Stem Cell Research

Researchers have found that adding stem cells with pacemaker genes into heart cells grown in a dish can create a regular beating pattern--an approach that may one day offer a new approach to treating irregular heartbeats. Report [1]

Fully mature, differentiated B cells can be reprogrammed to an embryonic-stem-cell-like state, without the use of an egg according to a study published in Cell. In addition to demonstrating the power of reprogramming, this work offers the promise of new mouse models for autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes, in which the body attacks certain types of its own cells. Release [2]

A group of 40 Japanese lawmakers has been formed, aiming to support new funding for stem cell research in the country. Report [3] 

Indian authorities say that new research involving stem cells and nanotechnology will play an important role in advancing the subcontinent to developed nation status. Story [4]

Scientists at MIT have been studying the complex regulatory circuitry involved in embryonic stem cells. Article [5]

Cancer Research

Australian researchers say that removing the RGS5 gene can reverse angiogenesis. The master gene is linked to the development of blood vessels in tumors. In animal studies, mice without the gene survived longer and demonstrated a 50 percent reduction in tumors. Report [6]

German researchers report that injecting the S. pyogenes streptococcal bacteria into pancreatic cancer tumors killed the tumors. Using live bacteria may help activate the immune system to ward off the cancer. Story [7]

A new fundamental mechanism of how tumor cells communicate has just been discovered by the team of Dr. Janusz Rak at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre in collaboration with Dr Guha from the University of Toronto. Release [8]

New research presented at AACR highlights the link between aging and the development of cancer. Story [9]

New therapies must target a key protein interaction to destroy aggressive cancer cells' protective force field, University of Florida scientists reported this week at the American Association for Cancer Research's annual meeting in San Diego. Release [10]

The California Breast Cancer Research Program is offering $23 million to scientists working on the environmental causes of cancer. Report [11]

Genetics Research

A team of researchers at the National Cancer Institute have found a pattern of genetic activity that can be used to predict a risk of breast cancer. And the work has also created a new target for drug developers. Report [12]

New York officials have begun to outline new mandates for companies that offer genetic tests to the public. Story [13]

New research highlights how personality genes influence who we are and how we act. Story [14]

More Research

New research into drug addiction at Harvard Medical School is highlighting the powerful impact that cocaine can have on young minds. The study in in Behavioral Neuroscience demonstrates that young rats injected with the drug were more likely to respond to placement preference, returning to the place they get drugs after being dosed. Release [15]

The winner of the 2008 Wistar Institute Science Journalism Award is Terry McDermott, a Los Angeles Times staff writer. McDermott's winning entry, a four-part investigative study of research on memory, is titled "Chasing Memory: One Man's Epic Quest for Understanding." For his work, he will receive a certificate of award and a cash prize of $5,000. Release [16]