Stem Cell Research
A Belgian team used embryonic stem cells to create lung tissue, heralding an advance that may one day replace the need for lung transplants. Report
Human embryonic stem cells could help people with learning and memory deficits after radiation treatment for brain tumors, suggests a new UC Irvine study. Release
A national consortium is using $170 million in grants from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to link stem cell scientists around the country. "This is an important effort to break down the barriers that have kept so many research groups working apart," said Deepak Srivastava, director of the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease. "It will enable scientists in all the research groups to interact much more deeply." Story
A team led by Rudolf Jaenisch of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research has concluded that just about any adult cell can be transformed into a stem-like condition, and they've cut the amount of time that takes. Report
Genetics
Complete Genomics reports that it's been able to reduce the cost of sequencing to less than $5,000, a critical turning point in the quest to bring genetics into mainstream medicine and R&D. Story
Scientists have identified the genetic expressions that take place when a fruit fly becomes drunk and then determined that the same gene expressions occur in humans. Their work is aimed at finding a new drug that can cure alcohol dependence. Report
Researchers have transplanted genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells into mice so that their developing red blood cells produce a critical lysosomal enzyme--preventing or reducing organ and central nervous system damage from the often-fatal genetic disorder Hurler's syndrome. Release
Scientists have sequenced the genome of a domesticated horse, shedding new light on human biology. Report
Cancer Research
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine say they believe a gonorrhea medication from the 1930s might help battle cancer. "Often times we are surprised that a drug known to do something else has another hidden property," says Jun Liu, Ph.D., a professor of pharmacology and molecular sciences at Johns Hopkins. Release
A new study indicates that breast density is a key indicator for the risk of breast cancer. Story