Stem Cell Research

Hwang Woo-suk, the disgraced South Korean scientist, wants to get back into stem cell research. He's a member of a research team that has applied for government funds to back new work involving human embryonic stem cells. Report [1]

The adult stem cells found in bone marrow cells could be used to regenerate damaged nerves, according to researchers at Kyoto University. Report [2]

A combination of stem cell and gene therapy was used to reverse the symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in mice. Report [3]

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine is moving closer to dispensing $262 million in stem cell research grants. Article [4]

The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission is reviewing 127 proposals from scientists angling for a piece of the state's $23 million in research funds. Report [5]

The Sydney Morning Herald profiles Alan Trounson, the Australian scientist who is headed to America to run the California stem cell institute. Profile [6]

Cancer Research

By blocking "insulin like growth factor two," scientists at Johns Hopkins were able to dramatically reduce the cancerous lesions formed in mice. The work suggests that new therapies that do the same could emerge as potent anti-cancer tools. Report [7]

A new drug has shown promising results against breast and prostate cancer cells and tumors that are resistant to conventional hormone-based treatments, according to research published in the British Journal of Cancer. The new drug--STX140--directly targets hormone-independent cancer cells by triggering a natural suicide process within them. Release [8]

Over-expression of the protein EphA2 in aggressive breast cancer is common, and generally leads to a poor outcome for the patient. However, the function of Eph2A in cancer progression is controversial, with conflicting evidence suggesting both pro- and anti-cancer roles for the protein. Release [9]

By feeding tumor cells escalating doses of histone deacetylase inhibitors, researchers at the Medical College of Georgia's Cancer Center created a cell line that became highly resistant to cancer therapies. Their work sheds new light on fighting cancers that are hard to treat. Report [10]

Duke University Medical Center researchers have discovered that the virus which causes Kaposi's Sarcoma encodes a molecule for controlling gene regulation nearly identical to one found normally in human cells. Both versions of the molecule, known as a microRNA, appear to play a role in the development of cancer. Release [11]

Genetics

Scientists in South Korea have cloned three cats with altered fluorescent protein genes that make them glow in the dark (photo [12]) when exposed to ultraviolet beams. Report [13]

The FDA on Wednesday announced revisions to the labels of certain epilepsy, bipolar disorder and nerve pain medications to strengthen warnings about potential risk for rare skin disorders and recommended that patients with Asian backgrounds undergo genetic tests before they take the treatments, the Wall Street Journal reports. Report [14]

A variation in the tumor suppressor gene DAB2IP could increase the risk for aggressive prostate cancer. Report [15]

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene codes for a protein also known as CFTR. Mutations of this protein are associated with cystic fibrosis and a range of digestive diseases. Release [16]

A series of genes that protect cells from the powerful, common chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin has been identified by researchers working to understand how the drug also can destroy the heart. Release [17]

A cluster of genetic variations may expose Mexican-Americans to an increased risk of alcoholism. Report [18]

The Nobel prize winning scientist James D. Watson, who triggered a storm of controversy with his recent remark that black Africans aren't as intelligent as whites, has 16 times more genes of black origin than the average white. A DNA pioneer, Watson had placed his genomic information online. Article [19]

More Research

A Tufts biologist has devised a new strategy to combat MRSA. Article [20]

Dianqing Wu and colleagues from Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, have discovered that the beta-3 form of PLC plays an important role in encouraging macrophage survival within atherosclerotic plaques. Release [21]

The Purdue Research Park has become the sole producer of a new anti-tuberculosis drug, Seromycin. Report [22]

The Medical College of Georgia Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine has been selected to isolate RNA and DNA from the blood of thousands of children involved in a worldwide study of the causes of type 1 diabetes. Release [23]