New research on ALS; genetic link to lung cancer risk; genetic screening helps match cancer therapy to patient

Stem Cell Research

A prominent Canadian neurologist says he has found a safe way to stimulate the growth of bone marrow stem cells, which he hopes could prove an effective therapy for ALS. He says that stimulating stem cells could slow the elimination of motor neurons in patients. Report

Seeking Alpha reviews the prospects of a slate of biotechs developing new adult and embryonic stem cell therapies. Story

An Australian man says he can now breathe unassisted after receiving embryonic stem cell therapy in India. Article

Genetics

Researchers have found a common genetic disorder that doubles a person's risk of lung cancer. Report

Some professional genetics counselors say that genetic tests available to consumers now deliver unreliable analysis about potential risks, causing some to worry needlessly and others who should be alarmed to feel falsely secure. Report

The European Science Foundation is coordinating research efforts using RNAi to treat viral diseases like AIDS. The therapies work by interfering with the body's genetic machinery. Release

Dutch researchers at the Medical Centre of the University of Leiden claim to be the first to have completed the sequencing of a woman's DNA, giving scientists a clearer picture of the genetic variety in humans. Report

U.S. President George W. Bush signed into law May 21 the first civil rights legislation of the new millennium, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. Release

Cancer Research

Genetic screening can improve a patient's chance of responding favorably to a cancer therapy. Report

M2Gen is partnering with hospitals around the world to create a database of cancer patients who will participate in research matching therapies to genetic profiles. Report

University of Saskatchewan microbiologist Wei Xiao has found a way to trigger a protein combination called 9-1-1 that sends an SOS signal for cells to fight cancer-causing agents such as industrial toxins, ultraviolet radiation, and X-rays. Release

Lowering cholesterol levels in men may also help lower levels of prostate specific antigen, a biomarker for prostate cancer. Report