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BioTechCircle News®
June 2011
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Issue 96
See all previous issues at the BTC archives
You can now follow our comments and updates on Twitter.
In this articles section: links to 97 free Web articles in 16 major categories.
The major categories are in alphabetical order and further subdivided to make it easy for you to locate news and developments in technology, the business and the markets in the life science areas of interest to you. We’ve provided brief synopses to help you decide which articles you’d like to read. Simply click on the title to go directly to the original article.
Here are the major categories.
Agri-Biotech (8 articles)
Biobusiness Management (6 articles)
Diagnostic Tools (5 articles)
Drug Delivery (2 articles)
Industry (15 articles)
Investments/Government Support (3 articles)
Medical Devices (1 article)
Novel Applications (2 articles)
Organizations (3 articles)
Patents (1 article)
People Profiles (2 articles)
Platform Technologies (8 articles)
Research Advancements (26 articles)
Research Tools (11 articles)
Strategic Relationships (3 articles)
Therapeutic Category (1 article)
For a brief explanation of how we categorize the articles, please see our "Express Guide to Monthly Web Articles.”
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Subcategory: Animal
Megan Scudellari The Scientist (01-Jun-11)
Scientists have identified a new species of microscopic worms living in the
ground below South African mines, isolated from fracture water gushing up
from miles below the Earth’s surface. It is the first multicellular organism to
be found at such depths.
Subcategory: Crops
The Future of Food Needs to Include Biotech Crops
Jim Greenwood BIOtechNOW (16-May-11)
We need room for agricultural practices of all sizes; there is room for biotech
crops and organic farms, says BIO CEO Greenwood.
Subcategory: Energy/ Fuel
Striking the Right Balance: JBEI Researchers Counteract Biofuel Toxicity in
Lynn Yarris Berkeley News (11-May-11)
Working with all available microbial genome sequence data, scientists
generated a library of microbial efflux pumps that were shown to significantly
reduce the toxicity of 7 representative biofuels in engineered strains of
Escherichia coli.
Subcategory: Environmental
Guerrilla Gardening: Mini Ecosystem Installations On the Streets Of Madrid
Bridgette Meinhold Inhabitat (31-May-11)
Series of 14 images showing "natural" and planted cuttings in Madrid's
sidewalk cracks and next to gutters and manhole covers. Tiny toy animals and
umbrellas adorn and protect the plants from pollution. Creative or crazy?
Subcategory: Food
Artificial Selection Promotes a Better Life
Michelle Lam Laboratory Equipment (13-Jun-11)
More than 90% who use genetically altered plants are small-scale farmers. Do
we use GMOs and alleviate poverty and hunger more quickly or put our faith
in organic farming, thereby working against alleviating world hunger and
poverty?
Nutritional Value of Frozen Treats
Laboratory Equipment (15-Jun-11)
Ice cream, while not the most nutrient-rich source, is a good source of Vitamin
D and calcium, plus Vitamin A and some of the B-vitamins and a few grams
of protein. Is it worth the 145-160 or so calories per half cup?
UF Researcher Reduces Allergens in Peanuts Using Pulsed Light
Robert H. Wells R & D Magazine (13-Jun-11)
By releasing pulsed bursts of light containing multiple wavelengths, PUV
changes peanut allergens so that human antibodies can’t recognize them and
cause the release of histamines responsible for allergy symptoms.
Subcategory: Microorganisms
Arsenic Bacterium Debate Continues
Elizabeth K. Wilson Chemical & Engineering News (06-Jun-11)
Describes published criticism against a claim that a certain extremophile
bacterium from arsenic-rich Mono Lake in California incorporates arsenic into
its DNA backbone. If claim is true, it would alter the fundamental
understanding of carbon-based life.
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Subcategory: Disease Prevention
Public View Cash Incentives for Health Goals as Unfair
Wellcome Trust (14-Jun-11)
Financial incentives are increasingly being used to encourage patients to stick
to drug abstinence, weight loss and smoking cessation programmes, despite
mixed or limited evidence that these financial 'carrots' really work.
