vaccine has been available in the U. S. for about a month, but supplies have been limited due to manufacturing delays. The Harvard poll, which surveyed 1,000 adults last weekend, also showed that half of those who tried could not find information about where to obtain the swine flu vaccine. The Harvard poll, which surveyed 1,000 adults last weekend, also showed that half of those who tried could not find information about where to obtain the swine flu vaccine….Read the Full Story

Call For Post-Mortem Genetic Testing To Become Routine In Cases Of Sudden Death

Alfie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:47:31 +0000

Story Summary: This does not currently involve DNA analysis so there is no imperative for the coroner to request storage of DNA from the deceased person. Until then, I would urge pathologists who havent had the opportunity to obtain consent, to think about taking these tiny tissue samples – usually a spoonful of blood or a cubic centimetre of spleen tissue – and then ask the relatives for consent. Once that time has passed a perfect – perhaps life-saving – opportunity is missed, said Dr Brennan. This approach can, however, fail to detect problems that a genetic test can help to reveal. Dr Brennan argued that routine retention and subsequent analysis of the specimens would have negligible cost implications as the cost of genetic testing was usually provided for under specialist commissioning arrangements. He added, There has been a lot of discussion about DNA being retained in criminal cases. Please send any medical news or health news press releases to: These are the most read articles from this news category for the last 6 months: What Is Hypertension? What Causes Hypertension?15 May 2009Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is chronically elevated. Life After a Heart TransplantHeart transplant success is determined by your post-surgery quality of life. Successful patients are able to resume activities they enjoyed before the procedure, such as moderate exercise and sexual activity. Join Dr. Mehmet Oz and ex-baseball star and donor-heart recipient Frank Torre, as they….Read the Full Story

GeoVax Labs, Inc. Provides Third Quarter 2009 Financial Results and Operational Update

Alfie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:35:16 +0000

Story Summary: As we move forward, we believe we will be in a strong position to seek additional government and private support for advancing both our preventative and therapeutic vaccines through Phase 2b and Phase 3 clinical trials. At GeoVax, we have always been confident in our ability to develop an effective vaccine and this recent news has shown that a vaccine is indeed possible. Review of Financial Results The Company recorded a net loss of $230,815 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, compared to $722,108 for the same period in 2008. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Companys net loss was $2,440,977 as compared to $2,688,970 in 2008. Recent Highlights:– Effective November 3, 2009, the Company has relocated its corporate headquarters and laboratory operations from the Emtech Bio incubator facility located on the Emory University campus in Atlanta, Georgia to 1900 Lake Park Drive, Suite 380, Smyrna, Georgia, 30080 (metropolitan Atlanta). This annual meeting is the largest scientific meeting each year devoted to HIV/AIDS vaccines. Dr. Robinson presented a late breaking poster Comparison of the immunogenicity in humans and rhesus macaques of vaccines consisting of DNA priming and MVA boosting and MVA priming and boosting. A new IND with the FDA is required since this will be the first time the GeoVax vaccine will be used for a therapeutic application. The protocol for the Phase 1 clinical trial, conceived with collaboration from ARCA (AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta), has specific objectives to optimize safety while evaluating the ability for the vaccine to elicit protective immune responses in vaccinated participants. Assuming a positive outcome from the FDA, the Company expects that the Phase 1 therapeutic trial could begin as early as during the first quarter of 2010. — GeoVaxs Phase 2a clinical trial for the preventative version of its HIV/AIDS vaccine is ongoing and patient enrollment is proceeding to the Companys satisfaction. The HVTN, funded and supported by the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), is the largest worldwide clinical trials network dedicated to the development and testing of HIV/AIDS vaccines. This trial tested four priming injections of a recombinant canarypox prime (ALVAC-HIV) followed by two booster injections of a protein subunit boost (AIDSVAX B/E) and showed a strong trend for the prevention of acquisition of HIV/AIDS. The results of the Thai trial emphasizes the importance of human clinical trials in testing HIV/AIDS vaccines and paves the way for more advanced testing of the GeoVax vaccines. An archived replay of the presentation is available on the Companys site through December 10, 2009. GEOVAX LABS, INC. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Information (amounts in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, ————- ————- 2009 2008 2009 2008 —- —- —- —- Revenues: Grant Revenue $1,808 $1,322 $3,272 $2,298 Operating expenses: Research and development 1,470 1,362 3,530 2,725 General and administrative 574 699 2,204 2,322 — — —– —– 2,044 2,061 5,734 5,047 —– —– —– —– Other income: Interest income 5 17 22 60 — — — — 5 17 22 60 — — — — Net loss $(231) $(722) $(2,441) $(2,689) ===== ===== ======= ======= Loss per common share $(0. 00) ====== ====== ====== ====== GEOVAX LABS, INC. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Information (amounts in thousands) (unaudited) Sep. 30, Dec. 31, ——– ——– 2009 2008 —- —- Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $3,417 $2,191 Other current assets 597 611 — — Total current assets 4,014 2,802 Property, net 164 139 Other assets 97 115 — — Total assets $4,275 $3,056 Liabilities and stockholders equity Current liabilities $349 $346 Stockholders equity 3,926 2,710 —– —– Total liabilities and stockholders equity $4,275 $3,056 ====== ====== Shares Outstanding 778,487 747,449 HIV/AIDS BackgroundHIV affects the entire globe and comes in a variety of subtypes. Clade B is the predominant subtype in North America where there are roughly 60,000 new infections each year. It is obvious from the spread of the disease that these methods are not adequate. Existing treatments for individuals infected with HIV include anti-retroviral therapies that are effective but have serious medical side effects and are very expensive (upwards of $1,500/month). This cost is borne primarily by the individual and sometimes by third party insurance, local healthcare, federal or world health organizations. GeoVax AIDS vaccines are designed for use in uninfected people to prevent Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease (AIDS), caused by the virus known as HIV-1, should the person become infected. GeoVax AIDS vaccines also may be effective as a therapeutic treatment (for people already infected with the HIV-1 virus). GeoVaxs AIDS vaccines have moved forward in human clinical trials conducted by the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) based in Seattle, Washington. Safe Harbor StatementAll statements in this news release, not statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on expectations and assumptions on the date of this press release and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. GeoVax assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, and does not intend to do so. Certain matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements involving certain risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, risks detailed in the Companys Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports….Read the Full Story

New Schizophrenia Gene Prompts Researchers To Test Potential Drug Target

Alfie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:35:31 +0000

Story Summary: Suspecting KIAA1212 as one of many potential binding partners interacting with DISC1, whose name is an acronym for Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia, the researchers genetically shut down the production of DISC1 proteins in newly born neurons in the hippocampus region of an adult mouse brain. The scientists found that the newborn neurons were most noticeably defective 14 days after DISC1 suppression and that they were defective in a variety of ways. The next step is to create a good animal model that would allow us to test whether candidate drugs will reverse not only the irregularities of brain cells with deficiency of these genes, but also behaviors. D. , an associate professor of Neurology in the Institute for Cell Engineering at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, who collaborated in the research. A number of the neurons developmental defects from enlarged cell size to the misplacement of cell localization and abnormal neuronal processes involved in receiving and sending messages were corrected by this one drug. This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the McKnight Foundation, NARSAD, the International Mental Health Research Organization, the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund, and the March of Dimes. Please send any medical news or health news press releases to: These are the most read articles from this news category for the last 6 months: What Is Mental Health? What Is Mental Disorder?18 Jun 2009Mental health refers to our cognitive, and/or emotional wellbeing – it is all about how we think, feel and behave. Schizophrenia TreatmentSchizophrenia is a disease that can have devastating effects on a persons ability to function effectively in his or her world. Though there is no cure for schizophrenia, a combination of treatment strategies can often help. Join our panel of medical experts, along with Nathaniel Lachenmeyer….Read the Full Story

Health Matters : What is Hantavirus Infection ?

Alfie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:56:22 +0000

Story Summary: comHanta virus is a distant cousin of Ebola virus, but is found worldwide. They represent one of the groups of zoonotic viruses, which can be transmitted from animals to humans. The Hantaan, Puumala, and Seoul viruses are found mostly in the Asia and Europe. They cause a group of illnesses called hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). In people with HRFS, the kidneys may not function properly, so the body is not as able to produce urine. In general, these hantaviruses cause death in less than 10% of the people who become infected with these viruses. So far, the second group of hantaviruses has been found only in the Americas. In New York, the New York-1 virus was linked to the white-footed mouse. Several other hantaviruses, Prospect Hill, Rio Segundo, Rio Mamore, and El Moro Canyon, have also been discovered, but they have not yet been associated with any disease in humans. HPS cases have also been confirmed elsewhere in the Americas, in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Paraguay and Uraguay. In addition, rodents carrying viruses similar to Sin Nombre have also been found in Bolivia, Costa Rica and Mexico, but these hantaviruses have not been associated with disease in humans. In addition, rodents carrying viruses similar to Sin Nombre have also been found in Bolivia, Costa Rica and Mexico, but these hantaviruses have not been associated with disease in humans. medicarefinance. Please do not contact pr-inside. We will not be able to assist you….Read the Full Story

Ants are friendly to some trees, but not others

Alfie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:47:16 +0000

Story Summary: But while researching ant-plants in the Amazonian rainforests of Peru, Douglas Yu of the University of East Anglia and Glenn Shepard of Sao Paulo University were tipped off by the local people about a strange phenomenon. The natives showed the researchers several non-myrmecophyte trees with swollen scars called galls on their trunks and branches. When the researchers cut into the galls, they found that ants had excavated tunnels into the live wood. The galled trees were only found on the edges of Devils gardensant-made forest clearings that surround stands of ant-plants. It appears, the researchers say, that when the colonies fill the available space in the ant-plants, they branch out and carve new nests into neighboring trees. The discovery reopens a debate that raged among Charles Darwin and his contemporaries about the relationship between ants and plants. Darwin believedrightly as it turned outthe hollow spaces in ant-plants occurred as part of the plants normal development. Since the ants did no damage to the plant, the relationship could be considered a mutualism. He believed the ants bored the hollows themselves and that the trees needed ants like a dog needs fleas. But sometimes these blissful relationships have a dark side, as Harvard biologist . . . He also said that this is the main cause of aging (he said that the shortening of DNA ending up chopping off. I am writing about an essay on genetic engineering and wondering if cloning would come under genetic engineering or modifications. Something I dont have, so if anyone can help me with these questions I would be very. Australian researcher Dr David Edwards, in collaboration with Bayer CropScience and Keygene N. V. , is the first in the world to have solved the code, . . ….Read the Full Story

OGT expands CytoSureaC/ aCGH offering with high resolution Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy array

Alfie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:28:22 +0000

Story Summary: We hope that the CytoSure DMD array will contribute to a better understanding of the genetic basis of the muscular dystrophies and will ultimately lead to the development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches. For higher throughput applications, the CytoSure DMD array is fully compatible with SciGene workflow automation products (now distributed in Europe by OGT). Our mission is to advance molecular medicine through pioneering discovery and application of molecular technologies. OGTs key focus areas are: high throughput genomic services and biomarker discovery, cytogenetics, single cell analysis, and licensing. OGTs genomic services (Genefficiency) offer a unique combination of industry leading platforms, expert people and unparalleled sample processing power to rapidly deliver high quality genomic data to customers worldwide. OGTs products and services for cytogenetics (CytoSure) include a range of high resolution oligonucleotide arrays, labelling kits and interpretation software that together provide a complete solution for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities. Together, Genefficiency and CytoSure offer a unique, standardised and integrated solution for disease and cytogenetics research. About DMDDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked (Xp21) condition caused by mutations in the DMD gene. It is a relatively common disease affecting an estimated 1 in 3,500 male births and is characterised by progressive muscle degeneration….Read the Full Story

OHSU School of Dentistry Receives $2.2 Million in New Grants

Alfie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:00:22 +0000

Story Summary: The ARRA supplement will enable Dr. Balkowiec to expand the scope of currently funded studies and examine molecular mechanisms that govern regulation of the BDNF gene by high blood pressure. Dr. Danilchik is a research scientist investigating basic cellular and molecular processes that regulate cell division and tissue morphogenesis — the biological basis of wound healing and tissue integrity. To study these activities, Danilchiks lab uses cells of early frog embryos, which divide rapidly and provide a useful experimental model for testing ideas about how tissues form and repair themselves. In a spinoff of work published last year in Developmental Dynamics, Danilchik and colleague Betsy Brown, Ph. Whats novel about these structures is that they extend across a huge intercellular space during a phase of development when widely separated cells need to talk to each other to organize into functional tissues, said Danilchik. The stimulus funds also will be used to hire new research staff. D. , professor of integrative biosciences, recently received five grants totaling nearly $1. 3 million grant from the NIH to study the role of deamidation in beta-crystallin structures. She also received a two-year, $75,000 grant from the NIH to study the lens membranes in eyes. The grant will enable Dr. Morton to hire for two summers a high school student and teacher to search for new genes that have an effect on a fruit flies ability to detect low levels of oxygen. The student and teacher are from South Ridge High School in Beaverton, Ore. The OHSU Department of Pediatric Dentistry recently received a $5,000 grant from The Dental Foundation of Oregon. The grant will be used to support emergency treatment and comprehensive dental care for children from low-income families. D. , to determine how fast a retinal disease called dry age-related macular degeneration ( dry AMD ) develops in patients. Shearers team will analyze the existing charts ( all identifying information will be deleted ) of patients whove been followed for dry AMD for at least four years. The data collected are very important because they will be used to design a study where a new drug will be tested to reduce the rate of progression of dry AMD, said Shearer….Read the Full Story

