Stanford nets $94M to support stem cell research; Genetic link to alcoholism points to new tests;

Stem Cell Research

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has given more money to Stanford University than any other university. So far the group has awarded $94 million in funding to Stanford to help finance development of the world's largest stem cell research facility. Report

British surgeons say they will attempt to repair spinal cord nerve damage using a new stem cell technique. Story

Osiris Therapeutics has hit a notable milestone, completing enrollment for a late-stage stem cell trial. Researchers will explore the benefits of Prochymal for steroid-refractory acute Graft versus Host Disease, a complication of bone marrow transplantation. Story

Baltimore will act as host to the 2009 World Stem Cell Summit. Report

Genetics

A new study points to a genetic link to alcoholism, raising the likelihood of a new test that can identify the risk as well as pointing to a new target for a cure. Report

An international team of scientists have found 11 new genes that govern cholesterol. Report

Researchers say that a variant in the gene M1NR1B which plays a key role regulating melatonin receptors also increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Story

Scientists have identified a genetic signature that is remarkably effective at predicting the prognosis of an aggressive liver cancer in children. Release

Cancer Research

A protein called Menainv has been ID's by U.S. researchers who say it could play a key role in the metastasis of breast cancer. Report

Calistoga Pharmaceuticals has presented data demonstrating that its oral, p110(delta) selective PI3 kinase inhibitor CAL-101 has broad preclinical anti-tumor activity against a range of hematologic malignancies. Release

Emerging Drug Developer: Catalyst Biosciences