Subcategory: Energy/ Fuel
Senate Votes to End US Ethanol Tax Credits on July 1, Rejects McCain
Amendment Against Blender Pumps
Jim Lane Biofuels Digest (17-Jun-11)
Lane reviews U.S. House and Senate votes on ethanol-related tax credits,
presents publication's views on the "dope" of federal subsidies, tax credits,
and tariffs and posts reactions of industry, government and not-for-profit
organizations.
Why Oil Majors Aren't Investing in Biofuels at Scale
Jim Lane ChemInfo (01-Jun-11)
Companies won't invest in scaling up biofuel activity because of the massive
profits available in developing upstream assets in traditional oil and gas. It is
more profitable to pay fines for missing Renewable Fuel Standards targets,
Lane writes.
Subcategory: Government/ Approvals
U.S. Approves Cancer Drugs Faster Than Europe
Chris Fleming Health Affairs Blog (16-Jun-11)
New study reveals that for new oncology drugs between 2003 and 2010,
median time for FDA approval was 6 months. Comparing FDA with
European Medicines Agency (EMA), FDA approved 32 products, avg. 182
days vs. EMA's 26 products, avg. 350 days.
Subcategory: Miscellaneous
Coming Soon to the Internet: The .Whatever Address
Alex Kennedy The Union.com (20-Jun-11)
The address expansion could create new opportunities for companies to
promote their brands. However, people online often find what they're looking
for by typing a term into a search engine, not tapping out a full address.
Subcategory: Neurology
Teen Brain Data Predicts Pop Song Success
Carol Clark Emory University (09-Jun-11)
It's been scientifically demonstrated that you can, to some extent, use
neuroimaging in a group of people to predict cultural popularity across a
population. Describes study showing brain scans are better predictors of
music success than rating responses.
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Subcategory: Biomarker
Rare Tumour's 'Fingerprint' Used to Develop Cheap and Reliable New Test
Wellcome Trust (20-May-11)
Researchers have identified a particular protein modification that is induced
by FH deficiency (and hence an over-abundance of fumarate), unique to
hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC). Useful as a
biomarker for these cancers.
Subcategory: Microorganisms
The Search for E. coli Gains Speed
Kate Baggott Technology Review (08-Jun-11)
High-speed pathogen-specific tests measure the biochemical activities of food
samples, can now return reliable results in as little as 10 to 24 hours.
Implications for public health and epidemic monitoring.
Subcategory: Miscellaneous
Emily Singer Technology Review (23-May-11)
A nightshirt embedded with fabric electronics monitors the wearer's breathing
patterns. A small chip worn in a pocket of the shirt processes that data to
determine the phase of sleep, such as REM sleep (when we dream), light
sleep, or deep sleep.
University of Miami 20-Jun-11
Researchers seek to make new LED (light emitting diode) device stretchable,
so that it can be used on any surface, such as deformable display monitors and
biomedical devices that adapt to the curvilinear surfaces of the human body.
Subcategory: Serology
Hot on the Trail of Dried Blood Spots
Alan Dove, PhD Drug Discovery & Development (01-Jun-11)
Besides making trials more patient-friendly, dried blood spot (DBS) sampling
allows minimally-trained staff to take samples, and the samples themselves
can be shipped at ambient temperatures in an envelope.
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Subcategory: Nanotechnology
Using Living Cells as an Invisibility Cloak
Bioscience Technology (16-Jun-11)
“Cell membrane capsules” (CMCs), made from real living cells, trick the body
into thinking they were supposed to be there. Thus, drugs and nanoparticles
inside CMCs stay in the body much longer than those inside other
encapsulation materials.
Anne Trafton MIT News 20-Jun-11
A first wave of nanoparticles homes in on the tumor, then calls in a much
larger second wave that dispenses the cancer drug. This communication
between nanoparticles boosted drug delivery to tumors by more than
40-fold in a mouse study.