Science & the Public: Nanoparticles indirect threat to DNA

Alfie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:32:22 +0000

Story Summary: Researchers from throughout the United Kingdom took part in a series of tests in which they separated toxic metal nanoparticles from potentially vulnerable test cells — what Ill refer to as cellular guinea pigs. In some cases the barrier was a piece of plastic, other times a four-cell-thick, intact wall of tissue. Although the plastic wall protected the guinea pigs, We found there was as much damage on the far side of the cellular barrier as there was if a barrier hadnt been there in the first place, observes C. Patrick Case, a researcher and pathologist at pitalin Bristol, England. ATP — and perhaps a chorus of related, but as yet unrecognized signaling molecules — whispered their chemical vitriol to neighboring cells. Keep in mind, Case warns, We were not trying to model what happens in humans. For instance, the UK scientists used unreal concentrations of nanoparticles. They also acknowledge that animals and people have evolved repairmechanisms to splice damaged DNA back together or to cull affected cells. Working in an orthopedics department, the teams leaders also didnt design their tests to use garden variety nanoparticles: carbon nanotubes or beads of nanosilver. Instead, they took tiny pieces of the cobalt-chromiumalloy used in joint-replacementparts. Over time, shavings can wear off and end up surrounding joints, and perhaps even become excreted. The researchers also didnt recruit ordinary, healthy cells as their guinea pigs but an experimental line — known as BeWo– which has been derived from placental cells. In the future, Case says, his team plans to work with more conventional nanomaterials and in experimental systems that may better predict whether and how such teensy bits might prove toxic to the body. Thinkpiece: Nanoparticles + interaction with / penetration of organismic cell membranes = increased prospects for biochemical damage (e. g. , cancer). to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore. 1634/theoncologist….Read the Full Story

Horse genome added to growing list of barnyard genetics projects

Alfie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:04:22 +0000

Story Summary: Were Old McDonald in the genome sequencing business, he would be among the researchers that have announced decoding the complete genetic blueprints of the horse, pig and cucumber. 7 billion DNA bases — the chemical building blocks that encode her genetic information — reveals that horses and humans share large blocks of DNA where genes are lined up in the same order, researchers involved in the sequencing project report in the November 6 Science. Centromeres are stretches of DNA often located near the center of chromosomes and are instrumental in the proper segregation of chromosomes during cell division. Scientists know that the repetitive DNA helps stabilize the interaction of cellular machinery with the centromeres, but didnt know the exact steps needed to build a centromere. Specifically, it has been unclear whether a core element could work without the surrounding repetitive sequences and vice versa. On chromosome 11, horses have a relatively new centromere, one that evolved within the last 3 million years or so, the researchers report. The find suggests that the repetitive elements arent necessary for a centromere to function. Its really solved the chicken or egg problem, says Lindblad-Toh. When you live somewhere for a long time, you accumulate a lot of stuff around you that makes you feel secure, but when you move, you clean house. In time, the centromere on horse chromosome 11, will acquire repetitive sequences around it making it more stable and settled, she says. Horses are the latest barnyard animal to have its genome analyzed. The cow genome has also been completed and the pig isnt far behind. But animals arent the only farm dwellers giving up genetic secrets. The Chinese long cucumber is the latest crop plant to have its genome decoded. The Chinese long cucumber is the latest crop plant to have its genome decoded. Journal of Heredity (Nov. 5) doi:10….Read the Full Story

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Treatment With A New Gene Therapy Vector: A First Success Treating A Brain Disease

Alfie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:59:16 +0000

Story Summary: For the first time, we managed to have a high percentage of stem cells expressing the therapeutic gene, Nathalie Cartier continues. Its most serious and frequent form, affecting children as well as adults, leads to progressive myelin destruction and death. Until now the only available treatment was a bone marrow transplantation procedure developed by Professor Aubourg in the nineties. As for a normal transplantation, the corrected cells are re-injected to patients and some of them, by a physiological process, migrate into the brain, where they play their beneficial role. None of the side effects reported in other gene therapy treatment have been detected so far, even with cutting-edge methods, explains Nathalie Cartier, research director at Inserm. A scientific success supported by a network of partnersThis clinical trial was conducted in the Pediatric Endocrinology and Neurology department of Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital (AP-HP), led by Professor Pierre Bougneres. ELA: We have been supporting the work of Pr Patrick Aubourgs team for many years; the success of this clinical trial strengthens the hope of families affected by leukodystrophiesFor Laurence Tiennot-Herment, president of AFM: For more than 20 years, thanks to the Telethon fundraising, we constantly support the research leading to tomorrows medicine. After getting the first results in immune deficits gene therapy, we are convinced that this new success paves the way for a decade of positive outcomes for other diseases. Here is the proof that, all together, we can be stronger than the disease. For each step, from the vector production to the toxicology and clinical studies, a complex network of public/private partnership has been put together. The existence of such a network requires an exquisite control of intellectual property, research collaborations and licence agreements. Inserm Transfert, Inserm Technology Transfer private subsidiary, has been coordinating this network for 3 years now. The two researchers also plan on launching a similar trial in the US….Read the Full Story

The Skeleton: Size Matters; New Role For Master Patterning Genes In Defining Number Of Vertebrae In Spine

Alfie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:23:31 +0000

Story Summary: During development of the embryo, each segment is added in a time dependent manner, from the head-end to the tail-end: the first segments to be added become the vertebrae of the neck, later segments become the vertebrae with ribs and the last ones the vertebra located in the tail (in the case of a mouse, for example). In this process, it is crucial that, on the one hand, each segment, as it matures, becomes the correct type of vertebra and, on the other, that the number of vertebrae in the skeleton, and therefore the size of the spine, are minutely controlled. This process is directly linked to growth of the embryo at its tail end: the more it grows, the more somites it makes and, as a result the more vertebrae the adult animal has. We now show that the activation of Hox genes is also part of how Cdx genes promote growth of the embryo at its tail end: when the relevant Hox genes were activated in the Cdx mouse mutants the embryos recovered and were born with a quite normal vertebral column, proving that the Hox genes were able to compensate for the lack of Cdx. The researchers also show that some Hox genes are important to stop the addition of extra segments, at later stages in development. As Mallo puts it, This paper provides and important addition to a long-standing view on the role of the Hox genes — one of the most-studied genes involved in embryonic development: that it controls not only identity, but also number of vertebrae. Although these observations were made in the tail-end region of the embryo, it is very likely that similar mechanisms might be acting to determine the number of segments closer to the head. Journal reference:Young et al. Cdx and Hox Genes Differentially Regulate Posterior Axial Growth in Mammalian Embryos….Read the Full Story

Scientists halt brain disease with new gene therapy

Alfie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:36:22 +0000

Story Summary: Sufferers gradually lose the myelin sheath, a protective layer coating the brains nerve fibers, leading to disabilities such as blindness, deafness, seizures and progressive dementia. But finding a matching donor can be difficult and take time, and the transplant is risky. Reporting the results in the journal Science, Aubourg said the two study patients had shown as great an improvement as they would have with bone marrow transplant. Gene therapy involves inserting a working gene to replace a faulty one. A study published in October showed success with gene therapy in a type of inherited blindness call Leber congenital amaurosis ID:nN24142112 and in January a follow-up study of SCID children concluded that eight of 10 treated seemed to be cured. In their study, Aubourg and his team took blood stem cells from the patients bone marrow and used the new vector system to genetically alter them by inserting a working copy of the ALD gene. Two years later, the scientists still detected ALD proteins in the patients, and the disease had stopped getting worse. Aubourg said he expected this gene approach could be used in the future for many more patients needing bone marrow transplants. (Editing by Elizabeth Fullerton)(c) Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reservedInternational Editions:Thomson Reuters is the worlds largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters. (Editing by Elizabeth Fullerton)(c) Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reservedInternational Editions:Thomson Reuters is the worlds largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters. com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms….Read the Full Story

Company sequences whole human genome for $1,700

Alfie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:08:22 +0000

Story Summary: Company sequences whole human genome for $1,700WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Want to know your entire DNA sequence? A California company has done it for as little as $1,700. Privately held Complete Genomics says it can do a better quality, usable genome map for about $4,400 — compared with the $100 million the Human Genome Project spent to complete the first sequencing of the human genome in 2000. Last month Pauline Ng of the J. Craig Venter Institute in San Diego and Sarah Murray of Scripps Translational Science Institute in La Jolla, California, tested kits provided by California-based firms Navigenics Inc, a private company, and 23andMe, backed by Google Inc. They found they varied in predicting disease risk. Complete Genomics and The Institute for Systems Biology said earlier this week they plan to sequence the genomes of 100 people to try and find insights into Huntingtons disease. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests….Read the Full Story

Horse Genome Sequenced

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:40:22 +0000

Story Summary: Findings from the genome sequence have important implications for improved breeding of horses, which constitute a $39 billion industry in the United States alone, and for studies of human health. They will be reported in the Nov. 6 issue of the journal Science. In reporting the horse genome sequence, the researchers noted that there are more than 90 hereditary conditions that affect both humans and horses. She and genetics graduate student Leah Brault are using this information in their research focused on identifying the cause of equine cerebellar abiotrophy, a genetic, neurological condition found almost exclusively in Arabian horses. Studies have shown that a horse can carry the gene for equine cerebellar abiotrophy and not be affected by it. However, if two horses carrying the gene are bred, there is a 25-percent likelihood that the resulting foal will manifest the condition, which causes serious neurological problems including head tremors and poor equilibrium….Read the Full Story

Single Molecules In The Laser Focus: How The Genetic Material Is Unwrapped

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:11:16 +0000

Story Summary: The genetic material found in cells is not in its free state, but bound to large protein complexes and tightly wrapped. To activate genes which might also play a role in carcinogenesis, the genetic material first needs to be unwrapped and made accessible for other cell components. Using a new biophysical method called single molecule spectroscopy, scientists from the Division Biophysics of Macromolecules at the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) were the first to observe these mechanisms directly and to characterize intermediate stages on the way to free genetic material. Scientists call the smallest packaging unit of DNA – one pearl of the necklace – a nucleosome; a nucleosome is made up of eight histones and the DNA bound to them. Thus, these changes influence both the structure of the genetic material and the function of the cell. The method makes it possible to analyze different states of biomolecules both in isolated form in the test tube and in living cells. Thus, scientists are able to observe individual steps of biological processes directly. The researchers were able to characterize several intermediates during disassembly of the histone proteins so that they were able to describe these processes in detail. They succeeded in directly detecting the intermediates which form during the opening of the nucleosome. The Paper: A. Gansen, A. Valeri, F. Hauger, S. Felekyan, S. Kalinin, K. Toth, J. Langowski, C. Seidel: Nucleosome disassembly intermediates characterized by single-molecule FRET….Read the Full Story

An Enzyme Reveals An Unexpected Inclusiveness

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:12:22 +0000

Story Summary: European researchers have discovered the first enzyme that can simultaneously bind both enantiomers of a chiral molecule in its active site. Rare cases have previously been discovered in which a second enantiomer can also bind to an enzymes active site, but never at the same time as the first. Now, in work with the bacterial enzyme PhzA/B, researchers have stumbled across an instance in which the two enantiomers of a ligand can slip into the active site together (Angew. Wulf Blankenfeldt, Rolf Breinbauer, and Matthias Mentel carried out the work at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, in Dortmund, and the University of Leipzig, both in Germany, and Graz University of Technology, in Austria. In bacteria, PhzA/B catalyzes the condensation of two identical amino-cyclohexenone molecules to create a phenazine precursor. Bacterial phenazines have several functions, including the production of toxic reactive oxygen species that possess antibiotic activity and the reduction of environmental iron to make it more soluble. When the European researchers synthesized a series of ligands to study the enzymes activity, they found that PhzA/B could host both the R and S enantiomers of 5-bromo-2-(piperidin-3-ylamino)benzoic acid, which together resemble an intermediate in the reaction normally catalyzed by the enzyme. Nevertheless, Kazlauskas says, the findings could have ramifications for drug screening studies, which are commonly performed with racemic mixtures. Results from such screens should be interpreted with an awareness that ligand-protein interactions might be more complicated than previously realized, the European researchers advise. Results from such screens should be interpreted with an awareness that ligand-protein interactions might be more complicated than previously realized, the European researchers advise. For instance, a case might arise in which a racemic ligand is inactive but an individual enantiomer has desired drug activity. In the context of our work, this approach can be used by linking two enantiomers with a covalent bridge, Breinbauer and Blankenfeldt note….Read the Full Story

