Alzheimer's research
> An enzyme that generates the toxic amyloid protein brain plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients may also damage memory and cognition through a separate mechanism, Sanford-Burnham researchers have discovered. Item
Stem Cells
> Researchers will explore whether stem cells banked from autistic children's umbilical cords can successfully treat their symptoms. Story
> The Stem Cells 2012 conference will run Oct. 10-12 in Mumbai, India. Plans call for addressing everything from evolving stem cell regulations to new therapeutic applications. Item
Genetics
> On the one hand, companies can patent genes related to hereditary cancer. But they can't patent methods used to compare those genes, according to a new Federal Circuit appellate court ruling granting a victory to Myriad Genetics ($MYGN). Story
> Isis Pharmaceuticals ($ISIS) is working with scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory to develop animal models for certain complex genetic diseases with the goal of improving research in those areas. Story
Cancer
> Four Philadelphia biomedical groups will split about $3.5 million in state grants meant to exploit new breakthrough research against cancer. The money comes from the state's portion of the 2001 tobacco settlement. Story
> Having completed preclinical studies with promising results, PDS Biotechnology expects to file an IND by this fall so it can launch human clinical trials for a therapeutic vaccine that treats HPV-related cancers, MedCity News reports. Story