Special Reports
New center to map DNA of key lab mice (27/10)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences will invest $13 million to map the DNA of 15 mouse strains important to laboratory research on human health. This initiative, called the "Resequencing Project" will launch the Institute's Center for Rodent Genetics.
Animal bacteria linked to Crohn’s disease (27/10)
(MSNBC.MSN.COM) LONDON - A bacterium that causes intestinal illness in cattle and sheep could also be responsible for Crohn’s disease, researchers said on Friday. Crohn’s disease is an inflammation in the small intestine that affects about a million people worldwide. Scientists are not sure what causes it but they suspect it is due to a reaction by the body’s immune system to a virus or bacterium.
Insects implicated in the evolution of new human infectious diseases (27/10)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) Insects and other invertebrates are the arena for the evolution of new infectious diseases in humans, new research shows. Scientists now believe that not only are insects the carriers of some existing diseases but they are also the vehicle where recently emerging highly infectious diseases, such as the plague that killed millions in the 14th and 17th centuries, evolve.
Biotech firm wants to breed allergy-free cats (27/10)
(MSNBC.MSN.COM) The biotechnology revolution is shaking up the pet world. First came a cloned cat. Then came the fish genetically engineered to glow. Now, a Los Angeles company is exploiting the latest in biotechnology to create cats genetically engineered to be nearly free from the allergy-causing proteins that plague millions of people.
Nitric oxide is essential for animal development (27/10)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) By employing the efficiency of Drosophila genetics, researchers have discovered that nitric oxide (NO), a versatile signalling molecule involved in a diversity of clinically important cellular functions, is essential for an organism's development.
Panel Reviews New Vaccine That Could Be Controversial (27/10)
(NYTIMES.COM) A committee of experts meeting in Atlanta will debate today whether the government can afford to pay for a vaccine that could save the lives of nearly 3,000 people, many of them teenagers, from deaths caused over the next decade by a virulent bacterial meningitis.
Geneticist awarded for research on muscular dystrophy (27/10)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) Dr Louis M Kunkel, director of the Program in Genomics at Children's Hospital Boston and a well-known muscular dystrophy scientist, has received the major annual award given by the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG). A pioneer in the field of human genetics, Kunkel was honored for nearly two decades of work on the genetics of muscular dystrophy, a family of hereditary muscle-destroying disorders marked by progressive muscle weakness and degeneration.
Animal Study Suggests Safer Immunization Approach To Alzheimer's (27/10)
(SCIENCEDAILY.COM) Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago have had preliminary success with a method of immunization intended to dissolve the plaques in brain tissue that are associated with Alzheimer's disease. When injected directly into the brain of mice, antibodies against a plaque protein retarded growth of the plaques by up to two months. No adverse side effects were found.
Retinal stem cells can regenerate after transplant (27/10)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) University of Toronto researchers work with human retinal cells - University of Toronto researchers have shown that human retinal stem cells transplanted into the eyes of mice and chicks can successfully regenerate. The research, published in the Oct. 19 issue of The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, documents the development of transplanted human retinal stem cells into light-sensing photoreceptor cells and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, the cells which bounce light and images back onto the retina.
Glowing insect bug 'harms humans' (27/10)
(NEWS.BBC.CO.UK) A new disease has been identified caused by a luminous bug that has evolved in insects, scientists say. There have been about a dozen cases of the bug - Photorhabdus asymbiotica - in the US and Australia, which causes pustulant sores to appear on the body.
Energy Blocker' Kills Big Tumors In Rats (20/10)
(SCIENCEDAILY.COM) Building on their earlier work, Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered that an apparently nontoxic cellular "energy blocker" can eradicate large liver tumors grown in rats. Six months to more than a year after treatment was stopped, the rats are still cancer free.
Livestock vaccine research aims to boost food safety (20/10)
(CBC.CA) SASKATOON - A research centre in Saskatchewan will receive more than $4 million to develop vaccines against livestock diseases, with half of the funds coming from a federal grant. The University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization has already patented more than 60 vaccines for use in animals.
Animal bacteria linked to Crohn’s disease (20/10)
(MSNBC.MSN.COM) LONDON - A bacterium that causes intestinal illness in cattle and sheep could also be responsible for Crohn’s disease, researchers said on Friday. Crohn’s disease is an inflammation in the small intestine that affects about a million people worldwide. Scientists are not sure what causes it but they suspect it is due to a reaction by the body’s immune system to a virus or bacterium.
