ALSO NOTED: Stem cell initiative goes to voters; Two genes linked to MS;

Stem Cell Research

Advanced Cell Technology has advanced a new method to create embryonic stem cells without destroying the embryo, but federal officials say that the Bush Administration's policy on ESCs prevents them from funding work in the field. Report

New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine has signed legislation that will allow voters to decide on a $450 million package to support stem cell research. Report

Researchers at the University of Nottingham are studying techniques that use stem cells to repair the damage caused by heart attacks. Report

The NIH is exploring the possibility of sponsoring a variety of research projects on the International Space Station, including stem cell science. Report

Genomics

Scientists have found two genes that may help cause multiple sclerosis. A variation in the interleukin 7 receptor gene was linked to a 20 percent to 30 percent increased risk of MS. Report

Washington University researchers say they believe they have found a gene responsible for itching. Report

Researchers at the University of Michigan say that the gene Sox17 may regulate the development of blood-forming stem cells. Report

A common variant of the ADRA2B gene creates more vivid memories of emotionally charged incidents. Report

Research on the DNA of 15 mouse strains commonly used in biomedical studies is expected to help scientists determine the genes related to susceptibility to environmental disease. Release

Cancer Research

Killing cancerous tumors isn't easy, as anyone who has suffered through chemotherapy can attest. But a new study in mice shows that switching off a single malfunctioning gene can halt the limitless division of tumor cells and turn them back to the path of their own planned obsolescence. Release 

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists have identified a protein that prevents the body's immune system from recognizing and attacking Hodgkin lymphoma cells. Based on this finding, the researchers are now investigating targeted therapies to disable this molecular "bodyguard" and boost a patient's ability to fight the blood cancer. Report

A combination of two drugs works better than either drug alone for patients with renal cell carcinoma, the most common form of kidney cancer, according to a pilot study led by Duke University Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers. Release

More Research

Researchers developed a molecular switch that can be used to control gene expression, a process that could play a big role in controlling disease. Report

A task force has concluded that the FDA needs to increase its knowledge of nanotechnology but shouldn't have to flag all nanotech products for consumers. Report

Two recent articles report findings that demonstrate that neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1) protects against damage to retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and identifies an important trigger for its production and novel molecular mechanisms that support vision. Release

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have found that after HIV docks onto a host cell, it dramatically lowers the energy required for a cell membrane to bend, making it easier for the virus to infect immune cells. Report