Stem Cell Research
The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission has approved $18.9 million in funding for 59 stem cell projects. Report
Oklahoma is awarding $5 million from its Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust for adult stem cell research. Report
UC Davis has opened a stem cell lab for horses. Story
Genetics
Mexican scientists are studying the role that genetic mutations are playing in humans' response to the new flu. Mexico has reported a relatively large number of deaths due to swine flu and the researchers believe that genetics could explain that. Release
A new tool will help researchers identify the minute changes in DNA patterns that lead to cancer, Huntington's disease and a host of other genetic disorders. The tool was developed at North Carolina State University and translates DNA sequences into graphic images, which allows researchers to distinguish genetic patterns more quickly and efficiently than was historically possible using computers. Release
Newly identified gene variants associated with the age at which females experience their first menstrual period and the onset of menopause may help shed light on the prevention of breast and endometrial cancer, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. Release
Fox Chase Cancer Center researchers have identified a genetic marker that is associated with an earlier onset of prostate cancer in Caucasian men who have a family history of prostate cancer. If the data are confirmed, the marker may help clinicians personalize prostate cancer screening. Release
Cancer Research
Four cancer researchers are joining forces to start the Clemson University Biomedical Institute. Professor T.E. Wagner will be the director of the institute. Story
In technology that promises to one day allow drug delivery to be tailored to an individual patient and a particular cancer tumor, researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, have developed an efficient system for delivering siRNA into primary cells. The work is published in the May 17 in the advance online edition of Nature Biotechnology. Release