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Subcategory: Disease Prevention
Mobile Users Brush Off Reports of Cell Phone, Cancer Link
Brian T. Horowitz eWeek (17-Jun-11)
According to research, fewer than 20% of mobile users would adjust their cell
phone habits based on recent cell phone cancer scare. Demonstrates ubiquity
of mobile usage, its importance in daily life and possibly skepticism over
inconclusive risk factors.
What's the Deal With Graphic Cigarette Labels?
IMPO (23-Jun-11)
Video showing cigarette labels with graphic warnings about the effects of
smoking in the hopes of getting people to stop or never start the habit.
Response to the labels seems to be mixed. Your response?
Subcategory: Education
Ph.D. Comics Movie Trailer Released
Andrew S. Wiecek BioTechniques.com 15-Jun-11
The Ph.D. Movie follows the lives of 4 graduate students in their pursuit of
happiness in the frustrating and often absurd world of academic research. And
in their spare time, when they find any, these lab rats attempt to have a life
outside the lab.
Reforming Chinese Universities
Shawna Williams Chemical & Engineering News 13-Jun-11
Describes the new South University of Science & Technology of China
(SUSTC), which is the first in China to abolish bureaucratic ranks for
professors and has institutional autonomy, rather than China’s Ministry of
Education overseeing important decisions.
Collaboration Seeks to Create Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Curriculum
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (08-Jun-11)
Four universities will work together to develop the curriculum and use the
same set of assessment tools. In addition, each school will implement at least
part of the curriculum developed by the other three universities.
Small-Business Award: BioAmber, Minneapolis
Popular Science (01-Jun-11)
While it's too late for this year, we thought you might like to file this away for
next year: Popular Science ran a National School Inventors Challenge for
elementary, middle and high school students.
Subcategory: Energy/ Fuel
Biden Says U.S. Will Lead Energy Revolution
Bill Scanlon National Renewable Energy Laboratory (24-May-11)
New government initiatives are making it easier for small but innovative
companies to access technologies developed at the national labs. Llicenses
cost only $1,000, allowing private companies to commercialize lab
technologies.
Subcategory: Environment
“If We Don’t Act, Mother Nature Will”
Sir Richard Branson Frost & Sullivan (01-Jun-11)
Founder of Virgin Group describes Carbon War Room's new publication,
CCW, which aims to highlight the best in clean technology and some of the
most promising new companies. It's focused on bringing together business,
finance, non-profits and government.
Charles Roberts Frost & Sullivan (01-Jun-11)
Company aims to disrupt the current market inertia by allowing the public to
objectively compare companies based on performance in lowering carbon
through a “best in class” analysis for brands in a common sector.
New Study on Health in Urban Environments
Laboratory Equipment (15-Jun-11)
Research project, focusing on 7 cities across Europe and China as case studies,
will examine how policies designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could
have a positive or negative impact on human health.
Subcategory: Geographic focus
Scotland Steadily Builds a Biotech Presence
Josh P. Roberts Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (15-Jun-11)
From pioneering work on insulin, penicillin, and interferon to the cloning of
Dolly the sheep, Scotland has long been a major player on the biomedical
stage. Physical and financial resources are being mobilized to attract
investments, reach critical mass.
Subcategory: Geriatrics
Aging: To Treat, or Not to Treat?
David Gems American Scientist (01-Jul-11)
One argument against treating aging is that it is not a disease. Redefining aging
as a disease would energize research into treatments and shut down the
snake-oil peddlers, Gems writes. Asks: Is this a type of medicine that
humanity should pursue?
Subcategory: Market Research
Ann M. Thayer Chemical & Engineering News (20-Jun-11)
Major indicators point to a turnaround for the global biotechnology industry,
according to a major report. However, there is now a widening gap between
large, established companies and those at earlier stages experiencing funding
shortages.
