New drug target found for cystic fibrosis lung disease
09 November, 2012Vancouver researchers have discovered the cellular pathway that causes lung-damaging inflammation in cystic fibrosis (CF), and that reducing the pathway’s activity also decreases inflammation. The finding offers a potential new drug target for treating CF lung disease.
Measuring metabolism can predict the progress of Alzheimer’s
08 November, 2012When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, scientists usually look to the brain as their first centre of attention. Now researchers at Tel Aviv University (TAU) say that early clues regarding the progression of the disease can be found in the brain’s metabolism.
Breakthrough research into pancreatic cancer gene mutations
26 October, 2012A large-scale international study into pancreatic cancer has discovered that the cancer is not just one disease, but many.
Naturally occurring compounds could fight ovarian cancer
19 October, 2012A University of Canterbury (UC) research project, in collaboration with the University of Otago, Christchurch (formerly known as Christchurch School of Medicine), has shown some promising signs in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Volunteers sought for edible vaccine trials
18 October, 2012Researchers from The University of Western Australia, Ondek and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital are continuing a study into how the bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers, Helicobacter pylori, can be used as a carrier for ingestible vaccines.
Thermo Fisher Scientific and Immundiagnostik collaborate on mass spectrometry-based clinical and research tools
17 October, 2012Thermo Fisher Scientific and Immundiagnostik have announced a collaboration to develop novel mass spectrometry-based assays for qualitative and quantitative analysis of proteins and peptides. The goal is development of commercial assays to be widely applicable in research and routine clinical analysis.
Non-invasive test for colorectal cancer shows promise
17 October, 2012A new non-invasive test for colorectal cancer screening has demonstrated high sensitivity for detecting colorectal cancer; in particular, precancers that are most likely to develop into cancer.
Scientists find new way to up safety factor of stem cell therapy
04 October, 2012Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found a way to detect and purge stem cells at risk of developing into tumours.
Nanotechnology device aims to prevent malaria deaths through rapid diagnosis
02 October, 2012A pioneering mobile device using cutting-edge nanotechnology to rapidly detect malaria infection and drug resistance could revolutionise how the disease is diagnosed and treated.
I can hear big pharma screaming
24 September, 2012A systematic review of the effects of antihypertensive drug therapy on people with mild hypertension has found no benefits come with the drugs. If this review is accurate, big pharma won’t be happy and the government will be thrilled.
Genetic test predicts risk for autism
18 September, 2012A team of Australian researchers, led by the University of Melbourne, has developed a genetic test that is able to predict the risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Flu is transmitted before symptoms appear, study suggests
31 August, 2012Research at Imperial College London examining influenza transmission in ferrets suggests that the virus can be passed on before the appearance of symptoms. If the finding applies to humans, it means that people pass on flu to others before they know they’re infected, making it very difficult to contain epidemics.
Researchers develop DNA sequencing tests for hereditary diseases
22 August, 2012Scientists at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School (UMDNJ-NJMS) have developed DNA sequencing tests that hold significant promise for decreasing costs associated with diagnosing cancer and hereditary diseases, including cystic fibrosis.
Olympic lab leaves life sciences legacy
14 August, 2012The London 2012 anti-doping facilities, operated by King’s College London, will be developed after the Olympic and Paralympic Games into a world-class resource that could help revolutionise healthcare.
Major breakthrough in hepatitis C vaccine development
14 August, 2012Researchers at the Burnet Institute have solved a hepatitis C vaccine mystery which, once developed, could be the first ever preventative vaccine for the virus.
