Genetic Research
Scientists at Britain's Cardiff University say they have found three new genetic links to Alzheimer's that play a role in 20 percent of all cases. And they touted their discovery as the most important breakthrough in Alzheimer's research in the past 15 years. "If we were able to remove the detrimental effects of these genes through treatments, we could reduce the proportion of people developing Alzheimer's by 20 percent," says Julie Williams. Story
Linda Avey, the co-founder of 23andMe, has left the start-up to launch a new foundation that will use the company's genetic research technology to find new therapies for the disease. Report
Researchers say that the H1N1 virus doesn't appear to seek out new genes that could make it more lethal. Story
Cancer Research
A new study has found a viral link between leukemia in animals and prostate cancer, pointing to the need for a new vaccine and screening. The virus was found in about a quarter of all prostate cancer samples. Story
UCSF researchers have developed a new approach to identify specific genes that influence how cancer cells respond to drugs and how they become resistant. Release
A common weed called American mayapple may soon offer an alternative to an Asian cousin that's been harvested almost to extinction because of its anti-cancer properties. Release
Stem Cell Research
A group of doctors, lawyers and ethicists is calling for more effective regulation of stem cell research in order to clamp down on the hype that often spurs patients to get unproven therapies. Report
BioTime announced today that Walter Funk, Ph.D. has joined its management team as vice president for stem cell research. Release
Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics has struck a production deal with Protein Production Services. Report