Gene Therapy Halts Fatal Brain Disease

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:44:22 +0000

Story Summary: The gene at the root of adrenoleukodystropy — ALD for short — is called ABCD1, and produces a protein necessary to maintain myelin, a compound that acts as an insulator for nerve fibers in the brain and peripheral nervous system. Technically known as X-linked ALD, it affects boys, typically starting in childhood and killing them in two to three years. It can be treated with bone marrow transplants, but success rates are low, and toxic immune system-suppressing drugs are needed to prevent patients bodies from rejecting foreign tissue — if, that is, a donor can even be found. No such donor was found for the children, who had just a six-month window after diagnosis in which treatment could be started. One of the children — their identities remain confidential — received the treatment two and a half years ago. The results are as striking as any previously delivered by gene therapy, a biotechnological technique that after nearly two decades of anticipation has largely failed to deliver on its lab-bench promise — though that may be changing. There is reason to think that this will last for the rest of their lives, said gene therapist Nathalie Cartier of NIHMR, the studys lead author. The first vector used by Aubourg — a virus engineered to carry new genes into target cells — succeeded in delivering its payload just . 001 percent of the time. Even this miniscule success rate was enough to improve symptoms in mouse models of ALD, but he didnt trust it to work in people. He used a new vector made from a human immunodeficiency virus from which the genome had been removed, leaving only HIVs cell-penetrating shell. The new vector, called a lentivirus, didnt work all the time, but it was far more efficient than the old one. In the two boys who received the treatment, 15 percent of the stem cells in their bone marrow now possess a copy of the healthy ABCD1 gene. These cells are essentially immortal, and should provide a steady supply of healthy myelin-producing cells in perpetuity. She knew the two boys when they were patients at a hospital in Spain, waiting in vain for bone marrow transplants, and connected them to Aubourgs laboratory. This is an important step forward for ALD, but not only for ALD, said Pujol. Its great that it worked, but that doesnt guarantee success in other diseases, he said. Image: Over the course of two years, the breakdown of myelin in a boy with ALD who did not receive the therapy (above) and one who did, from Science. com, join now so you can share your thoughts and opinions. Im really excited about therapies that essentially fix the problem, rather than merely treating the symptoms with a lifetime of pills. What happens if we do discover a fountain of youth treatment? Or various ways to engineer peoples genes to make them better? Lots of ethical issues here which may potentially affect life as we know it. Diseases are signs that something is wrong in our lives. Are warnings that we are loosing the way, the connection with the divine. The disease discussed in this article is a genetic one. No amount of emotional balance will prevent the horrible death that occurs as a result. The fact that the doctors used HIV in a beneficial way. its almost like HIV can now redeem itself, offering us a tool to use to cure diseases in ways we can only imagine. I am excited for the future of gene therapy and its possibilities….Read the Full Story

ChIA-PET: Novel Method For 3-D Whole Genome Mapping Research

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:11:31 +0000

Story Summary: The technology is ChIA-PET (Chromatin Interaction Analysis using Paired End Tag sequencing). Chromatin is a complex combination of DNA and proteins that make up chromosomes. The subsequent discovery of chromatin interactions between specific genes and specific enhancer sites generated a lot of interest to find chromatin interactions throughout the entire genome. These results show us that higher order DNA interactions on a genome scale can explain some of the contradictions in older studies. It shows a massive genome wide scale the interactions between a specific set of enhancers and the genes they regulate. The approach and results shown here will certainly be well received by the large community studying gene regulation, said Edward Rubin, M. D. , Ph. Dr. Rubin is a member of the GIS Scientific Advisory Board. The ChIA-PET methodology and the ERa-bound human chromatin interaction map represent the starting point of an entirely new field for scientists to study how the human genome is folded in order to communicate the codes in regulating gene expression. D. This work has been recognized and funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Healths (NIH) public research consortium known as ENCODE (Encyclopedia of DNA Elements). Journal reference:Fullwood et al. An Oestrogen Receptor a-bound Human Chromatin Interactome. 1038/nature08497In Other News . . . Or view hourly updated newsfeeds in your RSS reader:FeedbackTell us what you think of the new ScienceDaily — we welcome both positive and negative comments….Read the Full Story

Sequencing Price Drops Even Lower

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:16:22 +0000

Story Summary: Without details on specific costs, accuracy rates, and other metrics, many saw the Complete Genomics announcement as hype. (Others in the race to lower sequencing costs include San Diego-based Illumina, Cambridge, MA-based Helicos, and Applied Biosystems, based in Foster City, CA. )Complete Genomics aimed to quell skepticism earlier this year by releasing proof-of-principle genome sequence data from a Caucasian male who is part of the International HapMap project, which has built a database of human genetic variation. Its also the first peer-reviewed article published by researchers at Complete Genomics. In the paper, scientists describe the sequence of three human genomes: the previously released Caucasian male, a West African female who has also been sequenced through the HapMap project, and that of Church, a Harvard professor and head of the Personal Genome Project. I think it compares nicely to the 1000 Genomes data sets we have been generating with Illumina data in terms of accuracy, says Chad Nusbaum, co-director of the Genome Sequencing and Analysis program at the Broad Institute, in Cambridge, MA. (The 1000 Genomes project is an international effort to sequence human genomes from around the world. However, this measure doesnt incorporate the cost of the machines that do the sequencing, the human labor, or the computational effort required to assemble raw sequence information into a whole genome. Whats important is not just the reagent costs, but also the cost of analyzing the sequence, says Jeff Schloss, program director for technology development at the National Human Genome Research Center, in Bethesda, MD. Its unclear how computational costs for this method compare to some of the others. Youll read in-depth features that investigate how these technologies work….Read the Full Story

$11 Million NIH Grant For Stem Cell Research Awarded To Rhode Island Hospital

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:23:16 +0000

Story Summary: Quesenberry, who is also a physician with the University Medicine Foundation, says, The beauty of the COBRE grant is not only will it allow us to develop a stem cell research center at Rhode Island Hospital, but it will also help us to assemble a group of outstanding, talented investigators who excel in these areas. Rhode Island Hospital is nationally renowned for pioneering efforts in stem cell research. Grants such as this will drive both scientific innovation and economic development in our state. The work in the stem cell research center will also include general stem cell biology. Quesenberry, who also holds the Paul Calabresi, MD, professorship in oncology and is director of the division of Hematology/Oncology at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, comments further, This grant holds real promise for expanding our understanding of stem cell biology. We appreciate the support of the National Center for Research Resources. The content6 is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the view of the NCRR or the National Institutes of Health. Source: Nancy Cawley Jean Lifespan Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. Weekend Athletes – Gearing Up for Outdoor SportsIts important for weekend athletes to make sure they prepare themselves for summer sports. Starting an exercise routine to get them ready for the game is a good idea. Weekend Athletes should also make sure they warm up before the game. Weekend Athletes should also make sure they warm up before the game….Read the Full Story

PROFILE:Venkatraman Ramakrishan, 2009 Nobel Chemistry Laureate

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:48:22 +0000

Story Summary: Bokova elected first woman UNESCO director-general – SummaryParis – Bulgarian diplomat Irina Bokova was Thursday officially elected the first woman director-general of UNESCO, the Paris-based scientific and cultural organization said late Thursday. The 57-year-old Bokova was confirmed by a vote of the 193-mem. CERN researcher placed under investigation for terrorismParis – A 32-year-old French-Algerian physicist working at the CERN nuclear research centre has been placed under investigation on charges of associating with known criminals in a terrorist undertaking, French media reported Tuesday. He shares the prize with fellow-American Thomas A Steitz and Israels Ada Yonath for the study of the structure and function of the ribosome – the cells protein factory. The long term basic research in which he was involved had already led to breakthroughs as the ribosome was starting to show its medical importance, he said. Ramakrishan, who is better known as Venky among his colleagues and friends, joins a list of several Nobel laureates at the laboratory. He came to Britain from the US in 1999, joining the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology which he has co-led since 2006. From 1978 to 1982, Ramakrishnan worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the department of chemistry at Yale University, where he worked on a neutron-scattering map of the small ribosomal subunit of E Coli. From 1978 to 1982, Ramakrishnan worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the department of chemistry at Yale University, where he worked on a neutron-scattering map of the small ribosomal subunit of E Coli. After his postdoctoral fellowship, Ramakrishan joined the biology department of Brookhaven National Laboratory in the US where he worked as a biophysicist between 1983 and 1995. Between 1995 and 1999, he was a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Utah before moving to Britain. His many awards include the 2007 Louis Jeantet Prize for Medicine, the Heatley Medal of the British Biochemical Society and Datta Medal and Lecture awarded in Vienna in 2007. Copyright DPA(c) 2009 www….Read the Full Story

New gene therapy halts 2 boys rare brain disease

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:20:22 +0000

Story Summary: The surprise ingredient: They disabled the HIV virus so it couldnt cause AIDS, and then used it to carry in the healthy new gene. The experiment marks the first time researchers have tried that long-contemplated step in people – and the first effective gene therapy against a severe brain disease, said lead researcher Dr. Patrick Aubourgof the University Paris-Descartes. Best known from the movie Lorenzos Oil, adrenoleukodystrophy, or ALD, is a rare genetic disease that, in its most devastating form, destroys the coating of nerve fibers in boys brains. So Aubourgs team removed the genetic parts of HIV that make it dangerous, leaving basically a scaffolding to carry the new therapeutic gene. Then they culled stem cells from two 7-year-old boys in the early stages of ALD, and mixed in the healthy gene. The boys underwent bone marrow-destroying chemotherapy and then had their genetically corrected stem cells reinserted….Read the Full Story

Goldman Sachs, Citigroup got swine flu vaccine

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:52:22 +0000

Story Summary: In order to receive the vaccine, companies had to have their own medical staff. Wall Street banks have already taken so much from us. Swine flu vaccine has been in short supply nationwide because of manufacturing delays, resulting in long lines at clinics and patients being turned away at doctors offices. The government-funded vaccine is being distributed to states, where health departments decide where to send the limited doses. Last month, the city began offering vaccine to schoolchildren, as well as to pediatricians and obstetricians who asked for it. Scaperotti said two-thirds of the pediatricians in New York Cityhave requested vaccine. CDC guidelines provide a list of patients who should be at the front of the line: children and young people through age 24, people caring for infants under 6 months, pregnant women, health care workers, and adults with health conditions such as asthma and diabetes. Schaffner said that if corporations are giving shots to at-risk people, the distribution may have been appropriate. Still, he said, I have a feeling that if it were a Ford dealership that got vaccine, there wouldnt be quite as much excitement. In statements, Citigroup and Goldman Sachs said the vaccine would only go to those in high-risk groups. In statements, Citigroup and Goldman Sachs said the vaccine would only go to those in high-risk groups….Read the Full Story

Variation In Bacterial Populations From Person To Person Surprises Researchers

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:35:16 +0000

Story Summary: For the study, Knight and other colleagues from CU-Boulder and the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, recruited 9 healthy volunteers who were willing to allow samples to be taken four times over a 3 month period from 27 specific sites on their bodies, including head hair, ear canals, nostrils, mouth, lower intestine, forehead, armpits, forearms, palms, index fingers, navel, backs of knees and the soles of the feet (18 of the sites were on different parts of the skin). Knight said they analyzed the DNA directly from the swabs, thus bypassing the need for lab-culturing, amplified specific RNA genes using PCR, and then sequenced them with high-capacity DNA sequencers. (PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction, a method that is now common in lab-based DNA tests, for instance there is a PCR test for identifying the 2009 H1N1 swine flustrain). During the PCR stage, they tagged each specific microbial RNA gene with a sample-specific DNA barcode from which they could tell which site on which person it came from. The skin sites were the: forearms, palms, index fingers, backs of the knees and soles of the feet. The armpits and soles of the feet showed some similarities, perhaps because they are dark and moist environments, suggested co-author Noah Fierer, an assistant professor in CU-Boulders ecology and evolutionary biology department. The researchers also found that one type of bacteria dominated head sites such as head hair, forehead, external nose and external ear, and another type dominated the trunk and the legs. Do we each have distinct microbial signatures at birth, or do they evolve as we age?And how much do they matter? Costello explained that:As some others have speculated, it may be that drier areas of the skin like forearms make generally more hospitable landing pads for bacteria. There was no difference in the ease with which a disinfected forehead or forearm could be colonized with a persons own or someone elses transplated bacteria, they said. Knight said understanding the variation in human microbial communities was important for future research:If we can better understand this variation, we may be able to begin searching for genetic biomarkers for disease, explained Knight. Knight said understanding the variation in human microbial communities was important for future research:If we can better understand this variation, we may be able to begin searching for genetic biomarkers for disease, explained Knight. Elizabeth K. Costello, Christian L. Lauber, Micah Hamady, Noah Fierer, Jeffrey I. Gordon, and Rob Knight. Elizabeth K. Costello, Christian L. Lauber, Micah Hamady, Noah Fierer, Jeffrey I. Gordon, and Rob Knight. ScienceExpress, Published online 5 November 2009. DOI: 10. 1177486Source: University of Colorado at Boulder. Please send any medical news or health news press releases to: These are the most read articles from this news category for the last 6 months: What Are Bed Bugs? Please send any medical news or health news press releases to: These are the most read articles from this news category for the last 6 months: What Are Bed Bugs?…Read the Full Story

How Much Egg Sensitivity Makes a Flu Shot Dangerous for Your Child?

