Stem Cells
> Researchers engineer a mouse with half the usual number of chromosomes. This, they say, will allow scientists to more rapidly analyze gene networks. Researcher Anton Wutz explains: "If you take our haploid embryonic stem cells and you introduce a mutation in a gene, you can immediately assess what the loss of gene function does to the cell." Report
> Up until now, scientists have had some difficulty in expanding hematopoietic, or blood-forming, stem cells for therapy. Scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have successfully isolated hematopoietic stem cells from bone marrow, teased apart its molecular mechanism and then expanded them a hundred-fold. Report
> A half-century ago, superhero Canadian scientists discovered stem cells. See the video
Cancer Research
> The structure of a protein called PARG has been deciphered by a team at Cancer Research UK, paving the way to new drug targets for inherited breast and ovarian cancers along with cancers linked to DNA repair faults. Article
> Researchers in Singapore figure out a way to do something once thought impossible--get an antibody inside a cell to fight cancer proteins. Story
> Long-term use of non-aspirin anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, has been linked to an increased risk of renal cell cancer. Release
Genetics
> Researchers worldwide combed through genetic records of more than 200,000 people around the world and found 29 DNA sequence variations that influence blood pressure. They also found that Europeans, Africans and Asians all share the same common genetic variants associated with hypertension. The find could potentially lead to a new class of hypertension drugs. Mass. General release | Johns Hopkins release
> Researchers in Australia are looking for melanoma's genetic weak spot in an attempt to find a cure. Story
> Genetics and environment responsible for mental illnesses? Well, better think about that premise some more, says a McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School researcher. Story