Subcategory: Oncology
Weighing Cancer Risks, from Cell Phones to Coffee
Marilynn Marchione PharmPro (16-Jun-11)
People react with known cardinogens on a daily basis. However, agencies that
pass judgment on a carcinogen don't regulate it or determine what levels or
routes of exposure are a concern and for whom, creating confusion on risks.
Subcategory: Patent/Intellectual Property Issues
Supreme Court Backs Strong Patents
Glenn Hess Chemical & Engineering News (20-Jun-11)
The Supreme Court has rejected a bid by Microsoft to make it easier to
challenge the validity of patents in litigation, a victory for drug makers and
other businesses that rely on the strength of their patent portfolios.
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Subcategory: Cell Therapy
Adult, Embryonic Stem Cells Equally Important
Laboratory Equipment (14-Jun-11)
New research says studying both adult and embryonic stem cells can benefit
medical science, but banning the study of either type could harm studies of
the other because scientists don't know which type of cell will be best for
eventual therapies.
Subcategory: Energy/ Fuel
Google Invests $280 Million to Spur Home Solar
Jonathan Fahey TriCities.com (14-Jun-11)
Google's investment is expected to pay for 10,000 rooftop systems that will
be installed over the next 18 months. Generates returns 3 ways: federal tax
credit of 30% of system cost, accelerated depreciation, state and local tax credits.
Subcategory: Miscellaneous
Outstanding Researchers Receive Inaugural Wellcome Trust Investigator Awards
Wellcome Trust (02-Jun-11)
The researchers will study diverse topics, from using stem cells to help the
body mend itself to how physical activity during pregnancy affects a child's
health in later life and understanding the underlying neurobiology of
conditions such as epilepsy.
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Subcategory: Misc. Medical Devices
New Bluetooth 4.0 Medical Devices to Hit the Shelves by December 2011
Brian T. Horowitz eWeek (09-Jun-11)
Heart rate, temperature and blood pressure monitors will be among the first
Bluetooth 4.0 devices available, followed by weight scales, pedometers and
new blood glucose meters. Number of such devices could reach hundreds of
millions in a few years.
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Subcategory: Energy/ Fuel
Turning Hot Air into Energy Savings
University of California (16-Jun-11)
Using an off-the-shelf solar-powered attic fan, system will harness solar
thermal heat from a rooftop solar heat collector and/or heated air from the
attic. The heated air can be directed through air ducts for space heating
applications as needed.
Subcategory: Environment
Pierce Hoover POPSCI (09-Jun-11)
Hoover blogs about a cross-country U.S. road trip "on the energy equivalent
to that consumed by a single 100-watt light bulb left on day and night--in
other words, 2,400 watt/hours per day." Links to full stories.
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Subcategory: Academia/ Laboratories
Paul Livingstone R&D (09-Jun-11)
University of Connecticut renovation of lab demonstrates that it is possible
to completely re-orient an old laboratory building to suit a new purpose, even
as 1970s-era design philosophy gives way to the 21st century way of
promoting research.
Subcategory: Big Pharma
Merck Moves Again On Biosimilars
Lisa M. Jarvis Chemical & Engineering News (20-Jun-11)
Merck seeks to become a key player in the biosimilars arena since launching
Merck BioVentures, a unit dedicated to developing generic biologics, in late
2008. Wants to have 5 biosimilars into late-stage development in 2012.
Subcategory: Geographic focus
Paul Livingstone R&D (09-Jun-11)
Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah University of Science and Technology fulfills its
mission as a flexible, user-friendly lab space. Will be the centerpiece of a new
economic city that has been built to lead the country’s technological
development.
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Subcategory: Academia/ Laboratories
Court Affirms Inventors’ Rights
Glenn Hess Chemical & Engineering News (13-Jun-11)
The argument that patent rights from federally funded research are
automatically vested in universities and not in individual researchers has been
rejected by the Supreme Court. Universities, may “elect to retain title” to
discoveries.
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Subcategory: Education
HHMI Names Michael Rosenfeld to Lead New Documentary Initiative
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (05-May-11)
Michael Rosenfeld, award-winning documentary producer, former president
of National Geographic Television, will lead $60 million science documentary
initiative. Goal: projects that can have an impact on the way people think
about science.
