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ADP-ribose plays key role in repairing cellular DNA damage

Attaching chains of the small molecule ADP-ribose to proteins is important for a cell's survival and the repair of DNA damage, making this process a promising target for the development of new cancer drugs.

13 Mar 2013

Swine study shows that moderate exercise can affect ovarian cells

A short walk around the barn might improve the future fertility of Yorkshire gilts. According to research presented by Samantha Kaminski, a graduate student at North Dakota State University, swine fetuses showed significant ovarian development after their mothers exercised.

13 Mar 2013

Researchers discover new type of eye cancer that affects young babies

A team of Canadian and international cancer researchers led by Dr. Brenda Gallie at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, has discovered a new type of retinoblastoma, a rapidly developing eye cancer that affects very young babies- a finding that can immediately change clinical practice and optimize care for these children.

13 Mar 2013

Adult stem cell treatment for diabetic wounds

Pre-clinical research has generated some very promising findings using adult stem cells for the treatment of diabetic wounds. The research carried out by scientists at the National University of Ireland Galway, is published in Diabetes, the official journal of the American Diabetes Association.

13 Mar 2013

Bitter melon juice restricts ability of pancreatic cancer cells to metabolize glucose

A University of Colorado Cancer study published this week in the journal Carcinogenesis shows that bitter melon juice restricts the ability of pancreatic cancer cells to metabolize glucose, thus cutting the cells' energy source and eventually killing them.

13 Mar 2013

Mini-chromosome maintenance protein can change DNA topology: Study

A team of USC scientists has identified a protein that can change DNA topology, making DNA twist up into a so-called "supercoil."

12 Mar 2013

Researchers develop new plug-and-play method to assemble complex cell microenvironments

Researchers at Columbia Engineering have developed a new "plug-and-play" method to assemble complex cell microenvironments that is a scalable, highly precise way to fabricate tissues with any spatial organization or interest—such as those found in the heart or skeleton or vasculature.

12 Mar 2013

Targeting Mer receptors sensitize AML and ALL to chemotherapies

Two University of Colorado Cancer Center studies show that the protein receptor Mer is overexpressed in many leukemias, and that inhibition of this Mer receptor results in the death of leukemia cells - without affecting surrounding, healthy cells.

12 Mar 2013

Darapladib can significantly reduce leaks in the blood brain barrier

A research team led by Robert Nagele, PhD, of the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging (NJISA) at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)-School of Osteopathic Medicine, has demonstrated that the anti-atherosclerosis drug darapladib can significantly reduce leaks in the blood brain barrier.

12 Mar 2013

Lack of very long chain fatty acids does not cause blindness in children with Stargardt type 3

Vision scientists long have thought that lack of very long chain fatty acids in photoreceptor cells caused blindness in children with Stargardt type 3 retinal degeneration, an incurable eye disease. But researchers at the University of Utah's John A. Moran Eye Center have shown in a new study that lack of these fatty acids does not cause blindness, meaning that the search for the mechanism that robs sight from children with the disease must start anew.

12 Mar 2013

Mir-125a-5p plays an essential role in ensuring that embryonic tissue segments form properly

New research shows that a tiny piece of RNA has an essential role in ensuring that embryonic tissue segments form properly.

12 Mar 2013

Buphenyl may protect memory and prevent progression of Alzheimer's

Buphenyl, an FDA-approved medication for hyperammonemia, may protect memory and prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

12 Mar 2013

UniStem Day 2013 to take place on Mar. 15

This year, six Spanish universities participate in UniStem Day 2013, an event that takes place next Friday, 15th March. It is the first time that the event is carried out simultaneously in several European countries.

12 Mar 2013

Scientists reveal genetic activity that led to development of wings in fruit flies

Scientists have delved deeper into the evolutionary history of the fruit fly than ever before to reveal the genetic activity that led to the development of wings - a key to the insect's ability to survive.

12 Mar 2013

Study shows brain areas undergo measureable volume loss after concussion

A single concussion may cause lasting structural damage to the brain, according to a new study published online in the journal Radiology.

12 Mar 2013

Researchers discover new mechanism that allows collective cell migration

Researchers at the University of Montreal's Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) have discovered a new mechanism that allows some cells in our body to move together, in some ways like the tortoise formation used by Roman soldiers depicted in the Asterix series.

12 Mar 2013

Study identifies why prazosin may cause lightheadedness and fainting

A new study led by a Canadian research team has identified the reason why prazosin, a drug commonly used to reduce high blood pressure, may cause lightheadedness and possible fainting upon standing in patients with normal blood pressure who take the drug for other reasons, such as the treatment of PTSD and anxiety.

12 Mar 2013

Researchers uncover clear genetic link between fat and bone mass

When it comes to body shape, diet and exercise can only take us so far. Our body shape and geometry are largely determined by genetic factors. Genetics also have an impact on our body composition - including soft fat tissue and hard bone tissue - and can lead to excess fat or osteoporosis.

12 Mar 2013

Antipsychotic drugs associated with increased risk of stroke in the elderly

Antipsychotic administration in the elderly is associated with an increased risk for cerebrovascular accident, more commonly known as stroke; a new study published in Biological Psychiatry provides additional insight into this important relationship.

12 Mar 2013

IL-22 plays critical role in normal lung repair following influenza infection

Once the initial episode of influenza has passed, the chronic effects tend to be overlooked. The results of a new study indicate that the cytokine interleukin-22 (IL-22) plays a critical role in normal lung repair following influenza infection. This study is published in the April 2013 issue of the American Journal of Pathology.

11 Mar 2013