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:24:22 +0000

Story Summary: Amal Assaad, M. D. , professor at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, and vice chair of the ACAAI Adverse Reactions Foods Committee, will be presenting a novel way to classify children (and adults) as to their risks at the ACAAI Annual Meeting in Miami Beach, Fla. Some allergic patients are at greater risk of a reaction to the 2009 vaccines, both H1N1 and the usual respiratory viruses in the normal flu shot and mist. Patients with a history of skin test or serum IgE positivity or clinical reaction to either egg or previous flu vaccines – who can eat whole eggs safely without allergic reaction – should receive either the inactivated (IM) or live (intranasal) vaccine at their general pediatricians office. This should comprise the vast majority of patients this year. Any patient avoiding eggs entirely for any medical reason should be evaluated by an allergist. Patients who have had recent skin test or serum IgE positivity to egg who do react to baked products containing egg, or who have a history of allergic reaction to inactivated flu vaccine, should also be evaluated by an allergist. In order to provide the vaccine safely to these patients, we recommend skin testing with the full-strength inactivated flu vaccine and egg extract prior to vaccine administration. If the skin tests are negative, we recommend that the rest of the vaccine be given at full-strength or as a graded challenge. If the vaccine skin test is positive, we would either desensitize the patient to the vaccine and administer it or give chemoprophylaxis in special cases with a flu medication daily for the entire flu season. Patients with immunodeficiency or other contraindications to either of the flu vaccines should be evaluated by an allergist or infectious disease specialist, and their close contacts and caregivers should strongly consider inactivated (i. e. not live) influenza vaccination. Should a patient with immunodeficiency have such an issue, we would treat them similarly to whichever Green, Yellow or Red Group they would otherwise be in, with the general caveat that we do not recommend live vaccine use in this patient population or in pregnant women. For additional information on adverse reactions to vaccines, see the practice parameter titled Adverse Reactions to Vaccines, developed by the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters, representing the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) and the Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. About ACAAIThe American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) is a professional medical organization headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. , that promotes excellence in the practice of the subspecialty of allergy and immunology. About ACAAIThe American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) is a professional medical organization headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. , that promotes excellence in the practice of the subspecialty of allergy and immunology….Read the Full Story

Asthma Not Determined by Genetics Alone

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:56:22 +0000

Story Summary: For example, in farming communities where exposure to microbial products is high, children have significantly less asthma and allergies, said Dr. Martinez. When people with a variant of this gene are exposed to high levels of endotoxin (a product present in bacteria), it protects them from developing an allergic response. But people with this same gene variant who are exposed to low levels of endotoxin are at higher risk of an allergy. Research to indentify and understand the genes related to asthma is ongoing. A lot of work still needs to be done to uncover how these diseases are inherited. Dr. Martinez suggests that the expectation that doctors will someday be able to predict asthma at birth should be replaced with an expectation that experts will be able to identify which children should or should not be exposed to certain environmental factors to lessen their risk of developing asthma. Asthma, a chronic inflammation of the lung airways that causes coughing, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath, is the most common chronic illness in childhood. An allergist, an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies and asthma, can perform allergy testing to identify the specific substances that trigger allergic reactions and determine the most appropriate and effective treatment….Read the Full Story

New discoveries in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:28:22 +0000

Story Summary: One of these proteins is necessarily coded by the YKL088w gene (which explains its essential nature) and the other can be two molecules coded by either HAL3 or VHS3, or even one of each. Therefore, the proteins coded by HAL3 and VHS3 are examples of moonlighting proteins, that is, they are capable of carrying out completely different functions (at least apparently) in the cell. The research carried out by Dr Arinos group in collaboration with the University of Stellenbosch demonstrates that the heterotrimeric structure of the PPCDC can exist in a wide group of yeasts from the Ascomycetes division. This group not only includes yeasts which can be used in biotechnology and industries, such as S. cerevisiae and Pichia pastoris, but also potential pathogens such as Candida albicans. — full story– 9 July 2009Although the fact that we generate new brain cells throughout life is no longer disputed, their purpose has been the topic of much debate. — full story– 2 July 2009Although the tiny roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans has only 302 neurones in its entire nervous system, studies of this simple animal have significantly advanced our understanding of….Read the Full Story

Deciphering the regulatory code

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:00:22 +0000

Story Summary: Going from global binding data to CRM activity was a big challenge in the field – one which we have now begun to overcome, says Eileen Furlong, who headed the study. The scientists then trained a computer to unravel the binding profiles for each of these groups, and search the 8000 newly identified CRMs for ones whose binding profiles fitted that picture. Such CRMs were predicted to have similar activity patterns, implying they are involved in regulating the development of the same muscle type. When the scientists tested their predictions experimentally, the results were not only accurate but also enlightening. This plasticity was unexpected, but makes sense in evolutionary terms, the researchers say. The fact that different combinations of transcription factors, or binding codes, can regulate the same developmental process means that even if some transcription factors or CRMs change or are lost during an organisms evolution, it can still develop a gut muscle, for instance. Source: European Molecular Biology Laboratory– 23 July 2009A small green beetle may have some interesting lessons to teach scientists about optics and liquid crystals – complex mechanisms the insect uses to create a shell so strikingly beautiful. — full story– 8 July 2009The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) announced today the discovery of a new monkey in a remote region of the Amazon in Brazil….Read the Full Story

Most Parents, High-priority Adults Who Tried To Get H1N1 Vaccine For Themselves And Children Unable To Get It, Poll Finds

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:47:16 +0000

Story Summary: Parents in this poll include those with children 6 months to less than 18 years. Approximately half who tried to find such information (49%) were unable to find it. These findings suggest that the nationwide H1N1 vaccine shortage is presenting a real challenge for those who have tried to get the vaccine, said Robert J. Blendon, Professor of Health Policy and Political Analysis at HSPH, who co-directed the poll. More than half of adults (60%) believe there is a shortage of H1N1 vaccine in their community. Nearly a quarter (24%) say it will be a very serious problem for them and their immediate family if the H1N1 vaccine is not available by then. The study was designed and analyzed by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH). The project director is Robert J. Blendon of the Harvard School of Public Health. In the overall results, these groups were weighted to their actual proportion of the total adult population. The margin of error for the total sample is plus or minus 3. To compensate for these known biases, sample data are weighted to the most recent Census data available from the Current Population Survey for gender, age, race, education, region, and number of adults in the household. Other techniques, including random-digit dialing, replicate subsamples, and systematic respondent selection within households, are used to ensure that the sample is representative. This Harvard School of Public Health series is funded under a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Get the latest science news with our free email newsletters, updated daily and weekly….Read the Full Story

Sigma-Aldrich Signs License Agreement With Polyplus-transfection to Offer Novel ZNA(TM) Oligonucleotides

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:46:53 +0000

Story Summary: Description : Sigma-Aldrich (Nasdaq: SIAL) today announced a worldwide licensing agreement with Polyplus-transfection (Strasbourg, France) to manufacture and commercialize Zip Nucleic Acid (ZNA(TM)*)ST. LOUIS, Nov. 3 Sigma-Aldrich (Nasdaq: SIAL) today announced a worldwide licensing agreement with Polyplus-transfection (Strasbourg, France) to manufacture and commercialize Zip Nucleic Acid (ZNA(TM)*) oligonucleotides, a new technology that provides solutions for increased affinity for nucleic acids. Research applications include PCR probes, PCR primers, in-vitro micro RNA detection and inhibition and siRNA. Sigma-Aldrich offers the largest portfolio of modifications and labels for oligonucleotides. Frederic Perraud, CEO of Polyplus-transfection, added: We are very proud to collaborate with a leading life science company such as Sigma-Aldrich. Sigma-Aldrich offers a comprehensive collection of customized oligonucleotide services, including DNA oligos, DNA probes, RNA, siRNA oligos and peptide synthesis. ZNA are made with a standard oligonucleotide synthesizer allowing fast, cost effective production as well as the ability to add other modifications such as fluorescent markers. Its biochemical and organic chemical products and kits are used in scientific and genomic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, the diagnosis of disease and as key components in pharmaceutical and other high technology manufacturing. Sigma-Aldrich has customers in Life Science companies, university and government institutions, hospitals, and in industry. Based in Strasbourg, France, the company has been selling its transfection reagents since 2001. Polyplus-transfection has extended its field of expertise to molecular biology reagents with the development of ZNA(TM) oligonucleotides. The company has numerous patents pending and licenses in the fields of nucleic acid delivery and modified oligonucleotides. Sigma-Aldrich and Sigma are trademarks of Sigma-Aldrich Biotechnology L. P. and Sigma-Aldrich Co. ZNA is a trademark of Polyplus-transfection. Sigma-Aldrich and Sigma are trademarks of Sigma-Aldrich Biotechnology L. P. and Sigma-Aldrich Co. ZNA is a trademark of Polyplus-transfection….Read the Full Story

Key seed size gene identified

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:32:22 +0000

Story Summary: More work is now needed before this research can be applied to crop plants. Unravelling this genes role in determining the final seed size will also be important for other strategies for increasing yield, an example of how fundamental plant science can inform and drive efforts to ensure food security. Professor Mike Bevan, Acting Director of the John Innes Centre, said This work shows how JICs focus on understanding the mechanisms controlling plant growth can have immediate useful application for crop improvement. Source: John Innes Centre– 23 July 2009A small green beetle may have some interesting lessons to teach scientists about optics and liquid crystals – complex mechanisms the insect uses to create a shell so strikingly beautiful. — full story– 8 July 2009The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) announced today the discovery of a new monkey in a remote region of the Amazon in Brazil. — full story– 2 July 2009Although the tiny roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans has only 302 neurones in its entire nervous system, studies of this simple animal have significantly advanced our understanding of….Read the Full Story

Aethlon Medical Announces Collaboration to Identify Brain Trauma Biomarkers

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:06:53 +0000

Story Summary: (OTC Bulletin Board: AEMD) announced today that it has initiated a collaborative biomarker discovery program with the Center for the Study of Traumatic EncephalopathySAN DIEGO, Nov. 3 Aethlon Medical, Inc. The research goal is to discover common biomarkers, including dormant viruses that might lead to a diagnostic product able to identify athletes with an increased susceptibility to suffer from CTE. Such a test could help distinguish those who should be precluded from participating in football and other activities with a high risk for head trauma. Additionally, we have the opportunity to showcase that the scientific advancements underlying our infectious disease and cancer treatment devices provide the basis for new products to discover the presence of biomarkers associated with various medical conditions, concluded Joyce. Aethlon Medical also disclosed it will provide SLI with a $25,000 unrestricted educational grant to support educational outreach. Historically, a small number of viruses have been found to lead to later life neurodegeneration characterized by tau protein deposition, including encephalitis lethargica (also known as von Economo encephalitis and the sleeping sickness), and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), caused by a defective measles virus. We also appreciate Aethlons support in helping us continue our educational and prevention efforts. Most recently, CTE research advanced by CSTE and SLI researchers has been broadly covered in the media, including; 60 Minutes, CNN, The New York Times, New Yorker Magazine, USA Today, HBO, and ESPN. org About The Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy (CSTE) The CSTE was created in 2008 as a collaborative venture between Boston University School of Medicine and Sports Legacy Institute (SLI). The mission of the CSTE is to conduct state-of-the-art research of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, including its neuropathology and pathogenesis, the clinical presentation and course, the genetics and other risk factors for CTE, and ways of preventing this cause of dementia. However, recent reports have been published of neuropathologically confirmed CTE in retired professional football players and wrestlers who have a history of head trauma. These changes in the brain can begin months, years, or even decades after the last concussion or end of active athletic involvement. The brain degeneration is associated with memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, paranoia, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, and, eventually, progressive dementia. The Hemopurifier(r) seeks to improve Hepatitis-C treatment outcomes and serves as a broad-spectrum treatment countermeasure against bioterror and pandemic threats. Certain of the statements herein may be forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. Such potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the capability of the Hemopurifier(r) to reduce viral loads and other disease conditions or to identify disease conditions such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, including the ability to capture exosomes and the impact that potential ability may have on disease conditions, the Companys ability to raise capital when needed, the Companys ability to complete the development of its planned products, the ability of the Company to obtain FDA and other regulatory approvals permitting the sale of its products, the Companys ability to manufacture its products and provide its services, the impact of government regulations, patent protection on the Companys proprietary technology, product liability exposure, uncertainty of market acceptance, competition, technological change, and other risk factors. In such instances, actual results could differ materially as a result of a variety of factors, including the risks associated with the effect of changing economic conditions and other risk factors detailed in the Companys Securities and Exchange Commission filings. 7800 x301 jj@aethlonmedical. 7800 x301 jj@aethlonmedical. 459. 459….Read the Full Story

