Cancer research
> Cancer Research UK investigators have identified an overactive protein found in mouth cancer as a likely drug target. Story
> Cleveland BioLabs ($CBLI) says one of its experimental drugs helped prevent the formation of breast cancer tumors in mice. Report
> Drinking plenty of caffeinated coffee may help reduce the risk of skin cancer. Report
Stem cells
> U.K. scientists found that amniotic fluid cells are easily reprogrammed without adding extra genes, which could help in the development of new stem cell therapies. Story
> Johns Hopkins investigators have produced stem cells drawn from the skin cells of patients with Huntington's disease, raising the possibility of using the stem cells to test new drugs for the ailment. Story
> Harvard's Kevin Eggan has been exploring how stem cells can be used to treat ALS. Story
Genetics
> Comparing the DNA in healthy patients with the code from osteoarthritis patients revealed 8 new pieces of the genetic code that can cause the ailment to be passed down from one generation to the next. Story
> Investigators at UCLA announced earlier this week that they will study the genetics of 800 Alzheimer's patients enrolled in a study. Report
> A research team led by Seattle Children's Research Institute has discovered new gene mutations associated with markedly enlarged brain size, or megalencephaly. Mutations in three genes, AKT3, PIK3R2 andPIK3CA, were also found to be associated with a constellation of disorders including cancer, hydrocephalus, epilepsy, autism, vascular anomalies and skin growth disorders. Release
> Investigators at Boston University School of Medicine believe that the FOXO1 gene may play an important role in the pathological mechanisms of Parkinson's disease. Release