Subcategory: Materials
UH Chemist Developing Materials to Detect, Repel E. coli
Lisa Merkl University of Houston (15-Jun-11)
Leading polymer, thin films and nanomaterials researcher develops 2 different
materials that are both equally effective against E. coli: a graphene material
that is proving to be an effective antimicrobial and a conducting polymer that
can repel E. coli.
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Subcategory: Cell Therapy
The Individuality of Stem Cells
Arthur D Lander BioMed Central (07-Jun-11)
There is diversity and plasticity among types of stem cells, with a diversity
of behaviors displayed by individual stem cells, even within supposedly
homogeneous groups. More study is needed to achieve stem cell control
and coordination.
Subcategory: Computing Systems
Keeping Pace With the Exabytes of Medical Data
R. Colin Johnson Smarter Technology (10-Jun-11)
To make sense of the abundance of data, including real-time electronic access
to medical monitors, health analytics has been enlisted to extract insights from
the hidden meanings buried in medical records, exams, imagery and pathology
reports.
Subcategory: Databases
Medical Smart Cards Find Their Niche
Kenrick Vezina Technology Review (14-Jun-11)
Smart card technology has the potential to transform health care in countries
that have unified health systems, or where there's inadequate infrastructure for
sharing records in other ways. Systems could be well suited to low-tech
environments.
Subcategory: Genomics
Stu Borman Chemical & Engineering News (20-Jun-11)
A new form of synthetic DNA and RNA, polyvalent nucleic acid
nanostructures (PNANs), that looks like cheerleader pom-poms can enter
cells readily and regulate genes. Could have therapeutic effects by controlling
the expression of disease-related genes.
Wellcome Trust (13-Jun-11)
Each one of us receives approximately 60 new mutations in our genome from
our parents, according to first-ever direct measure of new mutations coming
from mother and father in whole human genomes.
Subcategory: Oncology
Research Provides Clues on Why Hair Turns Gray
Bioscience Technology (15-Jun-11)
Wnt signaling, known to control many biological processes, between hair
follicles and melanocyte stem cells can dictate hair pigmentation. May yield
important clues to regenerate complex organs containing many different types
of cells.
Subcategory: Proteomics
For DNA Repair Machine, it’s all About Flexibility
Dan Krotz Berkeley News (30-Mar-11)
Precise location determined where 2 components of a DNA repair machine
called MRN attach to one another. One piece is flexible before DNA repair
begins, and then clamps shut like a pair of pliers once it binds with ATP and
initiates repair.
Study Reveals Important Aspects of Signalling Across Cell Membranes in Plants
National Science Foundation (14-Jun-11)
Differences in transmembrane signaling: a small steroid molecule on the
OUTSIDE of the plant cell assists in the transmembrane signaling process;
this sort of molecule and its receptor is generally located INSIDE the nuclei of
animal cells.
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Subcategory: Cell Therapy
From a Single Adult Cell, Flatworm Crafts a New Body
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (12-May-11)
Adult planarians (flatworms) harbor pluripotent stem cells, those cells
capable of producing the diverse range of tissue types necessary to build a
complete animal. Discovery is first time pluripotent stem cells have been
identified in an adult animal.
Subcategory: Food
Laboratory Equipment 16-Jun-11
Olive oil has been associated with potentially protective effects against many
cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol and obesity. Study suggests new dietary recommendations for
people 65+.
Subcategory: Forensics
Dogs Discriminate Identical Twins
Ludvík Pinc at al. PLoS ONE (15-Jun-11)
Specially trained German Shepherd dogs are able to distinguish individual
scents of identical twins despite the fact that they live in the same
environment, eat the same food and even if the scents are not presented to
them simultaneously.