Horse genome sequence and analysis published in Science

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:04:22 +0000

Story Summary: In addition to shedding light on a key part of the mammalian branch of the evolutionary tree, the work also provides a critical starting point for mapping disease genes in horses. Horses and humans suffer from similar illnesses, so identifying the genetic culprits in horses promises to deepen our knowledge of disease in both organisms, said senior author Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, scientific director of vertebrate genome biology at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and a professor of comparative genomics at Uppsala University in Sweden. Predating this coexistence, humans and horses share an evolutionary history that has implications for the health of both species. 7 billion letters, or nucleotides, in size – slightly larger than the genome of the domestic dog, and smaller than both the human and cow genomes. A remarkable feature of the horse genome is the small number of chromosomal rearrangements that have occurred in horses relative to humans. During the course of evolution, parts of chromosomes can get shuffled to other locations in the genome, or they can remain in their original ancestral order, like beads on a string – a situation known as synteny. Another intriguing result to emerge from the horse genome analysis pertains to chromosomes and something called the centromere. It is clear that they contain highly repetitive DNA sequences, but what is less clear is which comes first, the centromere or its repeats. Lindblad-Toh and her colleagues, including Elena Giulotto of Pavia University in Italy, were surprised to uncover a region on horse chromosome 11 that contains a developing centromere, already functional, but frozen in a young state. Analyses of this budding centromere revealed no repetitive DNA, suggesting that centromeres appear first and their repeats appear laterWe dont know a lot about centromeres, particularly because they have proven so difficult to analyse by DNA sequencing, said first author Claire Wade, a former researcher at the Broad Institute and the Centre for Human Genetic Research at Massachusetts General Hospital who is now a professor at the University of Sydney in Australia. This result helps address some important questions about how centromeres evolve. The team surveyed the extent of genetic variation both within and across breeds to create a catalog of more than one million single-letter genetic differences (called single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs). Horses carrying this trait often suffer from a form of night blindness, a disorder that also afflicts humans. The researchers narrowed the list of genetic suspects in horses to 42 associated SNPs, including two candidate mutations residing near a gene involved in pigmentation. The researchers narrowed the list of genetic suspects in horses to 42 associated SNPs, including two candidate mutations residing near a gene involved in pigmentation. The monkey is related to saddleback tamarins, which….Read the Full Story

Singapore scientists join international study of 10,000 vertebrates genomes

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:26:53 +0000

Story Summary: Singapore scientists join international study of 10,000 vertebrates genomesThe Singapore laboratory that deciphered the DNA codes, or genomes, of the famed fugu (or pufferfish) and elephant shark, has joined The Genome 10K Project, an international effort to build an invaluable repository of DNA sequences on 10,000 species of animals for conducting comparative studies on a scale that currently can not be achieved. The most challenging intellectual problem in biology for this century will be the reconstruction of our biological past so we can understand how complex organisms such as ourselves evolved, said Nobel Laureate Sydney Brenner, M. D. , who co-heads Singapores Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) comparative genomics laboratory, which will participate in The Genome 10 K Project. D. , Professor of Biomolecular Engineering at University of California, Santa Cruz, said, For the first time, we have a chance to really see evolution in action, caught in the act of changing whole genomes. D. , who heads IMCBs comparative genomics lab and is one of the chairpersons of the Genome 10K committee, said, This project will not only generate sequences of all important vertebrate genomes that we were contemplating to sequence, but also will give us access to the latest sequencing technologies and sequence analysis tools for genomic studies in Singapore….Read the Full Story

Alnylam Presents New Pre-Clinical Data on RNAi Therapeutics at Oligonucleotides Therapeutics Society (OTS) Meeting

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:36:22 +0000

Story Summary: (Nasdaq: ALNY), a leading RNAi therapeutics company, announced today that it presented new data related to its overall delivery research efforts including the rational design of Mimetic Lipoprotein Particles, or MLPs, a novel technology for the systemic delivery of small interfering RNAs, or siRNAs, the molecules that mediate RNAi. In addition, Alnylam scientists and collaborators presented additional new data on systemic delivery and provided an update on RNA activation (RNAa) technology. aAccordingly, we are very excited by our new efforts in the rational design of MLPs, a whole new strategy for systemic delivery. Administration of the MLP resulted in silencing of the apoB mRNA by up to 80% with an associated 50 to 80% reduction in levels of plasma apoB protein and cholesterol in mice. These data also demonstrated significant improvements in the potency of apoB silencing when using MLP-delivery of siRNAs as compared with use of chol-siRNAs alone. The study further demonstrated that apoE-MLP was more effective in delivering siRNAs than apoA-MLPs, at least as measured for the silencing of the liver-expressed target gene. The new data showed continued improvement in the in vivopotency of siRNA delivered by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), where the median effective dose (ED50) for gene silencing was achieved at microgram/kilogram dose levels. Further, quantitation of siRNA revealed the ability to achieve ED50target gene silencing at tissue levels of approximately one nanogram/gram tissue. a Further, Alnylam scientists and collaborator Dr. Masayuki Matsui from the laboratory of Dr. David R. Corey, Professor in the Departments of Pharmacology & Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) at Dallas, presented new data on their RNAa research efforts in a poster titled aActivation of LDL Receptor Gene Expression by Promoter-Targeted Duplex RNAs. a In these studies, double-stranded aanti-genea RNAs (agRNAs) targeting the promoter region of the LDL receptor (LDLR) were discovered that increase LDLR expression up to four-fold. The action of agRNAs was dose-dependent and durable for about one week. In functional studies, LDLR activation by agRNAs was found to result in increased binding of fluorescently labeled LDL particles to hepatocyte-derived cells in a culture system and to have additive effects together with the action of lovastatin in upregulation of LDLR protein levels. Other presentations from Alnylam scientists at the OTS meeting include the following. D. , Vice President, Research, CNS and Oncology, which provided an overview of the progress Alnylam has made to date with its ALN-VSP program which is in a Phase I clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors with liver involvement, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A presentation by Alnylam Scientific Advisory Board member and collaborator, Judy Lieberman, M. D. , Ph. By harnessing the natural biological process of RNAi occurring in our cells, the creation of a major new class of medicines, known as RNAi therapeutics, is on the horizon. The company is applying its therapeutic expertise in RNAi to address significant medical needs, many of which cannot effectively be addressed with small molecules or antibodies, the current major classes of drugs. Alnylam Forward-Looking StatementVarious statements in this release concerning Alnylamas future expectations, plans and prospects, constitute forward-looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent Alnylamas views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date….Read the Full Story

Montana State University to figure out tricky viruses, adapt for gene therapy

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:59:16 +0000

Story Summary: We study viruses from lots of different angles, Bothner said. Nick Muzyczka, a molecular biologist, also at the UF, will use those findings to build specialized AAVs. This could dramatically expand their uses as a delivery vehicle, Bothner said. AAVs are unique human viruses that are popular in gene therapy, partly because they dont cause any diseases in humans or animals. Unraveling the mystery and learning how to build made-to-order AAVs is Bothners goal. One undergraduate student, in particular, had a significant part in obtaining the NIH grant in the first place, Bothner said. Kruse also works in Bothners laboratory with funding from INBRE, a statewide program to enhance biomedical research. It was there that she conducted a variety of experiments that helped convince the NIH to award the grant, Bothner said. It was there that she conducted a variety of experiments that helped convince the NIH to award the grant, Bothner said. Kruse said she enjoys working with her family. She talked about the fun she had while restoring the duck pond in 2008. She originally majored in chemical engineering, but switched majors after taking a required course in organic chemistry….Read the Full Story

Researchers identify drug candidate for treating spinal muscular atrophy

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:46:53 +0000

Story Summary: Researchers identify drug candidate for treating spinal muscular atrophyA chemical cousin of the common antibiotic tetracycline might be useful in treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a currently incurable disease that is the leading genetic cause of death in infants. There are no approved therapies for the treatment of SMA, which affects approximately 1 in 6,000 babies born in the United States. Unlike previously identified molecules that stimulate SMN production, the tetracycline-like compound is a unique therapeutic candidate in that it is a small molecule that specifically alters RNA splicing by directly targeting the splicing reaction. SMN2 doesnt compensate for the loss of SMN1, however, because it produces too little functional protein. During splicing, a complex of enzymes snips out of the RNA certain unneeded pieces called introns. Normally, the remaining, necessary pieces called exons are spliced back together, and this edited RNA molecule is then converted into functional protein. In the case of the SMN2 gene, however, the splicing machinery skips an exon. The scientists also proved its ability to work in vivo by injecting it into mice carrying a human SMN2 gene. The scientists also proved its ability to work in vivo by injecting it into mice carrying a human SMN2 gene. The mice showed more than a 5-fold increase in human SMN protein levels within a week of treatment. The mice showed more than a 5-fold increase in human SMN protein levels within a week of treatment….Read the Full Story

Illumina Announces Scale-Up of Genome Analyzers at The Broad Institute

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:08:22 +0000

Story Summary: The Genome Analyzer offers the highest rate of daily output and the simplest and most user-friendly workflow. In addition, Illumina reaffirms its revenue guidance of a minimum of $165 million for the fourth quarter of 2009. com) is the leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of next-generation life-science tools and integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and biological function. Using our proprietary technologies, we provide a comprehensive line of products and services that currently serve the sequencing, genotyping, and gene expression markets, and we expect to enter the market for molecular diagnostics. Our tools provide researchers around the world with the performance, throughput, cost effectiveness, and flexibility necessary to perform the billions of genetic tests needed to extract valuable medical information from advances in genomics and proteomics. This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements are detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q or in information disclosed in public conference calls, the date and time of which are released beforehand….Read the Full Story

Genome 10K proposal aims to sequence 10,000 vertebrates

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:06:53 +0000

Story Summary: Genome 10K proposal aims to sequence 10,000 vertebratesAn international group of scientists is proposing to generate whole genome sequences for 10,000 vertebrate species using technology so new it hasnt yet been invented. Whereas that took nearly 10 years at a cost of more than $3 billion, the goal now is to sequence an entire genome in less than a week, for a cost of less than $1,000. He is coordinating the effort to assemble DNA samples for all known species of cetaceans – whales, dolphins and porpoises – a task made more difficult because the exact number of species keeps changing. But to date, more than 90 species have been identified and officially recognized that will require tissue or DNA samples. We have thousands of samples from humpback whales, for example, he pointed out. But there are a few cetacean species that are known literally from only a single skull, and it can be tough to extract DNA from that. The feasibility of sequencing 10,000 vertebrate genomes requires only one more order of magnitude reduction in the cost of DNA sequencing, following the four orders of magnitude reduction we have seen in the last 10 years, the scientists write in their article. The ability to create entire genome sequences would be of enormous benefits to conservation and basic scientific understanding of cetaceans, he said. The ability to create entire genome sequences would be of enormous benefits to conservation and basic scientific understanding of cetaceans, he said. It would give us tremendous new insight into a group of mammals that went through one of the most remarkable adaptations in evolutionary history, Baker pointed out. It would give us tremendous new insight into a group of mammals that went through one of the most remarkable adaptations in evolutionary history, Baker pointed out….Read the Full Story

GenVec Signs New Contract to Support HIV and Influenza Vaccine Development

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:40:22 +0000

Story Summary: Given the heightened concerns about influenza, this contract is timely and we look forward to applying our novel technology to this problem, stated Dr. Paul Fischer, GenVecs President and CEO. About GenVecGenVec, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutic drugs and vaccines. GenVecs lead product TNFerade is currently in a pivotal clinical study (PACT) in locally advanced pancreatic cancer. TNFerade has also been and is currently being evaluated for its potential use in the treatment of several other cancers including esophageal cancer, rectal cancer, and head and neck cancer. comand in the companys various filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The VRC is dedicated to improving global human health through the rigorous pursuit of effective vaccines for human diseases. Initially spearheaded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the National Cancer Institute, and the NIH Office of AIDS Research, the VRC is now part of the NIAID organization. About SAIC-FrederickSAIC-Frederick, Inc. , a wholly owned subsidiary of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), a Fortune 500A(r) company, is the operations and technical support contractor for the National Cancer Institutes research and development center in Frederick, Md. This is a national laboratory dedicated to rapidly translating basic research into new technologies for diagnosing, treating, and preventing cancer and AIDS. Statements herein relating to future financial or business performance, conditions or strategies and other financial and business matters, including expectations regarding future revenues and operating expenses, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. GenVec cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. gov. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and GenVec assumes no duty to update forward-looking statements….Read the Full Story

