Stem cells
iZumi Bio has agreed to license some patents from the J. David Gladstone Institutes as they begin to work together on new adult stem cell technology involved in devising cardiovascular therapies. Report
Stem cell transplants were used to restore the sight of six blind patients at a London hospital. Story
Some 2,500 delegates attended the recent International Society for Stem Cell Research in Philadelphia. And insiders say that the development of induced pluripotent stem cells has clearly energized the entire field. Release
In a new study regarding age-related diseases, researchers identified two key regulatory pathways that control how well adult stem cells repair and replace damaged tissue. They then tweaked how those stem cells reacted to those biochemical signals to revive the ability of muscle tissue in old mice to repair itself nearly as well as the muscle in the mice's much younger counterparts. Release
In an approach that could become a new treatment for the 10 to 20 percent of people whose broken bones fail to heal, researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have shown that transplantation of adult stem cells can improve healing of fractures. Release
Genetics
A research team says that genetic variations in a key protein involved in LDL cholesterol production can play a big role in determining the effectiveness of blockbuster statins like Crestor. Report
California has begun to issue cease-and-desist orders to companies that offer direct-to-consumer gene tests. Story
Dean Ornish and colleagues from UC San Francisco say that new research indicates that healthy lifestyles can activate genes that promote health while suppressing cancerous ones. Article
A University of Southern California study suggests people of Mexican-American descent who have genetic variants of fat gene FTO and Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase had higher triglyceride and lower HDL levels. Release
The changes in heart rate that are potentially fatal in individuals with LQT2 are caused by changes in the electrical activity in the heart because of mutations in the HERG gene. Release
Cancer Research
Researchers are testing a new way to kill cancer cells selectively by attaching cancer-seeking antibodies to tiny carbon tubes that heat up when exposed to near-infrared light. Release
New research shows that viruses altered to kill cancer cells can also stimulate the growth of new blood vessels that can spur the return of a tumor. That insight may lead to new combination therapies that can improve the effectiveness of the treatment and reduce the chance of tumor regrowth. Story
Researchers used noninvasive molecular imaging technology to track the location and activity of mesenchymal stem cells in the tumors of living organisms, according to researchers at SNM's 55th Annual Meeting. This ability could lead to major advances in the use of stem cell therapies to treat cancer. Release
Researchers have found new biomarkers for pancreatic cancer. Report
The Roskamp Institute has been awarded the Florida Department of Health and James & Esther King Biomedical Research Program, Small Business Technology Transfer Grant for its advanced cancer research in using a protein found in the brain to stop the growth of lung cancer. Release