Stem Cells
> Survival rates are essentially the same when using peripheral blood stem cells or bone marrow stem cells if those donor stem cells come from a non-relative, but bone marrow has a slight advantage, according to results from the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network Protocol 0201 trial. Story
> The Alliance of German Scientific Organizations is blasting a European Court of Justice ruling that bans patents of inventions relating to human embryonic stem cells, and labels research using the cell lines immoral, Nature is reporting. Story
Genetics
> Some British and Canadian researchers believe they've discovered a gene that links vitamin D deficiency and multiple sclerosis. Story
> Scientists at The Babraham Institute, Cambridge University and the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in the United Kingdom have nailed down $5.6 million U.S. in grant funding to study how changes to a lymphocyte (white blood cell) lead to weakening immune systems, the BBC is reporting. News
> U.K. researchers have discovered a defective gene in patients born without a pancreas that could lead to a treatment for Type 1 diabetes. Story
> Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have found that they can help mice learn and remember better by inhibiting the activity of a molecule in the brain that is normally elevated during viral infections. Release
Cancer
> Harvard Medical School and Baylor College of Medicine researchers have figured out how to combat the aggressive cancer gene known as the Myc oncogyne by disabling its helper genes. Release
> Newsweek/The Daily Beast highlights a case that shows the potential of cancer vaccines to cure the deadly disease and potentially wipe it out forever. Article
> MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston has picked up 55 scientists from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, following the departure of leading cancer expert Ronald DePinho from Dana-Farber to MD Anderson. Report
And Finally... New York's state government plans to invest about $50 million in various bioscience research projects around the state. Release