Subcategory: Geriatrics
Protein Linked with Rare Disease Plays Role in Aging
Julie Steenhuysen Reuters (13-Jun-11)
Study suggests aging may not simply be a gradual wearing out of cells. The
same mechanism that causes children with a rare genetic disease called progeria
to age at seven times the normal rate may play a role in normal aging as well.
Subcategory: Immunology/ Infectious Diseases
Mixing Antibiotics With Fat Can Boost Efficacy
Drug Discovery & Development (16-Jun-11)
Specific mixtures of antimicrobial agents presented in lipid (fatty) mixtures
can significantly boost the effectiveness of those agents to kill "super bugs,"
which may be resistant to most, if not all, conventional antibiotics.
Boosting Immunity Causes Inflammation
Laboratory Equipment (17-Jun-11)
Study offers first direct evidence that limiting the immune response reduces
the manifestations of rhinovirus infection. Important implications for those
with asthma, who often experience life-threatening flare-ups because of
infections with cold viruses.
How Shifts in Temperature Prime Immune Response
Laura Bonetta Scripps Research Institute (09-May-11)
Is fever beneficial to the immune system? Researchers believe that
identification of a molecular temperature sensor, STIM1, within immune cells
provides a novel avenue to address such questions mechanistically.
Subcategory: Metabolism: Obesity, Diabetes
Too Much TV Increases Risk of Diabetes
Laboratory Equipment (15-Jun-11)
TV viewing displaces time spent on physical activities, is associated with
unhealthy eating (e.g., higher intake of fried foods, processed meat,
sugar-sweetened beverages; lower intake of fruits, vegetables and whole
grains) in both children and adults.
Vitamin D Deficiency Tied to Diabetes Mortality
Laboratory Equipment (20-May-11)
In patients with type 1 diabetes, severe vitamin D deficiency independently
predicts mortality from all causes, but not development of microvascular
complications in the eye and kidney. Link to full report (PDF).
New Stem Cell Research Could Aid in Battle Against Bulging Waistlines
Robert Cahill UT Health (16-Jun-11)
In obesity, there is an overgrowth of white adipose tissue made of adipocytes
(fat cells). Researchers identify a marker called delta-decorin on the surface of
adipose stem cells, allowing tracing in the body or controlled elimination.
Subcategory: Nephrology/ Urology
Single Gene Controls Development of Many Forms of Polycystic Disease
Yale University (19-Jun-11)
Findings suggest manipulating activity of PKD1, the gene causing the most
common form of polycystic kidney disease, may prove beneficial in reducing
cysts in both liver and kidney.
Subcategory: Neurology
BWH Researchers Identify Gene Variation Linked to Migraines
Brigham and Women's Hospital (13-Jun-11)
Inheritance of any of the 3 genetic variants (TRPM8, LRP1 and PRDM16)
increases risk for migraines by 10-15%. Finding helps shed light on the
biological roots for this common and debilitating condition.
Researchers Say Human Nasal Cavity Stem Cells Repair Brain Damage in Mice
Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (13-Jun-11)
Human olfactory ectomesenchymal stem cells (OE-MSCs) are closely related
to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) but exhibit a
higher-level expression of genes involved in neurogenesis. Potential for
repairing damaged or diseased brains.
Researchers Pinpoint How Copper Folds Protein into Precursors of Parkinson’s
Tracey Peake Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (14-Jun-11)
Discovery of misfolding in the protein associated with Parkinson’s disease,
leading to creation of the fibrillar plaques which characterize the disease, has
implications for both the study of Parkinson’s progression and for future
treatments.
New Genes for Risk and Progression of Rare Brain Disease Identified in
Penn Medicine (19-Jun-11)
Study gives new insight into progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) that has
intriguing contrasts and similarities to other neurodegenerative diseases,
including Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and
Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers Find Key Mechanism in Transition to Alcohol Dependence
Jeff Worley and Mika Ono Scripps Research Institute (06-Jun-11)
Research examined the role of the brain's stress system in compulsive alcohol
drinking driven by the aversive aspects of alcohol withdrawal, observed the
effects of the administration neuropeptide Y in the central amygdala on
alcohol drinking in rats.
