Stem Cell Research
> A new study suggests stem cells grown from a patient's own heart can help heal heart attack-related damage once thought to be permanent, Bloomberg reports. Story
> Scientists at The Hormel Institute believe they've come up with a mechanism that can keep embryonic stem cells as they are or morph them into becoming adult cells. The breakthrough may help develop drugs that repair or regenerate body tissue after damage from disease or injury, the Austin Daily Herald reports. Article
> The Marta and Owen Boris Foundation in Canada gave $30 million to McMaster University to boost the institution's stem cell research efforts, The Chronicle of Philanthropy reports. Story
Cancer
> Radiation treatment transforms other cancer cells into treatment-resistant breast cancer stem cells, even though it kills half of all tumor cells during its use, UCLA researchers have found. Release
> Many older patients with advanced lung cancer are enduring radiation therapy that may not help them live longer, according to a new study from researchers with the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Release
> Cancer Research UK claims that EU-related legislation passed in 2004 has added too much bureaucracy and doubled the cost of its research program, The Telegraph reports. Story
Genetics
> A global cadre of researchers believes the LTA4H gene, which affects inflammatory responses to infection, could also predict how effective drug treatment would be for a particularly nasty form of tuberculosis. Release
> The Million Veteran Program is under way, an initiative launched by the Veterans Administration to find 1 million U.S. military veterans willing to allow their genetic material, medical records and lifestyle information to be used for research, The Sacramento Bee reports. Story