Zebrafish May Offer Researchers Powerful New Tool For Studying Innate Immunity (20/10)
(SCIENCEDAILY.COM) Tampa, FL - For the first time, researchers have sequenced all 36 genes of novel receptors that appear to play a critical role in the innate immune protection of zebrafish – an achievement that could lead to a better understanding of infectious diseases and certain cancers.
To save dolphin's dorsal fin experts combine medical technology and teamwork (20/10)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) Dolphin Quest enlists University of Pittsburgh specialist to develop custom 'scaffold' for tissue's repair; 'Liko is one lucky dolphin'. An expert team of marine mammal veterinarians, medical researchers, cosmetic surgeons and dolphin trainers recently joined forces to apply the latest advances in human regenerative medicine in an attempt to restore a bottlenose dolphin's damaged dorsal fin.
Gene-altered mouse is model for rare autoimmune syndrome (20/10)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) By knocking out a single gene in mice, immunologists at Duke University Medical Center have mimicked a little-understood autoimmune disorder in humans. In the puzzling disorder, called Sjögren's syndrome, the person's tear and salivary glands are affected, causing dry eyes and mouth, as they are damaged by an attack of the person's own immune cells. According to researchers, the achievement not only offers insight into Sjögren's syndrome, but into the general developmental machinery of the immune system.
Academia Research Identifies Phosphatase Enzyme That Determines Body Fat Amount (20/10)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) Tokyo (JCNN) - Researchers from Osaka University have recently identified a type of enzyme that determines the amount of body fat. In mice experiments, the research group has discovered that a type of phosphatase enzyme Pten plays a crucial role in the accumulation of body fat. Moreover, they concluded that it will become possible to treat obesity and diabetes due to obesity if the activity of Pten were regulated by medicine.
Fish slime may have medical uses (20/10)
(NEWS.BBC.CO.UK) Scientists are hoping to discover if the slippery mucus on the skin of fish could be a source of new medicines. Researchers at the University of the West of England will examine the antibacterial properties of the mucus using bioluminescence technology.
Cause found for muscle wasting in diseases (20/10)
(NLM.NIH.GOV) BOSTON - U.S. researchers have discovered an important biochemical pathway for muscle wasting associated with several diseases. Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center and other institutions used genetically altered mice to study the biochemical pathways underlying muscle wasting. They zeroed in on a protein called NF-kB, which is well known for its importance in immune cells, but was previously not known to be involved in muscle wasting.
Chemical from wild plant cuts mouse cancer (20/10)
(NLM.NIH.GOV) GALVESTON, Texas - Researchers at the University of Texas have discovered a chemical found in a wild lily protects mice from the most common form of skin cancer. The team from the university's Medical Branch at Galveston reported in Friday's issue of Cancer Research that cyclopamine reduced the number of basal cell carcinomas in mice genetically engineered to be susceptible to the cancer.
Cloned kitties star at New York cat show (13/10)
(MSNBC.MSN.COM) NEW YORK - A brave “mew” world came to Madison Square Garden on Saturday as a pair of frisky feline clones stole the limelight at New York’s annual two-day cat show. Making 10-minute appearances on the half-hour, Tabouleh and Baba Ganoush, produced by the California-based firm Genetics Savings & Clone, seemed normal by any measure -- frolicsome, curious and cute, all but oblivious to gawking onlookers.
Triple Play for Paralysis (13/10)
(IVANHOE.COM) MIAMI, Fla. - Each year, more than 11,000 people will become paralyzed in the United States. It happens in a split second, but it changes lives forever. Researchers are constantly looking for ways to reverse the condition, and a promising discovery could put them on the fast track.
'Frog's glue' could mend knees (13/10)
(NEWS.BBC.CO.UK) A sticky substance from the skin of frogs could be used to repair human knee joints, scientists believe. Australian researchers have already repaired torn cartilage on the knees of 10 sheep with this natural glue, which frogs use to trap insects.
New study on smallpox in monkeys reveals tactics of a killer (13/10)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) Results of a new study in monkeys offer scientists a rare glimpse of how, on a molecular level, the smallpox virus attacks its victims. The findings shed light on how the virus caused mass death and suffering, and will help point the way to new diagnostics, vaccines and drugs that would be needed in the event of a smallpox bioterror incident.