Engraftment of Human Nasal Olfactory Stem Cells Restores Neuroplasticity in
Emmanuel Nivet et al. The Journal of Clinical Investigation (13-Jun-11)
Stem cell–based therapy has been proposed as a potential means of treatment
for a variety of brain disorders. Study provide evidence that human olfactory
tissue is a conceivable source of nervous system replacement cells.
New Neurons Help Us to Remember Fear
Robert Sanders UC Berkeley News (14-Jun-11)
The brain’s emotional center, the amygdala, induces the hippocampus, a relay
hub for memory, to generate new neurons. Implications for post traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) and other problems caused by faulty regulation of
emotional memory.
Brain State Affects Memory Recall
UC Davis (13-Jun-11)
Most of the brain is busy with internal activity that is not related to the
outside world; when external stimuli come in, they interact with these
spontaneous patterns of activity, resulting in an increase of theta waves.
Restoring Memory, Repairing Damaged Brains
Eric Mankin University of Southern California (17-Jun-11)
Using an electronic system that duplicates the neural signals associated with
memory, researchers replicated the brain function in rats associated with
long-term learned behavior, even when the rats have been drugged to forget.
Subcategory: Oncology
Berkeley Lab Scientists Find that Normal Breast Cells Help Kill Cancer Cells
Lynn Yarris Berkeley News (13-Apr-11)
A new study shows that normal mammary epithelial cells, as they are
developing, secrete interleukin 25, a protein known for its role in the immune
system’s response to inflammation, for the express purpose of killing nearby
breast cancer cells.
Low-Carbohydrate, High-Protein Diets May Lower Cancer Risk
Drug Discovery & Development (15-Jun-11)
A low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet may reduce the risk of cancer and slow
the growth of tumors already present, as tumor cells need significantly more
glucose to grow and thrive. May also prevent obesity, which leads to chronic
inflammation and cancer.
A Two-Way Street for Cancer Signaling
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (11-May-11)
Cellular signaling pathway discovered that causes one type of leukemia when
it’s overactive can also cause disease when it’s not active enough. When the
pathway is functioning properly, it helps prevent chronic myelomonocytic
leukemia (CMML).
Cutting Off Cancer Cell Signals
Laboratory Equipment (14-Jun-11)
Researchers identify a new way to shut off one of the proteins that spreads
Inappropriate signals that instruct cancer cells to keep dividing, a receptor
known as HER3, commonly involved in ovarian and pancreatic cancer, 2 of
the deadliest forms.
Enlisting the Body to Fight Cancer
Thomas Gryta The Wall Street Journal (14-Jun-11)
Unlike most traditional therapies that attack a cancer directly, immunotherapy
uses the body's own internal defenses to ward off the disease, with the
ultimate hope of building up a long-term resistance to the cancer.
New Approach to Cancer Vaccines Proves Successful in Early Studies
University of Leeds (19-Jun-11)
Doses of a vaccine made from a virus which contained a 'library' of DNA,
containing multiple fragments of genes and therefore many possible antigens,
allowed the vaccine to target a mouse tumor through many routes.
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Subcategory: Environment
Scientists Predict Extended and Unusual Quiet Period for Solar Storms, Sunpots
Seth Borenstein Reading Eagle (14-Jun-11)
Effects from a calmer sun are mostly good. There'd be fewer disruptions of
satellites and power systems. If predictions are true, quiet solar cycle will be a
good opportunity to test whether sun has effect on global warming.
Subcategory: Evolution Research
Sarah Everts Chemical & Engineering News (27-Jun-11)
By analyzing carbon and oxygen isotopes in the tooth enamel of ancient
dinosaur fossils, researchers have discovered that the extinct animals’ body
temperature was the same as that of large modern-day, warm-blooded
mammals: 36–38 °C (97–100 °F).
