Laboratory News and Research

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Minicells play key function in self-preservation of bacteria, finds study

Scientists have known for decades that certain bacteria produce small spherical versions of themselves. Although they lack basic materials to reproduce or function like normal cells, recent interest in such "minicells" has spiked due to their proficiency as nano-sized delivery tools for drugs and vaccines to targeted cells and tissues.

27 Sep 2018

UC Riverside researchers receive NIH grant to study alcohol use disorders among Pacific Islanders

Pacific Islanders, who trace their roots to the native peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, and other Pacific Islands, make up the third-fastest-growing racial group in the United States.

27 Sep 2018

VCU researchers to study how a gene could influence cognitive decline during chemotherapy

With the help of a $2.1 million grant, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing researchers will study how a gene that regulates estrogen and neurotransmitter levels could be tied to cognitive decline in patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast and endometrial cancers.

27 Sep 2018

Antibiotic resistance in cystic fibrosis linked to decreased microbial diversity and pulmonary function

A defective gene causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis. There, it traps bacteria, causing patients to develop frequent lung infections that progressively damage these vital organs and impair patients' ability to breathe.

27 Sep 2018

Scientists develop new protocol for measuring background levels of drugs in forensic labs

When crime lab chemists handle evidence that contains illegal drugs, trace amounts of those drugs are inevitably released into the laboratory environment.

27 Sep 2018

New compound promotes social interaction in laboratory mice with autism

Children with autism often find social interactions awkward, leaving them isolated. Now in a study appearing in ACS' Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, scientists report that they have discovered a first-of-its-kind compound that promotes social interaction among laboratory mice that display autistic traits.

26 Sep 2018

Yellow fever virus can be transmitted via tiger mosquitoes, shows research

Since December 2016, Brazil has been grappling with its worst yellow fever outbreak for several decades. To date, there have been 2,043 human cases including 676 fatalities, mainly occurring in ten Brazilian states including Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

26 Sep 2018

GW educational pipeline program addresses regional health care workforce needs

The metropolitan Washington, D.C. region currently experiences health inequities related to access to care in underserved areas, disparities in chronic disease outcomes, provider shortages, and inadequate diversity of the health professions. Research has shown that a more diverse health care workforce can help address these problems.

26 Sep 2018

Drosophila study shows chromosomal instability promotes invasive behavior in human tumors

Metastatic tumors are characterized by a high degree of chromosomal instability--that is to say a constant change in the number and structure of chromosomes they hold. In spite of this observation, it is unknown whether chromosomal instability contributes to the metastatic process.

26 Sep 2018

RTI Surgical showcases innovative spine portfolio at NASS 2018

RTI Surgical, Inc., a global surgical implant company, will showcase research reinforcing the strength of its spine portfolio, notably the Fortilink IBF series featuring TETRAfuse 3D Technology, at the North American Spine Society's 33rd Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, September 26-29.

26 Sep 2018

New approach for bone marrow transplant could make it safer and more effective for patients

Two recent studies in the journal Leukemia present a new approach for bone marrow donation and transplant that preclinical laboratory tests suggest could make the life-saving procedure safer and more effective for patients.

26 Sep 2018

New findings show importance of physical forces in tumor metastasis

A malignant tumor is characterized by its ability to spread around its surroundings. To do so, tumor cells stick to the surrounding tissue (mainly collagen) and use forces to propel.

26 Sep 2018

NIH-funded genome centers to speed up breakthroughs in precision medicine

The All of Us Research Program awarded funds totaling $28.6 million to establish three genome centers around the country. These centers will begin to generate genomic data from biosamples contributed by the program's participants.

26 Sep 2018

Researchers discover novel targeting agents to prevent cancer metastasis

Recently, a research team led by Maurizio Pellecchia at the University of California, Riverside, discovered a way for chemotherapy drug paclitaxel to target migrating, or circulating, cancer cells, which are responsible for the development of tumor metastases.

26 Sep 2018

Antibiotics actually kill 'good' bacteria and worsen oral infection, finds study

New research shows that the body's own microbes are effective in maintaining immune cells and killing certain oral infections.

26 Sep 2018

Genetic testing can play a substantial role in medical management

Genetic testing can play a substantial role in medical management by uncovering changes in genes that are associated with an increased risk for hereditary cancers.

26 Sep 2018

Researchers aim to develop vaccine for 'traveler's diarrhea'

Every year, millions of people have vacations and business trips ruined when they succumb to "traveler's diarrhea" during their journeys. A major cause of traveler's diarrhea is bacteria called Enterotoxigenic E. coli, or ETEC.

26 Sep 2018

NorthShore and Ambry announce launch of new test to assess prostate cancer risk

NorthShore University HealthSystem's Center for Personalized Medicine and Ambry Genetics Corporation, announced today the launch of AmbryScore for prostate cancer risk.

26 Sep 2018

Brigatinib drug may offer first-line treatment option for ALK-positive NSCLC

Results of a 275-patient, multi-national phase III clinical trial known as ALTA-1L published today in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented concurrently in the press program at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) World Conference on Lung Cancer 2018 argue for brigatinib as a first-line treatment option for advanced ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer.

26 Sep 2018

Alzheimer’s disease researchers makes significant breakthroughs

Researchers in Sweden and United Kingdom have made a breakthrough in Alzheimer’s disease research. They could soon be on the path to develop new drugs that could fight the disease more effectively.

26 Sep 2018