Terra med Alliance News U of M Develops Long-Awaited Mouse Model for Infant Leukemia

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:26:53 +0000

Story Summary: HealthTerra med Alliance News U of M Develops Long-Awaited Mouse Model for Infant Leukemia2009-11-04 12:20:44 – Terra med Alliance News:The model opens the door to further investigation into a rare and often fatal blood cancer. An abnormally formed gene is considered to be the source of the disease. Hopefully, this mouse will help us find a cure so that in the not too distant future, a parent does not have to experience the agony of losing a baby to this cancer, said John Kersey, M. D. & Dr. Kersey led the research team and is a physician and researcher specializing in childhood cancers and director of the Universitys Cancer Center. DNA, which contains the code for a persons genetic structure, goes through a normal process of breaking and rejoining. In about 75 percent of infants with infant ALL, the genetic rearrangement occurs in the womb as the baby is developing. We believe the genes fuse by mistake and form the basis for infant ALL. D. , and Nicole Kirchhof, all with the University of Minnesota Cancer Center. Terramed Alliance is a non-profit organization in the battle against leukemia helps children living with cancer and their families. Our goal is to make sure children battling cancer know they are not alone. orgDisclaimer: If you have any questions regarding information in these press releases please contact the company added in the press release….Read the Full Story

Rosetta Genomics Strengthens MicroRNA Intellectual Property Position with Receipt of Additional Patent

Alfie — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:12:22 +0000

Story Summary: aThis recent patent issuance strengthens and validates our strategy of establishing a broad and integrated IP portfolio upon which the company is building its microRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic discovery engines. Many of these applications protect the specific microRNAs used in the companyas products. In addition, the company is pursuing more than 50 patent applications to protect methods of detecting microRNAs and methods of diagnosing and treating diseases with microRNAs. About microRNAsMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recently discovered, small RNAs that act as master regulators of protein synthesis, and have been shown to be highly effective biomarkers. In addition, early preclinical data has shown that by controlling the levels of specific microRNAs, cancer cell growth may be reduced. About miRviewaC/ ProductsmiRviewaC/ are a series of microRNA-based diagnostic products offered by Rosetta Genomics. miRviewaC/ mets accurately identifies the primary tumor site in metastatic cancer and Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP). miRviewaC/ squamous accurately identifies the squamous subtype of non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which carries an increased risk of severe of fatal internal bleeding and poor response to treatment for certain therapies. miRviewaC/ squamous accurately identifies the squamous subtype of non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which carries an increased risk of severe of fatal internal bleeding and poor response to treatment for certain therapies. About Rosetta GenomicsRosetta Genomics (Nasdaq: ROSG) is a leading developer of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics. Building on its strong IP position and proprietary platform technologies, Rosetta Genomics is working on the application of these technologies in the development of a full range of microRNA-based diagnostic tools. The companyas first three microRNA-based tests, miRviewaC/ squamous, miRviewaC/ mets, and miRviewaC/ meso, are commercially available through its Philadelphia-based CLIA-certified lab. Rosetta Genomics is the 2008 winner of Wall Street Journalas Technology Innovation Awards in the medical/biotech category. rosettagenomics. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent Rosettaas views only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date….Read the Full Story

Pathogen protection and virulence: Dark side of fungal membrane protein revealed

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:11:16 +0000

Story Summary: Said Lawrence: This transdisciplinary project has involved bioinformatics, functional genomics, molecular biology, biochemistry, plant pathology, immunology, and medical mycology. Dr. Biswarup Mukhopadhyay, an expert in microbial enzyme biochemistry at VBI, remarked: The scientific evidence suggests that TmpL is a flavin-containing enzyme that possesses six membrane-spanning domains. Flavins are molecules that are involved in biological oxidation and reduction reactions. It seems likely that TmpL deploys electrons from NADPH, a key energy currency in the cell, via a flavin molecule to somehow modify subsequent signaling events that are linked to the overall oxidative state of the cell. While these molecules are toxic at inappropriate levels, they are also likely key signaling molecules involved in directing fungal development. He added: TmpL-deficient mutants were also more sensitive to external oxidative stress which suggests that TmpL may aid the onset of disease by protecting the pathogen from the hosts defense mechanism. Experiments with oxidative-burst-deficient mice suggest that the intracellular regulation of reactive oxygen species in the fungus is most likely more important for pathogenesis than resistance to host-derived oxidative stress. However, more work is needed to confirm this hypothesis and to dissect the precise molecular mechanism that is involved. The current study shows that TmpL is essential for both types of fungi to cause disease in their host cells. Dr. Kwang-Hyung Kim at VBI, the lead author on the paper and a scientist working on the project, remarked, TmpL appears to be located in the membrane of the Woronin body, a specialized peroxisomal organelle found specifically in the cells of hyphae in filamentous fungi. When the function of TmpL is impaired or its gene inactivated, both A. brassicicola and A. fumigatus show drastic decreases in their ability to cause disease in our experimental host systems of cabbage, Arabidopsis, and mouse. The results will be published in PLoS Pathogens: Kim K-H, Willger SD, Park S-W, Puttikamonkul S, Grahl N, Cho Y, Mukhopadhyay B, Cramer RA, Lawrence CB (2009) TmpL, a transmembrane protein required for intracellular redox homeostasis and virulence in a plant and an animal fungal pathogen. The study is available on-line at http://dx. ppat. vt. edu) has a research platform centered on understanding the disease triangle of host-pathogen-environment interactions in plants, humans and other animals….Read the Full Story

Terra med Alliance News In Kids, Genes May Affect Leukemia Treatment

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:46:53 +0000

Story Summary: HealthTerra med Alliance News In Kids, Genes May Affect Leukemia Treatment2009-11-04 12:22:06 – Finding could help tailor therapy regimen to individuals, experts sayTerra med Alliance News : By Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter. Our findings imply that the DNA patients inherit from their parents also explains why some patients respond to chemotherapy better than others, she said. For the study, Rellings team studied genetic variations in 487 children with lymphoblastic leukemia. A high proportion of the gene variations were related to levels of the chemotherapy in blood and in leukemia cells; some were related to leukemia cell biology, Relling said. An equal number, 21, were also associated with blood-related relapse and with the performance of antileukemic drugs. 7 percent of the SNPs were linked to early response, relapse risk or the performance of antileukemic drugs, the researchers found. Some of the gene variation is likely to cause differences among patients in how quickly their bodies rid themselves of the chemotherapy, and some of the variations are likely to penetrate through to the leukemia cells and have an influence on the inherent sensitivity of the leukemia cells to chemotherapy, Relling said. Knowing the genetics of patients and knowing the genetics of their tumors are both important in designing effective treatments, she explained. But knowing the genetic makeup of people and their disease, he said, might make it possible to make treatment less toxic by using lower doses for a shorter time. More informationThe U. S. National Cancer Institute has more on childhood leukemia. Terramed Alliance is a non-profit organization in the battle against leukemia helps children living with cancer and their families. Please do not contact pr-inside. We will not be able to assist you….Read the Full Story

Complete Genomics Publishes in Science on Low-Cost Sequencing of Three Human Genomes Using Its Proprietary Sequencing Platform

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:44:22 +0000

Story Summary: The consumables cost for these three genomes sequenced on the proof-of-principle genomic DNA nanoarrays ranged from $8,005 for 87x coverage to $1,726 for 45x coverage for the samples described in this report. Weve demonstrated that its possible to accurately and affordably sequence and detect variants across entire human genomes, said Cliff Reid, chairman, president and CEO of Complete Genomics. With this approach, Complete Genomics scientists generated high-quality diploid base calls in as much as 95 percent of the genomes sequenced, identifying 3. Patterned genomic DNA nanoarrays and 70-base, unchained sequence reads are unique technical achievements. 7 micron pitch, will enable Complete Genomics to sequence 10,000 human genomes in 2010. About Complete GenomicsFounded in 2006, Complete Genomics is a California company that has developed a novel approach to sequencing human DNA that is revolutionizing the human genome sequencing industry. The company is currently building the worlds largest human genome sequencing center. This development will allow academic and biopharmaceutical researchers, for the first time, to conduct large-scale complete human genome studies that will help identify the genetic underpinnings of complex diseases and drug responses….Read the Full Story

UTSA reports 34% increase in FY 09 total research spending over FY 08 according to newest numbers

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:16:22 +0000

Story Summary: To say weve almost doubled our research activities in the past five years is really significant, said Gracy. In addition, UTSA began receiving funding from a variety of new sources last year, including the San Antonio Life Sciences Institute, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009and multiple contracts with international partners. The University also began to focus on the development and commercializationof new marketable technologies developed by its faculty and students. By Aug. 31, 2009, UTSAs invention disclosures increased 244%, and its provisional patent applications increased 400% over the prior year. UTSA serves more than 29,100 students in 64 bachelors, 47 masters and 21 doctoral degree programs in the colleges of Architecture, Business, Education and Human Development, Engineering, Honors, Liberal and Fine Arts, Public Policy, Sciences and Graduate School….Read the Full Story

New HPV Vaccine Might Stop Vulvar Cancer in its Tracks

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:06:53 +0000

Story Summary: New HPV Vaccine Might Stop Vulvar Cancer in its TracksWorking differently than Gardasil, Cervarix, it targets inside of virus, study showsWEDNESDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDay News) — A vaccine that targets human papillomavirus (HPV) is able to stop precancerous lesions in the vulva from progressing into full-blown malignancies, Dutch researchers report. Eventually, clinicians hope the two HPV vaccines on the market will reduce the incidence of vulvar precancerous lesions. The HPV-16 virus is implicated in 75 percent of cases of these vulvar lesions. What we typically do is ablative therapies that destroy the lesion. For this study, 20 patients with vulvar dysplasia were vaccinated three or four times against certain cancer-related proteins associated with HPV-16. Three months after the last vaccination, 60 percent of patients reported some kind of response along with fewer symptoms. For the same time period, five women (25 percent) saw their lesions disappear completely and four women had no more signs of HPV-16. In principle, this vaccine gives an enormous stimulation of the immune response against the HPV antigens expressed in infected and transformed cells. As such, it should do the same in patients with other types of HPV-16-induced (pre-)malignancies….Read the Full Story

RXi Pharmaceuticals Appoints Noah D. Beerman as CEO

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:48:22 +0000

Story Summary: The appointment of Mr. Beerman as CEO is part of a planned succession in leadership as the company looks to advance from the research stage to product development and execution of therapeutic collaborations and partnerships. Prior to joining Indevus in 1997, Mr. Beerman was Vice President responsible for health care at Technology Management and Funding (TMF), a venture firm where he developed and executed business and commercialization strategies for TMFs biotechnology portfolio. The board would like to acknowledge Dr. Woolf for his service and is delighted that he will remain with RXi as an active member of our SAB, continued Mr. Hillsberg. Mr. Beerman added, I am excited to join RXi and lead its next phase of growth. My experience in building clinical pipelines will help guide the company as it looks to advance products using its breakthrough technology and advanced therapeutic platform. About RXi Pharmaceuticals CorporationRXi Pharmaceuticals is a discovery-stage biopharmaceutical company pursuing the development and potential commercialization of proprietary therapeutics based on RNA interference (RNAi) for the treatment of human diseases. RXi has a comprehensive therapeutic platform that includes both RNAi compounds and potential delivery methods. comForward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. comForward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future expectations, plan and future development of RXi Pharmaceutical Corporations products and technologies. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future expectations, plan and future development of RXi Pharmaceutical Corporations products and technologies. Actual results may differ materially from those RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation contemplated by these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation contemplated by these forward-looking statements….Read the Full Story

Gene Discovery Gives Clues to Crohns Disease, Colitis

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:26:53 +0000

Story Summary: Gene Discovery Gives Clues to Crohns Disease, ColitisMutation is tied to a protein implicated in rare form of bowel disorder, researchers sayWEDNESDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDay News) — People with painful, chronic bowel conditions such as Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis could see a glimmer of hope from new research. These conditions involve a persistent inflammation of the intestinal tract that can cause bouts of diarrhea, rectal bleeding and other symptoms. But the new study shows that there may be some subsets of adult patients who have insufficient amounts of interleukin-10, Schaffer said. Were very excited about this discovery, said study lead author Dr. Erik-Oliver Glocker, a postdoctoral researcher at University College London in the United Kingdom. If you have a mutation in the receptor, interleukin-10 doesnt work and the entire immune system is off-balance. It took a lot of screening to find young people with this specific genetic flaw, Glocker said. The disease usually emerges later in life, and in older patients, it could be different, he said. The problem is that in Crohns disease patients, the cause of the disease is not well understood, Glocker said. And that makes treatment — a bone marrow transplant — much easier. And that makes treatment — a bone marrow transplant — much easier. Were not sure that a transplant should be considered in adult Crohns patients. A number of variants of other genes have been detected in people with IBD, Schaffer said….Read the Full Story

