Stem Cells
Japanese scientists at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology have created stem cells from wisdom teeth, identifying a possible new source of pluripotent stem cells for research. And wisdom teeth would be easy to store, making it possible for people to lay aside a supply of stem cells for later therapeutic use. Report
A research team at Scripps has developed a method for identifying pluripotent stem cells. Story
Cancer Research
A team of scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has just published research identifying an enzyme called Brk that may serve as a target for future drugs developed to fight ErbB2-positive tumors in a subset of breast cancer patients. Release
Scientists have discovered gene mutations that are the main cause of the inherited version of the childhood cancer neuroblastoma. Release
Genetics
German scientists report finding an allergy gene. Report
Hereditary gene mutations lie behind a lethal form of childhood cancer. Story
A study published in the September issue of Anesthesiology has identified a genetic mutation that could cause malignant hyperthermia, a rare but sometimes deadly ailment. Release
More Research
Researchers at Scripps have identified 170 additional proteins that play a role in apoptosis, or cell death. That advance could help identify a range of new therapies for stroke and other diseases. Story
The University of Texas is preparing to cut the ribbon at its new $55 million Biomedical Engineering Building. Report
Researchers at Rutgers and UT Austin have determined the three-dimensional structure of a site on an influenza A virus protein that binds to one of its human protein targets, suppressing a person's natural defenses to the infection and paving the way for the virus to replicate efficiently. That discovery could help identify new ways to fight bird flu. Release