Food extract boosts cancer drug (13/10)
(NEWS.BBC.CO.UK) A food extract could be used to improve the effects of an established cancer drug, research suggests. The drug, mitomycin C, is used mainly to treat solid tumours in the bladder and lower bowel. It is activated by enzymes found naturally in the body.
After Flu Exposure, Mild Exercise Protects Mature Mice From Dying, But Not From Developing Symptoms (13/10)
(SCIENCEDAILY.COM) Austin, Texas – University of Illinois researchers report that four consecutive days of moderate exercise in mice after they were infected with influenza protects them from dying, compared with mice that didn’t exercise. This protective effect was more evident in mice greater than 16 weeks of age, an age at which they are immunologically more mature. The takeaway message: exercise regularly because you never know when you’ll be exposed!
Scientists Find Deadly Component of 1918 Flu Virus (13/10)
(NLM.NIH.GOV) LONDON (Reuters) - Scientists who synthesised two genes from the virus that caused the 1918 Spanish influenza pandemic said on Thursday they have new clues about what made it so deadly. Between 20 million and 50 million people worldwide died in the 1918-1919 pandemic, the deadliest in the past century. By unravelling the secrets of the virus, researchers hope to improve methods to spot the next potential flu pandemic, which some scientists believe is overdue.
Cells in retina found to behave like soap bubbles (13/10)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) Soap bubbles delight children and the young at heart, but they also have been objects of scientific study for centuries. Operating under the laws of physics, bubbles always try to minimize their surface area, even when many bubbles are aggregated together.
Gene switch can 'turn off cancer' (13/10)
(NEWS.BBC.CO.UK) Scientists have shown they can turn off a cancer-causing gene in mice, offering hope of new treatments for cancer patients. The Stanford University team used a drug to turn off a gene called Myc, which is known to trigger cancer.
Brain-penetrating Ace Inhibitors Slow Alzheimer's (13/10)
(NLM.NIH.GOV) NEW YORK - Drugs usually used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure may also be helpful for Alzheimer's patients, Japanese researchers report. Certain angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as captopril and perindopril (brand-name Aceon), which are able to cross the blood-brain barrier, appear to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, according to a report in the medical journal Neurology.
Research Team Develops Nonhuman Primate Model Of Smallpox Infection (06/10)
(SCIENCEDAILY.COM) Scientists have made significant progress in developing an animal model of smallpox that closely resembles human disease, which will be necessary for testing of future vaccines and potential treatments. The study, published in this week's online early edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is the first to demonstrate that variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox, can produce lethal disease in monkeys.
Soy, fish oil may protect against Alzheimer's (06/10)
(MSNBC.MSN.COM) WASHINGTON - Omega-3 fatty acids, found in soy, fish and other oils and known to provide a range of health benefits, may help protect against Alzheimer's disease, U.S. researchers reported on Wednesday.
Bovine genome assembled (06/10)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) The first draft of the bovine genome sequence has been deposited into free public databases for use by biomedical and agricultural researchers around the globe, leaders of the Bovine Genome Sequencing Project announced today.
Rescuing Mice from Spinocerebellar Ataxia (06/10)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) The spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are among the handful of triplet-repeat neurological disorders. This week, Zu et al. create a tetracycline-regulated conditional mouse model of SCA1. They found that when the gene was disabled early in the course of the disease, the pathology was remarkably reversed.
Immunity against SARS? Have a yoghurt (06/10)
(NEWS.XINHUANET.COM) BEIJING - Scientists in Singapore who have been striving to produce an edible SARS vaccine have made a breakthrough by using genetically-modified Lactobacillus to help lab mice acquire SARS antibodies. Lactobacillus is the bacterium used to make yoghurt.
Science mourns DNA pioneer Wilkins (06/10)
(NEWS.BBC.CO.UK) DNA pioneer Professor Maurice Wilkins has died. Nobel Laureate Wilkins, 87, played an important role in the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA, the molecule that carries our "life code".
Killer flu recreated in the lab (06/10)
(NEWS.BBC.CO.UK) Scientists have shown that tiny changes to modern flu viruses could render them as deadly as the 1918 strain which killed millions. A US team added two genes from a sample of the 1918 virus to a modern strain known to have no effect on mice.
Brain area found to trigger binge eating (06/10)
(NLM.NIH.GOV) MADISON, Wis., Oct 04, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- A University of Missouri-Columbia researcher has discovered an area of the brain that appears to control the desire for, and intake of, high-fat foods. Using rats, Matthew Will, an assistant psychology professor, who conducted the study along with Ann Kelley of the University of Wisconsin-Madison found rats injected with natural "pleasure" opioids ate three times more high-fat foods.