Possible Help in Fight Against Muscle-wasting Disease

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:23:16 +0000

Story Summary: The experiments — done by former UO doctoral student M. Bryan Warf and Catherine M. Matthys, who has since graduated from the UO, and Rochesters postdoctoral researcher Masayuki Nakamori — identified pentamidine and neomycin B as compounds that worked against abnormal genetic instructions. The research — supported primarily by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the Muscular Dystrophy Association — was published in the Nov. 3 issue of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. In a separate commentary in PNAS, Thomas A. Cooper of the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston hailed the findings, noting that the compound is the first to show such promise of reversing splicing defects. This leads to errors in the splicing process in which important proteins are made incorrectly or not at all. Researchers found that pentamidine disrupted the complexes formed by the expanded repeats and the MBNL protein that becomes stuck to them, allowing the protein to return to its proper location in the cell. Pentamidine has not been yet tested in people with DM1, Berglund cautioned, but its FDA approval for other uses is important. Although pentamidine is not ready for use as a therapy for DM1, this work does demonstrate that a small molecule strategy is a viable approach to this disease, Berglund said. About the University of OregonThe University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregons flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of the 62 leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. Andrew Berglund, a member of the University of Oregons Institute of Molecular Biology, studies myotonic dystrophy….Read the Full Story

Ancient muscle tissue extracted from 18 million year old fossil

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:20:22 +0000

Story Summary: com) — Scientists have extracted organically preserved muscle tissue from an 18 million years old salamander fossil. The discovery by researchers from University College Dublin, the UK and Spain, reported in the Proceedings of the Royal Society Bshows that soft tissue can be preserved under a broader set of fossil conditions than previously known. After first sighting the material, we completed a series of highly detailed analyses to limit the possibility that it was simply an artefactof preservation or something unrelated to the biology of the animal. According to the University College Dublin geologists, the muscle tissueis organically preserved in three dimensions, with circulatory vessels infilled with blood. Using the same sampling methods and high resolution imaging that led to this find, scientists will now begin to investigate existing fossils in national museums and elsewhere across the world, for similar types of soft tissue preservation. Although examples of soft tissue preservation are likely to remain incredibly rare, further discoveries will help scientists paint a better picture of life on earth since the beginning of evolutionary time. DNA getting smaller everytime it replicates??12 hours ago Today in biology class, my teacher said that DNA gets smaller everytime it replicates. He also said that this is the main cause of aging (he said that the shortening of DNA ending up chopping off. I am writing about an essay on genetic engineering and wondering if cloning would come under genetic engineering or modifications. I am writing about an essay on genetic engineering and wondering if cloning would come under genetic engineering or modifications. Some sources state it is while some state that it is a. . . Partial pressure of gases in various parts of the respiratory systemNov 04, 2009 Hello everyone, Ok to understand the respiratory system, proper understanding of this diagram is essential. 19 hours ago | / 5 (1) | 0 Although comics have been published in newspapers since the 1890s, they still get no respect from some teachers and librarians, despite their current popularity among adults. But according to a University . . . No evidence of De Sotos path . . . Oct 31, 2009 | / 5 (5) | (PhysOrg….Read the Full Story

Science & the Public: Developing a genomic ark

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:46:53 +0000

Story Summary: Biologists can tell a lot about how living things evolved by rooting around in their genes, comparing snippets of DNA from supposedly related — or unrelated — species. Its aim: to collect tissues or cells from at least 10,000 vertebrate species — enough to catalog DNA sequences from about every vertebrate genus. And thats simple, says geneticist David Haussler of the University of California, Santa Cruz: We want to see evolution in action. And sometimes a huge difference in the appearance of animals — say humans and chimps — may trace to less than a 2 percent difference in their genes, Haussler says. By knowing when animals diverged in the archeological record and what traits are associated with that split, Haussler says, scientists can now tie those new traits to particular genes. From that, they can essentially date when these novel features emerged, and how broadly theyve spread among seemingly related species. None of these species need be killed for the first round of genomic analyses — because theyve already gone to their maker, observes geneticist Stephen OBrien. I spent a lot of my career collecting specimens from nontraditional species of mammals that I thought could be studied for the mining of resistance to disease and other effects. So its designers have decided to wait for sequencing costs to drop by a factor of 10 or more — probably in the next couple years — before launching their analytical program in earnest. But hes also confident benefactors will eventually step forward, willing to put their name on this Book of Life. Hes referring to the need for confirming sample provenance and quality. And that if it belongs to an endangered or protected species, proper permits were obtained before the sample was collected. Its home to a Frozen Zoo– tissue samples from some 8,600 individual animals representing roughly 800 species. But the same may not be true for ancient samples in museums or elsewhere. A museum may offer up for testing some sample that spent the last century pickled in alcohol. Of course, just getting a DNA blueprint for a species isnt the goal of Genome 10K, Haussler says, because it wont tell you what that DNA has evolved to do. Those proteins will ultimately create tissue, produce signals that orchestrate the timing of processes within cells, permit an individual to reproduce — even underpin behavior. Some DNA may never be unshelved for use in creating an entree — some biologically active protein. Once the Genome 10K Project begins transcribing DNA blueprints for each vertebrate genus on Earth, biologists risk becoming buried by an avalanche of data. But he looks forward to having that problem — more comparative genetic data than he knows what to do with. Genome 10K: A Proposal to Obtain Whole-Genome Sequence for 10,000 Vertebrate Species. Genome 10K: A Proposal to Obtain Whole-Genome Sequence for 10,000 Vertebrate Species. Journal of Heredity(in press). Journal of Heredity(in press)….Read the Full Story

Genomes of biofuel yeasts reveal clues that could boost fuel ethanol production

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:52:22 +0000

Story Summary: An attractive replacement for gasoline is biofuel, and in two studies published online in Genome Research, scientists have analyzed the genome structures of bioethanol-producing microorganisms, uncovering genetic clues that will be critical in developing new technologies needed to implement production on a global scale. Bioethanol is produced from the fermentation of plant material, such as sugar cane and corn, by the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisae, just as in the production of alcoholic beverages. The groups work revealed that portions of the genome are plastic compared to other yeast strains, specifically the peripheral regions of chromosomes, where they observed a number of sequence rearrangements. In a second study published in Genome Research, researchers from Stanford University and Brazil led by Boris Stambuk and Gavin Sherlock have also analyzed the genome structure of industrial bioethanol yeasts, searching for variations in the number of gene copies in five strains employed in Brazil, including PE-2. Stambuk and colleagues found that all five industrial strains studied harbor amplifications of genes involved in the synthesis of vitamins B6 and B1 – compounds critical for efficient growth and utilization of sugar. The group experimentally demonstrated that the gene amplifications confer robust growth in industrial conditions, indicating that these yeasts likely adapted to limited availability of vitamins in the industrial process to gain a competitive advantage. com) — A strain of yeast that thrives on turning sugar cane into ethanol for biofuel has had its genome completely sequenced by researchers at Duke University Medical Center. DNA getting smaller everytime it replicates??12 hours ago Today in biology class, my teacher said that DNA gets smaller everytime it replicates. Some sources state it is while some state that it is a. . . Partial pressure of gases in various parts of the respiratory systemNov 04, 2009 Hello everyone, Ok to understand the respiratory system, proper understanding of this diagram is essential. Something I dont have, so if anyone can help me with these questions I would be very. com) — Breaking up may actually not be hard to do, say scientists whove found a population of tropical butterflies that may be on its way to a split into two distinct species. com) — Female water striders often reject their most persistent and aggressive suitors and prefer the males who arent so grabby, according to new research. com) — Female water striders often reject their most persistent and aggressive suitors and prefer the males who arent so grabby, according to new research. 19 hours ago | / 5 (5) | 0 Despite their fearsome fangs, male sabertoothed cats may have been less aggressive than many of their feline cousins, says a new study of male-female size differences in extinct big cats….Read the Full Story

Vaccine may head off genital cancer in women

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:06:53 +0000

Story Summary: A series of shots can knock out genital lesions in women infected with a dangerous strain of human papillomavirus, or HPV, a new study finds. Although the experimental vaccine wasnt effective in everyone tested, most of the women showed benefits and many appear to have developed long-lasting immunity against this strain of HPV and the precancerous growths it can spawn. In the best-case scenario, these shots will deliver long-lasting protection, but only large-scale testing and extended follow-up will establish that, Finn says. Although the lesions can be removed with laser treatment or surgery, they commonly recur, says Kenter, now at VU University Amsterdam. Two years after vaccination, these vulvar intraepithelial lesions had disappeared in nine women and showed partial improvement in four others. One additional participant appeared to benefit but died of heart failure before the trial was completed. While it remains unclear why six women derived no benefit, Kenter says, all had large lesions and most had been fighting the precancerous growths for 10 years or more. The new vaccine mobilizes T cells, immune agents that can root out viruses that have already invaded a cell, says Finn. Viruses survive by incorporating their DNA into a cells genetic material. The new vaccine mimics the way most women clear HPV infections without ever developing lesions or cancer. Among women who benefitted from the vaccine in the new study, the body cleared out infected cells, which Gardasil and Cervarix vaccines have not been shown to do, Kenter says. Those vaccines stimulate production of antibodies that lie in wait for newly arriving viruses — which makes them very effective in girls and young women who have never been exposed to HPV. It remains unclear how effective those vaccines will be for women in their 20s and older who may have a latent HPV infection, Kenter says. Immunological and clinical responses in women with vulval intraepithelial neoplasia vaccinated with a vaccinia virus encoding human papillomavirus 16/18 oncoproteins. Immunological and clinical responses in women with vulval intraepithelial neoplasia vaccinated with a vaccinia virus encoding human papillomavirus 16/18 oncoproteins. van Seters, M. et al. 2008. New England Journal of Medicine, 358: 1465-73. Vaccination against HPV-16 oncoproteins for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia….Read the Full Story

Newly Discovered Fat Molecule: An Undersea Killer with an Upside

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:24:22 +0000

Story Summary: We know that these blooms are frequently infected with viruses, and this virus is specific to this phytoplankton. E. huxleyi grows rapidly in the North Atlantic, in these big blooms that you can actually see from outer space, Van Mooy says. But, adds Van Mooy, they die just almost as quickly as they start out, and were not sure why. I saw Bens talk on marine microbes and lipids and I ran after him, said Vardi. We told him about our ideas involving the viruss effect on the phytoplankton. In April 2008, Van Mooys team visited the sites of E. huxleyi blooms during a research cruise between Woods Hole and Bermuda and collected samples for lipid analysis back in the laboratory. They immediately recognized lipids that were just like those in virally infected E. huxleyi cells grown by the Rutgers team. Seeing this viral lipid appear during the course of infection was amazing, and then we found it in the ocean too. Adds Vardi: Viruses are really important players in regulating phytoplankton blooms. We zoom into the bloom and try to understand the interaction between the viruses and host, which is this really important, cosmopolitan, bloom-forming species. After isolating the viral lipids, the team found that the lipids alone were able to bring about the symptoms of viral infection in the phytoplankton. We can cause the phytoplankton to die by just giving the lipids. Both the virus and the newly found lipid deal their deadly blow by causing the upper-ocean plants to commit cellular suicide. Bidles group had previously found that successful infection of E. huxleyi induced, and actually required, the programmed cell death pathway. According to Vardi, These lipids can induce programmed cell death in many organisms, including animals and plants. If a healthy cell is stressed or damaged, usually it will kill itself with programmed cell death. Its a critical aspect of cancer research, because cancer cells have figured out a way to turn off the programmed cell death pathway, he says. The lipid may help shed light on why cancer cells are unable to commit suicide. More immediately, scientists hope to learn more about the central role phytoplanktonand virusesplay in regulating climate. It appears that the virus has borrowed, copied actually, the genes for this lipid from the host, he says. Similar genes are still on the host, but the virus has figured out a way to take those genes and put them into its own genome, and alter them enough to make them more toxic. And what is the role of the pathway in the co-evolution of programmed cell death in the host and virus. The phytoplankton are at one end of the boxing ring and theyre taking up carbon dioxide, and the viruses are at the other end, and theyre out to kill them. And how that works out controls how much carbon dioxide is taken up. Were very interested in understanding what controls these phytoplankton, he says. And who knows what kind of activities they may be involved with. They may hold a cure for a human disease or they may play unknown role in phytoplankton. Thats what scientists have found using NASA satellite data and a computer model. Their photosynthesis uses light to drive carbon dioxide uptake, fueling the marine food web over vast . . . Ionic vs. CovalentNov 03, 2009 How do you know whether AsI3 is ionic or covalent? I was asked on an exam to name it, and I called it Arsenic triioide when the prof said it was Arsenic (III) iodide. electronegativity difference NaHNov 02, 2009 Although the electronegativity difference between sodium and hydrogen in NaH is less than 1. com) — A University of Colorado at Boulder team has developed the first atlas of bacterial diversity across the human body, charting wide variations in microbe populations that live in different . . . com) — Researchers at Yale University have developed synthetic molecules capable of enhancing the bodys immune response to HIV and HIV-infected cells, as well as to prostate cancer cells….Read the Full Story

