Stem Cell Research
> Entest BioMedical has announced the creation of 3 bone marrow derived stem cell lines useful for optimizing laser intensities and wavelengths in laser enhanced stem cell therapy. Release
> Human embryonic stem cells have received FDA approval for testing as a treatment for a rare blindness syndrome. Olympic and Paralympic skier Brian McKeever is the best-known victim of the disease, which has no treatment. Item
> The Pahang government will proceed with plans to set up a stem cell research hub despite questions being raised on the effectiveness of stem cell treatment, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said. Story
Genetics
> One form of a common genetic variant may ratchet up pain sensitivity in people who have it, researchers report online March 8 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.The discovery could lead to more powerful pain treatments that lack the debilitating side effects of current drugs. Report
> Molecular dermatology research and development innovator DermaGenoma has released The HerpesDX Genetic Test for Frequent Genital Herpes. The new screening test will help doctors assess patients' risk for developing frequent Genital Herpes (HSV-2) outbreaks. Release
> What if a simple swab of your cheek could tell you the perfect diet and exercise plan that will actually work for you? That's the premise of a new genetic test, the results of which were boosted by a Stanford University test announced this week. Article
Cancer News
> Acetylon Pharmaceuticals reports it has licensed a drug discovery platform and a group of enzyme inhibitors from Harvard University and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Article
> ImmunoGen said its experimental skin cancer drug received orphan drug designation from U.S. and European health regulators, sending its shares up 5 percent in after-market trade. Item
> Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a way to monitor the progress of a patient's cancer treatment using a new technique for rapidly sequencing, or decoding, large amounts of DNA. Report
> Medical lab operator Quest Diagnostics said Monday it is selling the OVA1 blood test, which aims to better assess a woman's likelihood for ovarian cancer. Item
And Finally... The King Cobra continues to weave its charm with researchers identifying a protein in its venom with the potential for new drug discovery and to advance understanding of disease mechanisms. Release