'Tomato treatment' slows cancer (06/10)
(NEWS.BBC.CO.UK) An artificial version of the pigment that gives tomatoes their colouring is being tested on prostate cancer patients after promising animal trials. Researchers at the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam, Holland, had found synthetic lycopene slowed the growth of human prostate tumours in mice.
Traumatized mice have lower immunity (06/10)
(NLM.NIH.GOV) COLLEGE STATION, Texas - A study at Texas A&M of mice separated from their mothers soon after birth finds that early trauma may weaken the immune system. Psychologist Mary Meagher and immunologist Jane Welsh found the traumatized mice, exposed as adults to a virus that causes polio-like symptoms, had more trouble clearing the virus from their systems. They were also more likely to develop additional chronic symptoms that resemble multiple sclerosis.
Stem Cells Renew Hope For Fading Hair Follicles (08/09)
(SCIENCEDAILY.COM) Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) researchers have
isolated stem cells from the skin of mice and shown that they have the power
to self-renew and differentiate into skin and functioning hair follicles
when grafted onto mice. The findings mean that the human equivalent of these
stem cells — which scientists are also trying to isolate — could ultimately
be used to regenerate skin and hair, the researchers said.
Optimizing Protein's 'Death Domain' Halts Leukemia In Laboratory Study
(08/09)
(SCIENCEDAILY.COM) BOSTON -- A part of the system that causes cells to
self-destruct when they are damaged or unneeded has been harnessed to kill
leukemia cells in mice, say scientists at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
The discovery could aid in the discovery of new drugs for cancer and other
diseases.
Common Cold Virus Can Cause Polio In Mice When Injected Into Muscles
(08/09)
(SCIENCEDAILY.COM) DURHAM, N.C. -- Virologists at Duke University Medical
Center have discovered that, under the right conditions, a common cold virus
closely related to poliovirus can cause polio in mice.
Animal-to-human transplants show promise (08/09)
(MSNBC.MSN.COM) VIENNA - Animal-to-human organ transplants could be at the
dawn of a new era thanks to progress in overcoming rejection and the
creation of transgenic pigs, an expert said on Tuesday.
Gene therapy for bladder cancer shows strong results in animal studies
(08/09)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) Gene therapy that causes the bladder to act like a
"bioreactor" to produce and secrete the anti-cancer agent interferon-alpha
has shown dramatic benefits in preclinical tests, say researchers at The
University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
2003 statistics on vital animal scientific research published, UK
(08/09)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) UK - The vital nature of the scientific research
carried out on animals was underlined by the Home Office today as it
published the 2003 statistics for scientific procedures on animals licensed
under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
Stem cell progress in MS treatment (08/09)
(NZHERALD.CO.NZ) Breakthrough treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) may be
just five years away, an Australian leader in stem cell research said
yesterday. Professor Alan Trounson, of Monash University, told the
Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences open day, that animal
trials of an MS therapy had proved so successful he believed hospital trials
were likely "really soon".
Cats can catch, spread bird flu: study (08/09)
(CBC.CA) WASHINGTON - House cats can catch bird flu, become sickened by it,
and spread it to each other, Dutch researchers say. The findings may mean
the H5N1 bird flu virus that killed at least 26 people in Vietnam and
Thailand in 2003 and 2004 has acquired the ability to spread between
mammals.
Parrots use tongues to change sounds: study (08/09)
(CBC.CA) BLOOMINGTON, IND. - In a study that breaks new ground on how
animals communicate, scientists in Indiana have shown that parrots, like
humans, use their tongues to modify sound.
Modified animals continue trend (08/09)
(NEWS.BBC.CO.UK) The use of genetically modified animals in UK labs
continues to grow, official statistics released on Tuesday show. In 2003,
these animals were employed in 764,000 "experiments", which represent just
over a quarter of all procedures.
Embryonic endothelial progenitor cells help overcome MI in pigs (01/09)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) - Myocardial infarction, caused by coronary artery
occlusion, can lead up to loss of muscle tissue of the heart and functional
detriment, even at times where rapid reperfusion strategies like PTCA or
thrombolysis are at hand. In this study, we investigated embryonic
endothelial progenitor cells as therapy for ischemia reperfusion injury in a
large animal model (pig). This model, which induces an infarct of
predictable size in a pig heart, was used to test the cardioprotective
potential of the embryonic cells, since adult endothelial progenitor cells
(EPCs) have been used in similar models with success and are utilized in
ongoing patient studies.
