Technology
Inspired by new material found in sea cucumbers, researchers at Case Western have developed a new polymer that can morph between flexible and rigid states, depending on the level of solvents it's exposed to. The lead scientist suggested that the new polymer could be particularly useful for use with neural implants. Report
Stem Cell Research
Blood stem cells that later become all types of blood cells originate in the placenta, according to new research. That work could be helpful in growing new blood stem cells in a lab for use in treating a variety of illnesses, including leukemia. Report
When human umbilical cord blood cells were injected into aged laboratory animals, researchers at the University of South Florida found improvements in the microenvironment of the hippocampus region of the animals' brains and a subsequent rejuvenation of neural stem/progenitor cells. Release
Brazil's Supreme Court has decided to delay on a ruling on whether stem cell research should be allowed in the country. Report
Cancer Research
A leading cancer researcher, Professor Daniel Tenen of the Harvard Medical School, will run the cancer facility at the National University of Singapore. Report
A novel drug that fully eliminated brain tumors from mice in a dramatic 2004 study has shown a darker side--causing permanent bone damage in younger mice. Release
Genetics
Researchers at the Institute for Ageing Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York say that rare genetic variations found in centenarians explain why they were able to live far longer than the norm. Report
A new gene therapy shows promise against muscular dystrophy. Release
A new study from Johns Hopkins highlights how different diseases can have the same genetic origin. "We're finally beginning to blur the boundaries encompassing some of these diseases by showing that they share the same molecular underpinnings," says Nicholas Katsanis, Ph.D., an associate professor of ophthalmology at the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine at Hopkins. Story
A colorectal cancer gene has been identified, offering a new biomarker that could be used to identify people who need early screening tests. Report
Gene analysis at the MRC Human Genetics Unit in Edinburgh has pinpointed a gene linked to a higher risk of gout, offering a new target for drug developers. Story
The Vatican has added genetic manipulation to its list of sins. Report
More Research
Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, in La Jolla, CA say that by inhibiting the enzymatic pathway engaged in disabling the body's sugar-off switch, they could lower glucose levels and reduce symptoms of diabetes. Article
Scientists at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden have found a protein called tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) responsible for forming fat cells. The work points to new ways to treat obesity. Story