Evolutionary Conservation of Fat Metabolism Pathways: Scientists Say "If They
Salk Institute 12-May-11
All animals, from fly to man, can distinguish times of plenty from famine and
adjust their metabolism or behavior accordingly. Failure to do so signals either
extinction or disease. Study reveals similarity of critical metabolic adjustments.
Subcategory: Gene Sequences
Researchers Uncover a New Level of Genetic Diversity in Human RNA
Jennifer Michalowski Howard Hughes Medical Institute (19-May-11)
A detailed comparison of DNA and RNA in human cells has uncovered a
surprising number of cases where the corresponding sequences are not
identical, generating proteins that do not precisely match the genes that
encode them.
Subcategory: Genome Sequence
Katherine Bourzac Technology Review 13-May-11
Startup hopes to make genome sequencing cheap enough that it's feasible for a
typical hospital lab. Goal is to sequence at a rate of 1000 bases per second
using optical imaging to identify the bases.
Subcategory: Geriatrics
Emily Singer Technology Review (12-May-11)
Technologies proven successful for other brain disorders to address
Alzheimer's: deep brain stimulation used for Parkinson's and transcranial
magnetic stimulation, a noninvasive approach used to treat depression.
Subcategory: Imaging
Taking the 3D Measure of Macromolecules
Lynn Yarris Berkeley News (16-Jun-11)
The world’s first three-dimensional plasmon rulers, capable of measuring
nanometer-scale spatial changes in macromolecular systems, could provide
scientists with unprecedented details on critical dynamic events in biology.
Animation link.
Megan Fellman Northwestern University (08-Jun-11)
Wall of 25 46-inch flat TV screens stacked 5X5 offers viewers almost 52
million pixels of digital canvas (digital IMAX is typically 8 million pixels).
Biological molecular imaging displays 3-D images of everything from an atom
up to a full animal.
Subcategory: Immunology/ Infectious Diseases
Atomic-scale Structures of Ribosome Could Help Improve Antibiotics
Dan Krotz Berkeley News (19-May-11)
An atom-by-atom map of the ribosome when it’s fully rotated during the final
phase of protein synthesis may help scientists to develop antibiotics that are
less susceptible to resistance.
Subcategory: Materials
Defining the Culture for Cells
Mike May, PhD Drug Discovery & Development (01-Jun-11)
May reviews developments in growing animal cells in culture, from a wide
variety of animal-based components to completely chemically defined
cell-culture products that produce adequate yields and are cost-effective.
Subcategory: Self-test Systems
Two New Tools for Self-Tracking
Emily Singer Technology Review (10-Jun-11)
Reviews a watch-like device that also measures heart rate, other physiological
factors; cheap, sensor-laden stickers have an embedded accelerometer and an
ultralow power wireless transmitter to send data on the object's movement to
a central base station.
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Subcategory: Collaboration
Ashok Singhal R & D Magazine (09-Jun-11)
Both small and large organizations struggle to bring new innovations to
market. What can be accomplished if they work together? Singhal says its
essential that there are genuine commitments for long-term relationships on
both sides.
Subcategory: Contract Research
Biotechs Are Spending Less on Drug Discovery
Robert Weisman Boston.com (14-Jun-11)
The biotechnology industry is being viewed as a potential provider of assets
for big drug companies as they cut back on their own research and
development spending.
Subcategory: Energy/ Fuel
LLNL Partners with SWAY to Launch Deep Sea Offshore Wind Demonstration
Anne M Stark Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (10-Jun-11)
Describes a strategic relationship between a Norwegian renewable energy
company that has developed floating towers for wind turbines located in deep
water, and U.S. government atmospheric scientists.
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Subcategory: Pain Management
Led by Advances in Chemical Synthesis, Team Discovers that a Rare Natural
Product Has Potent Pain-Killing Properties
Eric Sauter Scripps Research Institute 06-Jun-11
Bark of Tabernaemontana divaricata (crepe jasmine) can be alternative to
narcotic pain treatments. Extract from the leaves has been used as an
anti-inflammatory applied to wounds; the root has been chewed to fight
the pain of toothache.
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