Blueberry Compound Shows Promise Of Lowering Cholesterol As Effectively
As
Drug (01/09)
(SCIENCEDAILY.COM) - PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 23 — A compound in blueberries shows
promise in preliminary laboratory studies of lowering cholesterol as
effectively as a commercial drug and has the potential for fewer side
effects, according to a researcher with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Humans march to a faster genetic 'drummer' than primates (01/09)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) - A team of biochemists from UC Riverside published a
paper in the June 11 issue of the Journal of Molecular Biology that gives
one explanation for why humans and primates are so closely related
genetically, but so clearly different biologically and intellectually.
Needle-free Anthrax Vaccine Shows Promise In Animal Studies (01/09)
(SCIENCEDAILY.COM) - PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 25 — Researchers have developed a
powdered form of an anthrax vaccine that could potentially be inhaled
through the nose and eliminate the need for needle injections. The new
vaccine, which appears promising in preliminary animal studies, may offer a
faster and easier way to protect the general population as well as soldiers
on the battlefield in the event of a deadly bioterror attack, the
researchers say.
Human
drug approved for dog skin infections (01/09)
(MSNBC.MSN.COM) - WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration approved
using an antibiotic originally designed for humans to help treat skin
infections suffered by dogs.
Clams: They're Not Just For Chowder Anymore (01/09)
(SCIENCEDAILY.COM) - New England's favorite summertime delicacy, the chowder
clam, has just been elevated to a whole new status. An international team of
scientists-who credit studying surf clam (Spisula solidissima) cells with
important research breakthroughs in the study of diseases such as cancer,
premature aging, and muscular dystrophy-has just convened at the Marine
Biological Laboratory to begin sequencing some of the clam's active genes.
Enzyme reins in runaway inflammation; May prove potent drug target
(01/09)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) - An enzyme found in nearly all animal and human
cells acts as a natural brake to prevent potentially deadly runaway
inflammation, UCSF scientists have discovered. The discovery in research
with mice suggests a promising target for treating a range of inflammatory
diseases in which the body's immune reaction to bacterial invasion spirals
out of control, the researchers report.
Listen Up! Mice May Hold Key To Restoring Human Hearing Loss (01/09)
(SCIENCEDAILY.COM) - In an effort that may someday lead to the treatment of
hearing loss and balance disorders, which currently affect about 28 million
Americans, Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) visiting investigators Jeffrey
Corwin and Stefan Heller are working this summer to make large numbers of
mouse stem cells "grow" into inner ear sensory hair cells-acoustic receptors
that are a critical part of the auditory system.
Scientists illuminate cancer cells, Okayama University, Japan (01/09)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) - Japan - A company established by Okayama University
researchers has developed a method to make cancer cells fluorescent when
irradiated by special light after injecting harmless, virus-implanted
fluorescent jellyfish genes around the cells.
Salmon study findings already addressed by industry voluntary measures
(01/09)
(MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM) - Findings of a new study on farmed and wild salmon1,
are already being addressed by an industry voluntary phase-out of certain
lower brominated flame retardants. The industry’s commitment is expected to
reduce occurrences of these congeners in salmon in the short to medium term.
Special Reports:
Nobel Laureates Back Animal Research
Winners of Nobel prizes in physiology or medicine
overwhelmingly support responsible use of animals in research, according to
Seriously Ill For Medical
Research (SIMR) of Bedfordshire, England. SIMR has carried out a survey of
Nobel prize winners in physiology or medicine to find the views of top medical
researchers worldwide on the need for animals in medical research.
The centenary of Alfred Nobel's death in 1896
seemed an ideal opportunity. "We are concerned that animal rights propaganda has
undue influence in the media, leading to confusion amongst the public and
patients about animal research. SIMR wants to help sort out science fact from
science fiction," said the late Andrew Blake of SIMR.
Questionnaires were sent to all living Nobel
laureates in medicine or physiology. They were asked to indicate their level of
agreement with five statements on the use of animals in medcal research. Their
responses show unanimous support on the need to use animals in medical research.
The complete survey results are available at the
SIMR website. To review the achievements of these great scientists, see a
Timeline
of Nobel Laureates in Physiology or Medicine.
info@pirweb.org