Experimental vaccine cures pre-cancer vulvar growths

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:26:53 +0000

Story Summary: Experimental vaccine cures pre-cancer vulvar growthsBy Gene EmeryBOSTON (Reuters) – An experimental vaccine cured nearly half of women with pre-cancerous growths on their genitals, producing major improvement in nearly four out of five, researchers in the Netherlands reported on Wednesday. We tried to find something for women who already had the disorder, Kenter said. Lesions disappeared in nine of the women, including one whose growths were more than 10 years old. All patients with a complete response were still free of disease at 24 months of follow-up, the researchers wrote in the New England Journal of Medicine. Such lesions turn cancerous in about 3,200 U. S. women each year and roughly 800 die of vulvar cancer annually. Within three and a half years after vaccination, two patients developed cancer and one woman who initially showed major improvement had a relapse. We dont think we are there yet, but this is a big step forward, said Kenter. Leiden University holds a patent for the vaccine technology and ISA Pharmaceuticals has licensed the patent. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests….Read the Full Story

Chimerix Updates the World Health Organization and the Global Health Security Initiative on Development of CMX001 as a Broad-Spectrum Therapeutic for Smallpox

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:56:22 +0000

Story Summary: Dr. Painter said, with regard to both the WHO and GHSI presentations, We are quite pleased with the progress of CMX001 and look forward to working with both the U. S. and international public health and transplant communities to continue to move the product toward regulatory approval. Chimerix is currently conducting clinical trials of CMX001 for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and BK virus in immunocompromised transplant patients. The company has also received a grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support the development of CMX001 as a treatment in the event of a smallpox outbreak. About the GHSI MeetingThis years GHSI workshop was hosted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in Washington, DC. Led by a world-class antiviral drug development team, Chimerix is advancing programs to address cytomegalovirus (CMV), BK virus, smallpox, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza. The companys lead compound, CMX001, is currently in Phase 1 and 2 clinical studies for the treatment of BK virus and CMV, potentially deadly infections among immunocompromised patients. CMX001 is also being evaluated for use as a treatment in the event of a smallpox outbreak. Chimerix has received financing from leading venture capital firms, including Canaan Partners, Alta Partners, Sanderling Ventures, Frazier Healthcare Ventures and Asset Management Company, in addition to U. S. Government grants….Read the Full Story

1930s Drug Slows Tumor Growth

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:35:16 +0000

Story Summary: The drug, acriflavine, used in the 1930s for treating gonorrhea, has turned out to have the previously unknown ability to halt the growth of new blood vessels. D. , the C. Michael Armstrong Professor of Pediatrics and director of the vascular program at the Johns Hopkins Institute for Cell Engineering. To continue growing, a tumor must create new blood vessels to deliver oxygen to the tumor cells. Most drugs are unable to prevent protein binding because the drug molecules can be much smaller than the proteins they interact with. Even though drugs that stop binding are uncommon, they are such an effective means to stop protein function that Semenza decided to look for one that might block HIF-1. To visualize protein binding, scientists engineered a cell line so that when the HIF-1 subunits came together, they would cause the cell to light up like a firefly. They then tested each of the more than 3,000 drugs in the drug library in hopes of finding one that would turn out the light. Hopkins is seeking even more new uses for old drugs. So far, drugs in the library have been screened for use against malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and the Ebola virus. In the public domain, Hopkins has the largest drug library, says Liu….Read the Full Story

aGenome 10Ka To Sequence DNA Of 10,000 Vertebrates

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:46:53 +0000

Story Summary: Genome 10K To Sequence DNA Of 10,000 VertebratesPosted on: Wednesday, 4 November 2009, 16:00 CST An international consortium of scientists is proposing to generate whole genome sequences for 10,000 vertebrate species using technology so new it hasnt yet been invented. The plan involves gathering specimens of thousands of animals from zoos, museums, and university collections throughout the world, and then sequencing the genome of each species to reveal its complete genetic heritage. This is possible because the technology to sequence DNA is thousands of times more powerful now than it was just a decade ago, and is poised to get even more powerful very soon. With the latest sequencing technology, it now costs $50,000 to $100,000 per genome. The most challenging intellectual problem in biology for this century will be the reconstruction of our biological past so we can understand how complex organisms such as ourselves evolved, he said. Genomes contain information from the past–they are molecular fossils–and having sequences from vertebrates will be an essential source of rich information. During the UCSC meeting, 55 top scientists representing research centers, universities, major zoos and museums throughout the world worked through the challenging logistics involved in conducting such a bold project. This will be annotated with experimental findings related to specific sites of change. Analysis of these data will be a far greater challenge than anything yet attempted in comparative genomics, Haussler said. The scientists have identified specimens that span a wide range of evolutionary diversity, including living mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes. We are capturing what evolution left us with before the human population started impacting species–a set of genomes inclusive of the biota that a magnificent evolutionary process has produced. The scientists expect their project will provide a strong foundation for understanding the genetic basis of recent and rapid adaptive changes within vertebrate species and between closely related species. Genome sequences will be particularly useful in efforts to assess genetic diversity among endangered populations. The consortium reached a consensus on guidelines for the collection of samples, including the types and volumes of tissues, recommendations for preservation and documentation, and adherence to national and international statutes regulating the collection, use, and transport of biological specimens. When completed, the collection will include more than a thousand frozen samples of fibroblast cells derived from 602 different vertebrate species. When you sequence a whole genome, it may be 3 billion bases, of which only a few percent code for genes. These cells are robust sources of high-quality RNA, he said. The Genome 10K project can help reveal answers to longstanding questions about the history of evolution. Differences in the DNA that makes up the genomes of the animals we find today hold the key to the great biological events of the past, such as the development of the four-chambered heart and the magnificent architecture of wings, fins and arms, each adapted to its special purpose, said Haussler. Differences in the DNA that makes up the genomes of the animals we find today hold the key to the great biological events of the past, such as the development of the four-chambered heart and the magnificent architecture of wings, fins and arms, each adapted to its special purpose, said Haussler. The first challenge is to bring this whole promise into reality by actually getting samples, characterizing them, doing quality control on them, and delivering them to sequencing centers that can accomplish the goal, he said. The first challenge is to bring this whole promise into reality by actually getting samples, characterizing them, doing quality control on them, and delivering them to sequencing centers that can accomplish the goal, he said….Read the Full Story

Novartis Receives Regulatory Approval In Germany For CelturaA(r), A Cell Culture-Based Influenza A(H1N1) Pandemic Vaccine

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:28:22 +0000

Story Summary: Clinical studies conducted with more than 1,850 subjects evaluated Celturas tolerability and immunogenicity. Local injection site (redness, swelling and pain) and systemic complaints of mild fever, headache and fatigue were the most frequent side effects reported. Celtura uses a validated cell culture line for production of viral antigen components rather than traditional chicken eggs. We quickly ramped up capacity at our licensed cell culture facility in Marburg, Germany to respond to the need for a pandemic vaccine. Also we are close to completion of a second cell culture-based influenza vaccine manufacturing site in the US1, which is being built in partnership with the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Novartis has already begun delivery of the companys egg-based pandemic vaccines, Fluvirin(r) A(H1N1) monovalent vaccine to the US, and Focetria(r) A(H1N1) monovalent vaccine to countries around the world. The US Food and Drug Administration approved the Fluvirin A(H1N1) vaccine on September 15, 2009, and the EMEA approved the Focetria A(H1N1) vaccine on September 29, 2009. The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as continues to pursue, can, potentially, offering the ability, or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential additional marketing approvals for Novartis A(H1N1) vaccines, potential future deliveries of influenza vaccines, or regarding potential future revenues from influenza vaccines. In particular, managements expectations regarding Novartis influenza vaccines could be affected by, among other things, unexpected regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; unexpected manufacturing difficulties or delays, including continued unexpected difficulties with seed virus yields, and unexpected difficulties with our flu cell culture manufacturing facility and processes; unexpected clinical trial results, including unexpected new clinical data and unexpected additional analysis of existing clinical data; the companys ability to obtain or maintain patent or other proprietary intellectual property protection; competition in general; government, industry and general public pricing pressures; the impact that the foregoing factors could have on the values attributed to the Novartis Groups assets and liabilities as recorded in the Groups consolidated balance sheet, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AGs current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics is a division of Novartis focused on the development of preventive treatments. Novartis Vaccines is the worlds fifth-largest vaccines manufacturer and second-largest supplier of flu vaccines in the US. The divisions products also include meningococcal, pediatric and travel vaccines. Novartis Diagnostics prevents the spread of infections through the development and marketing of innovative technologies that enable early detection of pathogens to protect the worlds blood supply and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Focused solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, diagnostic tools and consumer health products….Read the Full Story

Sticky future for the spider suture

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:06:53 +0000

Story Summary: THE ultra-strong glue that spiders use to trap their prey has given up some of its genetic secrets, raising the hope that similar substances could one day be synthesised to produce surgical adhesives. The glue, which the spider secretes onto the central prey-capturing spiral threads of its web, is known to be based on a complex sugary polymer called a glycoprotein. They then used this to create a complementary DNA sequence to identify the genes potentially involved in glue creation. If you would like to reuse any contentfrom New Scientist, either in print or online, please contact the syndicationdepartment first for permission. Wonder how this could have evolved!I seem to remember quite a bit of DNA/RNA was palindromic- and given the way the stuff works not really surprising over 110 bases. If you think a particular comment breaks these rules then please use the Report link in that comment to report it to us….Read the Full Story

Researchers Discover Mutations In Two Genes That Cause Early-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:00:22 +0000

Story Summary: Discovery of the genetic mutations allowed the researchers to successfully treat one of the study patients with a bone marrow transplant. The successful treatment of the patient in this study built upon a well established treatment approach: that bone marrow transplants can be curative in genetic disorders where the affected gene is normally active in cells derived from the bone marrow. Because of the risks associated with bone marrow transplants, they are used only in cases of severe diseases, where the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Patients with the IBD caused by the genetic mutations identified in this research have very severe disease that meets this general criterion, though each case must be evaluated individually. The study is the first to show that a single genetic mutation is sufficient to cause IBD. Other research groups focusing primarily on adult-onset IBD have identified dozens of genes and variants that affect the risk for IBD, but none that singly can cause the disease. The mutated genes identified in the study encode the proteins IL10R1 and IL10R2, which act together to receive signals from the cytokine IL10. IL10 (interleukin 10) plays a crucial role in keeping the bodys inflammatory responses in check. The human body is continuously generating local inflammatory responses to control microbial infections and repair damage from other toxins, but if that inflammatory response is not properly controlled tissues may be excessively damaged. When either IL10R1 or IL10R2 is mutated, the signals from IL10 cannot be received, and the resulting inflammation causes tissue damage, especially in the gastrointestinal system. This discovery is a milestone in research on inflammatory bowel disease, and will enable us to gain further insights into the physiology and immunity of the intestine, said Erik Glocker, UCL, who found the first mutation in IL10R2 identified in the study. One of these regions included the gene encoding IL10R2, which was determined to be the best candidate because of studies showing mice deficient in the corresponding gene had IBD. NCBI is proud to be a part of this important research, which illustrates how computational biology can facilitate selection of effective treatments, said David Lipman, M. D. , director of NCBI….Read the Full Story

Study Shows Neural Stem Cells In Mice Affected By Gene Associated With Longevity

Alfie — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:32:22 +0000

Story Summary: Properly balancing these functions allows you to generate new nerve cells as needed while also maintaining a robust neural stem cell pool. However, the life span of some laboratory animals can be artificially extended by mutating genes involved in metabolism, and some humans outlive their life expectancy (about 70 years for someone born in 1960) by decades. While mice can live without FoxO3, such mice usually die from cancer between 12 and 18 months after birth. Brunet and her colleagues used mice of three different ages, both with and without the gene: 1-day-old (newborns), 3-month-old (young adult) and 1-year-old (middle age). There were no significant differences between the newborn mice with and without FoxO3, suggesting that FoxO3 loss only affects adults. The researchers also discovered that the few stem cells found in the adult mice without FoxO3 more rapidly churned out neural cell precursors — those cells destined to become new neurons — than did the mice with normal FoxO3 levels. Cells that are unable to enter quiescence are less able to self-renew and may lose their ability to become any of the three nerve cell types. Together, the research results suggest that FoxO3 is important to regulate the pool of neural stem cells in the adult brain. We know that the level of FoxO3 doesnt vary drastically, but its possible the protein becomes less active over a mouses life span. Or perhaps it simply becomes overwhelmed by the accumulated molecular changes of aging. Brunet and her colleagues, along with collaborators at the University of Arkansas, are working on creating a mouse in which FoxO3 levels are artificially elevated. Were very interested in understanding how everything unravels during the aging process, said Brunet….Read the Full Story