Genetics spurs next gen of brain research; Paclitaxel can be made from yew tree stem cells;

Special Report: The Top 10 Phase III Failures of 2010. Report

Cancer Research

> Paclitaxel, a widely used anti-cancer drug, can be produced cheaply using stem cells from the bark of the yew tree, a study suggests. Report

> PLGA is a widely used polymer for fabricating drug-loaed nanoparticles, which deliver their payload into cancer cells by enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, increasing the therapeutic effect of drug loaded nanoparticles. This paper elucidates ongoing research about drug loaded nanoparticles and their delivery by EPR effect. Abstract

> Are some women with breast cancer being over-treated with chemotherapy? TAILORx or "Trial Assigning IndividuaLized Options for Treatment (Rx)," has reached its goal of 10,000 patients in its attempt to answer this question. Press release.

Genetics

> Genetics spurs next generation of brain research, reports Baylor College of Medicine. Story

> "Genetically rendered DNA prints of some of the most challenging diseases" is the theme of a line of clothing. Yes, a line of clothing. Press release

> The NIH and the National Human Genome Research Institute are looking for volunteers for its ADHD genetic research study. More information

Stem Cells

> Cellectis and the Center for iPS Cells Research and Application of Kyoto University are getting together to improve research tools based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Cellectis' genome-engineering platforms will be combined with the university's iPSCs with the goal of rationally engineering the genome of these cells to give researchers better control over how they behave. Report

> Human embryonic stem cells often die during the process of isolation using enzymatic disaggregation or low-density plating, which limits their usefulness in drug discovery and basic research. Now, researchers from the Universities of Dundee, Glasgow and Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, have produced a high-content assay for human embryonic stem cell survival. Press release

> Australian researchers have developed the country's first diabetes specific stem cell line. It was generated through induced pluripotent stem cell technology using skin cells from Type I diabetes patients without the use of embryos, eggs or cloning. Report

And Finally... Pharma's biggest flops. Report