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New insights into dendritic spine deficits in schizophrenia

Dendritic spines act as hubs for communication between nerve cells. Reductions in spines may contribute to a lack of coordination in activity between brain regions. This structural abnormality is particularly relevant in schizophrenia, where pyramidal neurons located in layer 3, the principal cell type receiving communication from other brain regions, have fewer dendritic spines.

7 Jul 2010

Rejection by romantic partner associated with brain's motivation, reward and addiction craving centers

Researchers have linked rejection by a romantic partner to brain activity associated with motivation, reward and addiction cravings, according to a study published in the July issue of the Journal of Neurophysiology. Lucy Brown, Ph.D., clinical professor in the Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology and of neuroscience at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, is the corresponding author of the study.

7 Jul 2010

Research could lead to remote stimulation of cells to treat cancer or diabetes

Clusters of heated, magnetic nanoparticles targeted to cell membranes can remotely control ion channels, neurons and even animal behavior, according to a paper published by University at Buffalo physicists in Nature Nanotechnology.

7 Jul 2010

Study finds decline in homicide, suicide rates among mentally ill people

People with mental health problems are committing fewer homicides while the number of suicides by mental health patients has also fallen, latest figures reveal; a previous rise in homicides by mentally ill people may have been the result of drug misuse, says the report.

7 Jul 2010

Study identifies factors that control production of HSCs

A team of researchers from the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer of the University of Montreal have made significant progress in the understanding of blood-producing (hematopoietic) stem cells. The study led by IRIC Chief Executive Officer and Scientific Director, Dr. Guy Sauvageau, identifies factors that control the production of hematopoietic stem cells.

7 Jul 2010

TGen develops G-SQZ technique for genomic data processing

A new computer data compression technique called Genomic SQueeZ, developed by the Translational Genomics Research Institute, will allow genetic researchers and others to store, analyze and share massive volumes of data in less space and at lower cost.

7 Jul 2010

Biotage launches AFFINILUTE Molecularly Imprinted Polymer columns for analytical sample preparation

Biotage, a leading supplier of tools and technology for analytical and medicinal chemistry, announced the introduction of high-performance, AFFINILUTE MIP (Molecularly Imprinted Polymers) columns for analytical sample preparation. Highly selective extractions with AFFINILUTE MIPs are considerably simplified resulting in faster, more robust and ultimately lower cost sample preparation.

7 Jul 2010

TWINCORE researchers develop new model approaches for HCV research

The hepatitis C virus is highly specialised. We humans are its natural hosts. The only other living organisms that could be infected with the hepatitis C virus in the lab are chimpanzees. Nevertheless it is - from the viewpoint of the virus - highly successful: around 170 million people are chronically infected with the virus. And with the chronic infection the risk of developing liver cancer also increases.

7 Jul 2010

Slow rate of living and reduced energy metabolism is sufficient to increase longevity: Study

Don't put down the red wine and vitamins just yet, but if you're taking antioxidants because you hope to live longer, consider this: a new study published in the June 2010 issue of the journal GENETICS casts doubt on the theory that oxidative stress to our tissues shortens lifespan. That's because researchers from McGill University in Canada have identified mutations in 10 different genes of worms (genes believed to have counterparts in humans) that extend their lifespan without reducing the level of oxidative stress the worms suffer.

7 Jul 2010

New research shows cellular changes in fat tissue lead to type 2 diabetes

Cellular changes in fat tissue-not the immune system-lead to the "hyperinflammation" characteristic of obesity-related glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes, according to new research from the University of Cincinnati.

7 Jul 2010

Multicolor quantum dots can distinguish Reed-Sternberg cells, article shows

The tunable fluorescent nanoparticles known as quantum dots make ideal tools for distinguishing and identifying rare cancer cells in tissue biopsies, Emory and Georgia Tech scientists have demonstrated.

7 Jul 2010

Carrots can help protect vision, not improve

In a recent survey among eyecare providers, nearly 30 percent hear the following question at least once a week: Will eating carrots really improve my vision?

7 Jul 2010

MicroRNAs accurately identify four histological types of renal tumors: Study

Rosetta Genomics, Ltd., a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, announces that a peer-reviewed article entitled "Accurate Molecular Classification of Renal Tumors Using MicroRNA Expression" has been published in the online version of The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics.

7 Jul 2010

Researchers show unexpected, physiological effects of water

Name a drink that can make you more alert for late-night studying, prevent you from fainting after giving blood, and even promote a teensy bit of weight loss. Chances are you didn't say water. But that's the right answer.

7 Jul 2010

Aastrom to pursue Phase 3 CLI clinical program through FDA SPA process

Aastrom Biosciences, Inc., the leading developer of autologous cellular therapies for the treatment of severe cardiovascular diseases, today announced that the company will pursue a Phase 3 clinical program for its autologous cell therapy for the treatment of critical limb ischemia (CLI) through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's special protocol assessment (SPA) process. Aastrom is currently completing a Phase 2b clinical trial of its cell therapy in patients with CLI and recently met with FDA officials to discuss plans for the Phase 3 program.

7 Jul 2010

Scientists discover nanoparticle to deliver DNA with minimum toxic effect

In lab experiments, the researchers have found that this device, a vector, is able to deliver DNA deeply enough into a cell to allow genetic material to be activated - a critical step in gene therapy. This vector is between 2 - and 10 times more effective than other experimental materials, according to the research.

7 Jul 2010

PI3 kinase boosts body heat, helps burn excess calories

New findings by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers suggest that an enzyme in the brain known as PI3 kinase might control the increased generation of body heat that helps burn off excess calories after eating a high-fat meal.

7 Jul 2010

Scientists demonstrate how neural stem cells, precursor cells control growth of glioblastomas

In their latest research, scientists of the Max Delbr-ck Center for Molecular Medicine Berlin-Buch, Germany, have demonstrated how the brain's own stem cells and precursor cells control the growth of glioblastomas. Of all brain tumors, glioblastomas are among the most common and most aggressive.

7 Jul 2010

POMC neurons suppress appetite, induce weight loss: Research

A protein found in cells throughout the body must be present in a specific set of neurons in the brain to prevent weight gain after chronic feeding on high-calorie meals, new findings from UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers suggest.

7 Jul 2010

Cornerstone reacquires all development, commercial rights to HMGB1 related technology from MedImmune

Cornerstone Therapeutics Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on acquiring, developing and commercializing significant products primarily for the respiratory and related markets, today announced that the Company has reacquired all development and commercial rights to its high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) related technology from MedImmune, LLC.

6 Jul 2010